St John's Church

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 

St John's Episcopal church, 

early 1900s

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History of St. John's Church from Darlee Ann Jackson, church member

History of St. John's Church, from the Twentieth Century History of Mercer County, 1901

St. John's Church,  from 1917 

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Photos

Reuben Williamson

Edith Kent Williamson

Bishop Hopkins

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