Grace Episcopal Church

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.

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.