NEW BERLIN – Two hundred years ago on April 14, 1814, fifteen men and Fr. Daniel Nash decided to form the church that became St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New Berlin. This summer and throughout the year there will be an assortment of events to celebrate the church's 200 birthday and to educate members of its extensive history. Members and non-members alike are welcome.
“How wonderful for us to celebrate this occurrence,” said Father Chuck Taylor of St. Andrew's. “How many lives have been effected by the church here... (the church) nourishes the spirit here of people in the valley.”
One of the first events is the Fest of Holy Eucharist, which will be held at 11 a.m. on June 22 at St. Andrew's. Bishop Gladstone Adams will be present and there will be a rededication of the church followed by the installation of the history capsule in the church building. Taylor explained that there are also plans to plant a confer tree, which is in keeping with the trees that used to grace St. Andrew's lawn.
An important feature of that day will involve the presentation of a comprehensive history on the church, which various members have been working on for a year and a half.
“We've hit the draft stage,” said Jeanne Westcott, a parishioner and one of the people working on the book. “Not every chapter is only history.”
She explained that the book also includes biographies of parishioners, memories and stories of church activities. The book is on sale for pre-order and will be available on June 22.
Other plans include an ice cream social in July with a presentation on Nash and his connection with St. Andrew's. In October there will be a musical concert featuring music from 200 years ago.
“I think as an Episcopalian you always have one foot in history and one foot in the present,”Westcott said. “History is important because you are always part of that tradition... and practice rituals (used in the past).”
Westcott explained that the origins of the first Episcopal church came about during the Revolutionary War. Not only did citizens have to decide if they were loyalists or patriots, but also determine if they would stay with the Church of England.
