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Grace
Episcopal Church. —Episcopal preaching has
occurred in Mercer for a period of probably sixty-five years, the date
of its first services being involved in obscurity. In 1827 an
organization was established, and Samuel
Holstein, a prominent member of the Mercer bar, was chosen
as a delegate to the convention which elected Bishop
Onderdonk as assistant to the venerable Bishop White, chaplain of the
Continental Congress. This organization, it seems, did not pursue an
aggressive policy. Services were held only at intervals until 1839,
when Rev. Dr. Michael,
an Englishman, located in Mercer, and conducted services in the
courthouse for a number of months. For a period of about thirty years
following this date only occasional services were held at the mission.
In the list of officiating clergymen were Bishop
Onderdonk, Rev. Ayres, of Franklin, Dr. Edward Y.
A
neat little English-style chapel was built on the old Pearson property
for $2000. It was consecrated
25
Mar 1884 |
Buchanan, Revs. James and Hosmer, of Meadville, Dr. Thomas Crompton,
subsequently of Pittsburgh, and Dr. William White, of Butler. The
last named gentleman visited the mission for a number of years. In 1868
the late Bishop Kerfoot made an effort to revive the church by
establishing monthly services, and securing preaching from clergymen in
different parts
of the diocese. In 1872 Rev. William Bollard assumed charge,
remaining nearly two years. His first service was held in Mercer, May
26, 1872, in the Congregational Church, which was occupied until
January, 1873. In 1875 Rev. H. G. Wood, of Sharon, began work,
conducting services at first in private houses. His pastorate continued
until August, 1882, when he was succeeded by Rev. D. F. Hutchinson, of
the diocese of Ontario, Canada. The latter gentleman located in
Greenville, and supervised both the Greenville and the Mercer
congregations. In October, 1872, a committee decided to purchase the
“old Pearson property” for $3,000, but the stringency of money matters
in the near future deterred the congregation from making the venture.
Recourse was had a second time to the Congregational house for several
years preceding 1884. During the pastorate of Mr. Hutchinson, new life
was given to the previously discouraged flock. Miss Bay Magoffin
donated a lot to the congregation, money was raised for the erection of
a neat little chapel of the early English style, 24x51, with a chancel
8x12, and on March 25, 1884, the edifice was consecrated by Bishop
Cortland Whitehead, of the diocese of Pittsburgh. The structure cost
about $2,000.
Mr.
Hutchinson was succeeded by Rev. Alonzo Diller, who remained about six
months. He in turn was followed by Rev. George Rogers, of Paducah, Ky.,
who also remained about six months. The present rector is Rev. John
London, of Butler, who conducts services every two weeks. The present
[1888] membership is about thirty-five.
History of Mercer County, 1888, pages 360-361
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