Home
Welcome Message
Ministry
St. Paul's Clergy
Church History
Links
Directions
Contact Us
|
1940 to the Present
St. Paul's 1940
Click for larger image
|
In 1940, St. Paul’s was under the direction of Reverend Franklin
Smith and was joined with St. John’s, Ionia, under the charge
of Reverend H.A. Hanson. In 1943 the bishop appointed Miss
Marion Fisher to work under the direction of Reverend Hanson to
build up the church school, do parish visitation, and work with
the Guild. Miss Fisher served until July, 1945.
A succession of full time priests served in between the
years 1945 and 1987. In the 1950's Father Lester Thomas
and Tom Blinn discovered the bell rope concealed above the
ceiling of the narthex. A hole was cut and a retired sailor by
the name of "Hoxie" spiked the bell cord and braided
the ends. The bell was rung for the first time in many years and
calls worshipers to service to this day.
The basement of the guild hall was built by Wendell
Hart and Bud Forton. The sand was wheelbarrowed out by members of
the church. Originally this consisted of one large room for a
flexible Sunday School and Friday night Jr. High gatherings.
St. Paul's 1964
Click for larger image
|
A passage connecting the church and hall
was added many years later by the team of Tom Metzger, Wendell
Hart, Bob Wilkie, Kieth Hallett and Jim Mallendine. This work
was completed in the 1960's.
Walls were added in the 1980's by John Henson to create a more
suitable meeting area.
In 1987, the diocese changed its
financial structure, eliminating financial subsidies to smaller
parishes. Without that support, St. Paul’s had to adjust to a part
time priest. This did not, however, result in part time
ministry. St. Paul’s is probably more lively than ever before,
with many outreach, youth, and social projects. St. Paul’s
maintains the regular services of Holy Eucharist following the form as put forth in the
Book of Common Prayer.
St. Paul's 1994
Click for larger image
|
In 1994, St. Paul’s was dedicated as a state historical site
in a ceremony where the churches oldest and youngest members
unveiled the Historical Marker.
Previous
- 1895 - 1935 The Missionary Years
|
