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St.
John’s Protestant Episcopal Church.—On
the 10th of December, 1865, Rev.
Thomas Corlett, rector of Grace Church, Kinsman, Ohio,
conducted services in the Baptist Church. These are said to have been
the first Episcopal services in the place. On the 11th of the ensuing
February Rev. Dr. Killikelly held
services. A few days later, viz., February 14, 1866, Bishop Hopkins, on
a visit to the place, conducted services at the Presbyterian Church,
assisted at the time by Rev. Corlett. It was during this visit that
Bishop Hopkins baptized Elizabeth
Kent, infant daughter of Reuben
Williamson, it being the first administration of that rite
by an Episcopalian in Sharon. On the 17th of June following the first
regular services were held ii the old brick building belonging to the
Christian Church, by Rev. William
L. Haywood, missionary. On the 20th the parish was
organized, the first vestry consisting of Alexander
Adams, Reuben Williamson, H. Jaques, Curtis Mc Farland, E. M. Cotton
and George Brooks. Messrs. McFarland and Cotton were
appointed wardens, and Mr. Williamson, clerk. On the 23d of August,
1866, the congregation was regularly incorporated. Rev. Haywood held
his position until February, 1869, when he resigned. The erection of a
church edifice was discussed at once, but the matter was deferred owing
to financial depression. In 1868-69 a small, plain frame structure was
built at a cost of $1,500. It still meets the demands of the
congregation. The pastors succeeding Mr. Haywood were: Revs. H. K. Tschudy, John K. Doris, W. R.
Mackay, J. B. Calhoun, H. G. Woods and the present pastor,
Rev. George W. Williams.
History of Mercer County,
1888, page 392-393
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St John's Episcopal
church,
early 1900s
(Click
image to enlarge)
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