What is Stations of the Cross?
St. Paul's also will be marking the Lenten season with Stations of the Cross each Friday. The special devotions will begin at 6 p.m. Fridays throughout Lent, except on Good Friday, when they'll begin at noon. The St. Paul's sanctuary has eight stations -- bas reliefs based on events recorded in the Gospels from Jesus' condemnation to his burial.
Episcopalchurch.org notes that churches often include six other stations "based on inferences from the gospels or pious legends."
The history of Stations of the Cross dates back to early Christians' visits to the Holy Land to trace the path of Jesus' Passion.
- Jesus is condemned
- Jesus takes up his Cross
- The cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Jesus is stripped of his garments
- Jesus is nailed to the Cross
- Jesus dies on the Cross
- Jesus is laid in the tomb
Episcopalchurch.org notes that churches often include six other stations "based on inferences from the gospels or pious legends."
The history of Stations of the Cross dates back to early Christians' visits to the Holy Land to trace the path of Jesus' Passion.
The final concert of the Canton Symphony's season is Sunday night, and the symphony has generously donated vouchers for our tour guests to hear the works of Dvorak and Revel performed by more than 100 musicians.
The language of inclusion
in St. Paul's Lenten services
in St. Paul's Lenten services
You may have noticed some differences in the Liturgy St. Paul's is using during the Lenten season. That’s because it’s drawn from “Enriching Our Worship,” a collection of supplemental materials authorized by the 1997 General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
In her introduction to “Enriching our Worship,” Phoebe Pettingell for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music explained:
“The committee sought language and imagery which would speak to the diversity of people who worship in the Episcopal Church today, both those who are well steeped in the tradition and those whose knowledge of scripture and the Christian tradition is fragmentary and to whom much traditional liturgical language is puzzling. The goal was to employ evocative language which would lead worshipers deeper into the mystery of God.”
For some, the most noticeable difference is in the Nicene Creed – especially the omission of the words “and the Son.” “Enriching Our Worship” includes an extensive explanation by the Rev. Dr. Ruth Myers of the evolution of the Creed we’re used to reciting and the reasons behind the differences in this work. (You can read that by clicking this link and scrolling down the first column of our NEWS page.)
In her introduction to “Enriching Our Worship,” Pettingell invites examination.
“As we pray these new rites,” Pettingell wrote, “we should remember the spirit of the injunction from the 1789 preface to the first American Book of Common Prayer, to receive and examine them in a candid, charitable spirit, without prejudices or presuppositions, ‘seriously considering what Christianity is, and what the truths of the Gospel are.’”
In her introduction to “Enriching our Worship,” Phoebe Pettingell for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music explained:
“The committee sought language and imagery which would speak to the diversity of people who worship in the Episcopal Church today, both those who are well steeped in the tradition and those whose knowledge of scripture and the Christian tradition is fragmentary and to whom much traditional liturgical language is puzzling. The goal was to employ evocative language which would lead worshipers deeper into the mystery of God.”
For some, the most noticeable difference is in the Nicene Creed – especially the omission of the words “and the Son.” “Enriching Our Worship” includes an extensive explanation by the Rev. Dr. Ruth Myers of the evolution of the Creed we’re used to reciting and the reasons behind the differences in this work. (You can read that by clicking this link and scrolling down the first column of our NEWS page.)
In her introduction to “Enriching Our Worship,” Pettingell invites examination.
“As we pray these new rites,” Pettingell wrote, “we should remember the spirit of the injunction from the 1789 preface to the first American Book of Common Prayer, to receive and examine them in a candid, charitable spirit, without prejudices or presuppositions, ‘seriously considering what Christianity is, and what the truths of the Gospel are.’”
Updates in the Search for a New Priest at St. Paul's
January 2022
Since the arrival of COVID nearly two years ago, times have been particularly challenging for churches, and St. Paul’s is no exception.
Virtually everything in our church life as we knew it has been upended – worship, HOT, Courageous Conversations, coffee hour; however, in every aspect, we are carrying on and adapting as we go … as best as the current climate allows. This holds true for the Search Committee efforts during the past year as well.
After the first three months of 2021 passed without receiving any candidates, the Search Committee asked to meet with Bishop Hollingsworth in March to address the direction of the search. When that meeting eventually took place in June – the sole candidate for the entire year having been submitted in the interim -- the Bishop lamented the “paucity of priests looking to move at this time” due to the pandemic, and “the demand far exceeding the supply” as contributing factors in the ongoing lack of viable and appropriate candidates.
After an ensuing summer of quiet from the Diocese, the possibility of candidates was dangled in September when the Rev. Canon Percy Grant from the Diocesan Office of Transitional Ministries attended a regional transitional ministry conference, and she offered the hope that her counterparts could provide some insights and recommendations.
With that ultimately netting no results, however, the Search Committee met with Vestry to review the on-going challenges faced in the Search, discuss the changes the church had undergone since the Search formally launched in August 2019 with submittal of documents to the Diocese, and determine how best to proceed.
In October, with the Vestry’s resulting new charge, the Search Committee shifted gears to discern a full-time priest-in-charge for St. Paul’s, rather than a rector. Because so much had happened to affect the life of the church since the search was undertaken -- particularly in the months following March of 2020 -- the Search Committee set to work on updates to the parish profile and the Diocesan database form to reflect changes and adaptations necessitated by the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and to present a more accurate picture of St. Paul’s in 2021.
However, the last quarter of the year ended as the first had begun: in a continuing “dry spell” with regard to candidates.
Consequently, in December we again requested a meeting with Bishop Hollingsworth, which took place Jan. 20. He assured the committee that the search for a new bishop will not override Diocesan efforts related to St. Paul’s search; however, he regretted that the lack of prospects continues to be an issue. The bishop commented that he “wants to do better than just send us someone with a pulse,” and the Search Committee made it clear that we would hold the Bishop to that commitment, and that we will accept nothing less than someone who will make OUR pulse quicken, who excites US, and who will excite YOU, our St. Paul’s family.
In the meantime, St. Paul’s can be thankful for Fr. Phil shepherding us through these trying times, and for the commitment of Search Committee members Douglas Colmery, Marilyn Dickinson, Olivia Johnson, Bill Kendrick and Dick Reinbold in staying the course.
As we begin 2022 with the hope for the future and the promise of a fresh start that each new year holds, may the people of St. Paul’s embrace the words of Romans 12:12: “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer,” as the Search process presses onward.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Anderson, Search Committee Chair
October, 2021
A change in the search for St. Paul’s new priest
The Vestry is changing its charge to the committee searching for a new priest for St. Paul’s.
The Vestry is in the process of asking the Search Committee “to initiate a search for a priest-in-charge, whereupon the Diocese will submit one candidate at a time to the Search Committee for consideration and review, until such time as a suitable candidate is discerned.”
The anticipated change follows a joint meeting of the Vestry and Search Committee, in which Search Chair Barbara Anderson outlined a three-year process that, to date, has yielded no candidates for rector who are a good fit with St. Paul’s. The discussion included the spiritual, philosophical and practical pros and cons of three options: 1) full-time rector, 2) part-time priest or 3) priest-in-charge. We had been looking for a full-time rector.
We’ll continue to update you as the process unfolds.
November 2019
With the pertinent materials relating to St. Paul’s rector search in the hands of the Diocese, the Search Committee turns its attention to preparing for applications! This involves using the congregation’s priorities as set forth in congregational workshops and surveys, the parish profile, and the Vestry’s “job description” as criteria to determine the applicant’s “fit,” and thus formulate a “short list” of candidates to interview.
Before the applications reach the Search Committee’s hands, however, the process involves the Bishop's office screening the applicants to confirm that each is a priest in good standing in his/her respective Diocese, with the Bishop approving all applicants prior to our receiving the applications. This initial screening process both assures a solid slate of qualified candidates and also facilitates the bishop's approval when the Vestry calls the rector.
January 2022
Since the arrival of COVID nearly two years ago, times have been particularly challenging for churches, and St. Paul’s is no exception.
Virtually everything in our church life as we knew it has been upended – worship, HOT, Courageous Conversations, coffee hour; however, in every aspect, we are carrying on and adapting as we go … as best as the current climate allows. This holds true for the Search Committee efforts during the past year as well.
After the first three months of 2021 passed without receiving any candidates, the Search Committee asked to meet with Bishop Hollingsworth in March to address the direction of the search. When that meeting eventually took place in June – the sole candidate for the entire year having been submitted in the interim -- the Bishop lamented the “paucity of priests looking to move at this time” due to the pandemic, and “the demand far exceeding the supply” as contributing factors in the ongoing lack of viable and appropriate candidates.
After an ensuing summer of quiet from the Diocese, the possibility of candidates was dangled in September when the Rev. Canon Percy Grant from the Diocesan Office of Transitional Ministries attended a regional transitional ministry conference, and she offered the hope that her counterparts could provide some insights and recommendations.
With that ultimately netting no results, however, the Search Committee met with Vestry to review the on-going challenges faced in the Search, discuss the changes the church had undergone since the Search formally launched in August 2019 with submittal of documents to the Diocese, and determine how best to proceed.
In October, with the Vestry’s resulting new charge, the Search Committee shifted gears to discern a full-time priest-in-charge for St. Paul’s, rather than a rector. Because so much had happened to affect the life of the church since the search was undertaken -- particularly in the months following March of 2020 -- the Search Committee set to work on updates to the parish profile and the Diocesan database form to reflect changes and adaptations necessitated by the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and to present a more accurate picture of St. Paul’s in 2021.
However, the last quarter of the year ended as the first had begun: in a continuing “dry spell” with regard to candidates.
Consequently, in December we again requested a meeting with Bishop Hollingsworth, which took place Jan. 20. He assured the committee that the search for a new bishop will not override Diocesan efforts related to St. Paul’s search; however, he regretted that the lack of prospects continues to be an issue. The bishop commented that he “wants to do better than just send us someone with a pulse,” and the Search Committee made it clear that we would hold the Bishop to that commitment, and that we will accept nothing less than someone who will make OUR pulse quicken, who excites US, and who will excite YOU, our St. Paul’s family.
In the meantime, St. Paul’s can be thankful for Fr. Phil shepherding us through these trying times, and for the commitment of Search Committee members Douglas Colmery, Marilyn Dickinson, Olivia Johnson, Bill Kendrick and Dick Reinbold in staying the course.
As we begin 2022 with the hope for the future and the promise of a fresh start that each new year holds, may the people of St. Paul’s embrace the words of Romans 12:12: “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer,” as the Search process presses onward.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Anderson, Search Committee Chair
October, 2021
A change in the search for St. Paul’s new priest
The Vestry is changing its charge to the committee searching for a new priest for St. Paul’s.
The Vestry is in the process of asking the Search Committee “to initiate a search for a priest-in-charge, whereupon the Diocese will submit one candidate at a time to the Search Committee for consideration and review, until such time as a suitable candidate is discerned.”
The anticipated change follows a joint meeting of the Vestry and Search Committee, in which Search Chair Barbara Anderson outlined a three-year process that, to date, has yielded no candidates for rector who are a good fit with St. Paul’s. The discussion included the spiritual, philosophical and practical pros and cons of three options: 1) full-time rector, 2) part-time priest or 3) priest-in-charge. We had been looking for a full-time rector.
We’ll continue to update you as the process unfolds.
November 2019
With the pertinent materials relating to St. Paul’s rector search in the hands of the Diocese, the Search Committee turns its attention to preparing for applications! This involves using the congregation’s priorities as set forth in congregational workshops and surveys, the parish profile, and the Vestry’s “job description” as criteria to determine the applicant’s “fit,” and thus formulate a “short list” of candidates to interview.
Before the applications reach the Search Committee’s hands, however, the process involves the Bishop's office screening the applicants to confirm that each is a priest in good standing in his/her respective Diocese, with the Bishop approving all applicants prior to our receiving the applications. This initial screening process both assures a solid slate of qualified candidates and also facilitates the bishop's approval when the Vestry calls the rector.
The Search: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer"
Search Committee Report 2022
Since the arrival of COVID nearly two years ago, times have been particularly challenging for churches, and St. Paul’s is no exception.
Virtually everything in our church life as we knew it has been upended – worship, HOT, Courageous Conversations, coffee hour; however, in every aspect, we are carrying on and adapting as we go … as best as the current climate allows. This holds true for the Search Committee efforts during the past year as well.
After the first three months of 2021 passed without receiving any candidates, the Search Committee asked to meet with Bishop Hollingsworth in March to address the direction of the search. When that meeting eventually took place in June – the sole candidate for the entire year having been submitted in the interim -- the Bishop lamented the “paucity of priests looking to move at this time” due to the pandemic, and “the demand far exceeding the supply” as contributing factors in the ongoing lack of viable and appropriate candidates.
After an ensuing summer of quiet from the Diocese, the possibility of candidates was dangled in September when the Rev. Canon Percy Grant from the Diocesan Office of Transitional Ministries attended a regional transitional ministry conference, and she offered the hope that her counterparts could provide some insights and recommendations.
With that ultimately netting no results, however, the Search Committee met with Vestry to review the on-going challenges faced in the Search, discuss the changes the church had undergone since the Search formally launched in August 2019 with submittal of documents to the Diocese, and determine how best to proceed.
In October, with the Vestry’s resulting new charge, the Search Committee shifted gears to discern a full-time priest-in-charge for St. Paul’s, rather than a rector. Because so much had happened to affect the life of the church since the search was undertaken -- particularly in the months following March of 2020 -- the Search Committee set to work on updates to the parish profile and the Diocesan database form to reflect changes and adaptations necessitated by the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and to present a more accurate picture of St. Paul’s in 2021.
However, the last quarter of the year ended as the first had begun: in a continuing “dry spell” with regard to candidates.
Consequently, in December we again requested a meeting with Bishop Hollingsworth, which took place Jan. 20. He assured the committee that the search for a new bishop will not override Diocesan efforts related to St. Paul’s search; however, he regretted that the lack of prospects continues to be an issue. The bishop commented that he “wants to do better than just send us someone with a pulse,” and the Search Committee made it clear that we would hold the Bishop to that commitment, and that we will accept nothing less than someone who will make OUR pulse quicken, who excites US, and who will excite YOU, our St. Paul’s family.
In the meantime, St. Paul’s can be thankful for Fr. Phil shepherding us through these trying times, and for the commitment of Search Committee members Douglas Colmery, Marilyn Dickinson, Olivia Johnson, Bill Kendrick and Dick Reinbold in staying the course.
As we begin 2022 with the hope for the future and the promise of a fresh start that each new year holds, may the people of St. Paul’s embrace the words of Romans 12:12: “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer,” as the Search process presses onward.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Anderson, Search Committee Chair
Search Committee Report 2021
In the two years since the Search Committee submitted to the Bishop’s office our Parish Profile and Office of Transitional Ministry form for the Diocese’s data bank, officially launching St. Paul’s search for a new rector, the church -- and the world -- have changed.
With no candidates forthcoming from the Diocese at the present time to consider, the Search Committee is using this time constructively to update the picture that we are presenting as to “who we are” to more accurately reflect current realities of St. Paul’s to potential applicants.
The pandemic has greatly impacted the church on many levels, from Sunday worship attendance to carrying out many of the ministries at the church’s core, such as HOT and Courageous Conversations.
Revised statistics regarding average Sunday attendance and the 2021 budget have been submitted to the Diocese, and the parish profile is in the beginning stages of being updated as well to reflect how the church has responded during the last 18 months since the pandemic began-- and continues to adapt and modify as we move forward.
Entering into a mutual agreement with a new rector will require a foundation of truth, transparency and honesty with regard to priorities, vision, ministry goals and financial commitments. This means being up-front as to who we are at this moment, and not simply who we aspire to be, nor who we were prior to March of 2020.
To that end, the Search Committee and the Vestry will be meeting the end of September to consider these realities, and chart a course forward.
We deeply appreciate your continued prayers, and invite you to add the prayer below -- which opens every Search Committee meeting -- to your prayers as well.
On behalf of the Search Committee,
Barb Anderson, Chair
2020
Because the first impression is often the most important one, St. Paul’s Search Committee is sprucing its communications to provide prospective rector candidates a clear and compelling narrative of what we are and how we fit in our community.
Among new plans the committee is working on:
Once we are up and running, all of these will be available for the parish’s perusal on the website. Stpaulscanton.org.
In the meantime, the Search Committee will be meeting with both the Vestry and the Long-Range Planning Committee in June as the next step in the process.
Vestry discussions taking place are determining a direction for St. Paul’s so
that a complementary skill set necessary for the new rector can be identified. And the Long-Range Planning Committee is identifying concerns facing St. Paul’s and developing potential scenarios to solve them. These are key components necessary for the Search Committee as we determine specific needs, and it is imperative for the three groups to be on the same page as to what those are.
Yes, things are happening! Your continued prayers are appreciated.
Barbara Anderson
Search Committee
Search Committee Report 2022
Since the arrival of COVID nearly two years ago, times have been particularly challenging for churches, and St. Paul’s is no exception.
Virtually everything in our church life as we knew it has been upended – worship, HOT, Courageous Conversations, coffee hour; however, in every aspect, we are carrying on and adapting as we go … as best as the current climate allows. This holds true for the Search Committee efforts during the past year as well.
After the first three months of 2021 passed without receiving any candidates, the Search Committee asked to meet with Bishop Hollingsworth in March to address the direction of the search. When that meeting eventually took place in June – the sole candidate for the entire year having been submitted in the interim -- the Bishop lamented the “paucity of priests looking to move at this time” due to the pandemic, and “the demand far exceeding the supply” as contributing factors in the ongoing lack of viable and appropriate candidates.
After an ensuing summer of quiet from the Diocese, the possibility of candidates was dangled in September when the Rev. Canon Percy Grant from the Diocesan Office of Transitional Ministries attended a regional transitional ministry conference, and she offered the hope that her counterparts could provide some insights and recommendations.
With that ultimately netting no results, however, the Search Committee met with Vestry to review the on-going challenges faced in the Search, discuss the changes the church had undergone since the Search formally launched in August 2019 with submittal of documents to the Diocese, and determine how best to proceed.
In October, with the Vestry’s resulting new charge, the Search Committee shifted gears to discern a full-time priest-in-charge for St. Paul’s, rather than a rector. Because so much had happened to affect the life of the church since the search was undertaken -- particularly in the months following March of 2020 -- the Search Committee set to work on updates to the parish profile and the Diocesan database form to reflect changes and adaptations necessitated by the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and to present a more accurate picture of St. Paul’s in 2021.
However, the last quarter of the year ended as the first had begun: in a continuing “dry spell” with regard to candidates.
Consequently, in December we again requested a meeting with Bishop Hollingsworth, which took place Jan. 20. He assured the committee that the search for a new bishop will not override Diocesan efforts related to St. Paul’s search; however, he regretted that the lack of prospects continues to be an issue. The bishop commented that he “wants to do better than just send us someone with a pulse,” and the Search Committee made it clear that we would hold the Bishop to that commitment, and that we will accept nothing less than someone who will make OUR pulse quicken, who excites US, and who will excite YOU, our St. Paul’s family.
In the meantime, St. Paul’s can be thankful for Fr. Phil shepherding us through these trying times, and for the commitment of Search Committee members Douglas Colmery, Marilyn Dickinson, Olivia Johnson, Bill Kendrick and Dick Reinbold in staying the course.
As we begin 2022 with the hope for the future and the promise of a fresh start that each new year holds, may the people of St. Paul’s embrace the words of Romans 12:12: “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer,” as the Search process presses onward.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Anderson, Search Committee Chair
Search Committee Report 2021
In the two years since the Search Committee submitted to the Bishop’s office our Parish Profile and Office of Transitional Ministry form for the Diocese’s data bank, officially launching St. Paul’s search for a new rector, the church -- and the world -- have changed.
With no candidates forthcoming from the Diocese at the present time to consider, the Search Committee is using this time constructively to update the picture that we are presenting as to “who we are” to more accurately reflect current realities of St. Paul’s to potential applicants.
The pandemic has greatly impacted the church on many levels, from Sunday worship attendance to carrying out many of the ministries at the church’s core, such as HOT and Courageous Conversations.
Revised statistics regarding average Sunday attendance and the 2021 budget have been submitted to the Diocese, and the parish profile is in the beginning stages of being updated as well to reflect how the church has responded during the last 18 months since the pandemic began-- and continues to adapt and modify as we move forward.
Entering into a mutual agreement with a new rector will require a foundation of truth, transparency and honesty with regard to priorities, vision, ministry goals and financial commitments. This means being up-front as to who we are at this moment, and not simply who we aspire to be, nor who we were prior to March of 2020.
To that end, the Search Committee and the Vestry will be meeting the end of September to consider these realities, and chart a course forward.
We deeply appreciate your continued prayers, and invite you to add the prayer below -- which opens every Search Committee meeting -- to your prayers as well.
On behalf of the Search Committee,
Barb Anderson, Chair
2020
Because the first impression is often the most important one, St. Paul’s Search Committee is sprucing its communications to provide prospective rector candidates a clear and compelling narrative of what we are and how we fit in our community.
Among new plans the committee is working on:
- A newly formed Communications Committee, working with the Search Committee, aims to improve access to the church’s website and provide more thorough information more often.
- The web site also will provide a detailed look at the demographics of the City of Canton, and the surrounding counties from which St. Paul’s membership is drawn.
- The revamped website will house the parish profile – a detailed look at St. Paul’s history, ministries/outreach and organizations – as well as the Diocese of Ohio’s Office of Transitional Ministry Portfolio. This is a “want ad” of sorts that addresses questions ranging from our liturgical style to challenges facing the church. It will also be registered in the national church’s database, which holds profiles for all clergy registered in the system in order to “match” churches with clergy based on needs and preferences. Finally, a third informational piece will detail the demographics of the city of Canton and the surrounding counties from which St. Paul’s membership is drawn.
Once we are up and running, all of these will be available for the parish’s perusal on the website. Stpaulscanton.org.
In the meantime, the Search Committee will be meeting with both the Vestry and the Long-Range Planning Committee in June as the next step in the process.
Vestry discussions taking place are determining a direction for St. Paul’s so
that a complementary skill set necessary for the new rector can be identified. And the Long-Range Planning Committee is identifying concerns facing St. Paul’s and developing potential scenarios to solve them. These are key components necessary for the Search Committee as we determine specific needs, and it is imperative for the three groups to be on the same page as to what those are.
Yes, things are happening! Your continued prayers are appreciated.
Barbara Anderson
Search Committee
Election Eve compline
On Monday, November 7th, please join our St. Paul’s family and friends for Election Eve Compline at 7pm to pray for candidates, our community, state, nation, and the concerns of our hearts. A link and bulletin will be sent out in an Eblast.
Prayers for our Search Committee
Our search for a priest-in-charge at St. Paul's continues, and the Search Committee met again Sunday. Please keep all the current and former members of the committee in your prayers.
St. Paul's offers a fervent thank you to the Search. Committee that formed four years ago to find our next rector.
The search has extended well beyond what anybody could have anticipated -- including through the darkest days of Covid -- and the charge to the committee has had to be adapted several times. While it has not yet born fruit, that was never for lack of devotion, hope and love the committee members have shown for St. Paul's.
Several of those dedicated members -- Chairperson Barbara Anderson, Clerk Olivia Johnson and member Richard Reinbold -- resigned from the committee last month.
The search for St. Paul's priest-in-charge is continuing with a re-formed committee blending current and new members. Joining Bill Kendrick, Douglas Colmery and Marilyn Dickinson are new members Karen Merrin Swope, Susan Phillips and Demetrius Carrothers.
For all of those who have served St. Paul's so well for so long, we thank you and hope all our prayers sustain you as your prayers and hard work have sustained us.
St. Paul's offers a fervent thank you to the Search. Committee that formed four years ago to find our next rector.
The search has extended well beyond what anybody could have anticipated -- including through the darkest days of Covid -- and the charge to the committee has had to be adapted several times. While it has not yet born fruit, that was never for lack of devotion, hope and love the committee members have shown for St. Paul's.
Several of those dedicated members -- Chairperson Barbara Anderson, Clerk Olivia Johnson and member Richard Reinbold -- resigned from the committee last month.
The search for St. Paul's priest-in-charge is continuing with a re-formed committee blending current and new members. Joining Bill Kendrick, Douglas Colmery and Marilyn Dickinson are new members Karen Merrin Swope, Susan Phillips and Demetrius Carrothers.
For all of those who have served St. Paul's so well for so long, we thank you and hope all our prayers sustain you as your prayers and hard work have sustained us.
The Nicene Creed, then and now
Here’s the explanation of the origin and evolution of the Nicene Creed by the Rev. Dr. Ruth Myers in “Enriching Our Worship.”
“The original wording of the Nicene Creed, ‘I believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,’ was agreed upon at the fourth-century Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (Ecumenical Councils are councils of bishops and theologians of the entire Church).
The wording was altered in the Latin half of the Church by the addition of the words, ‘who proceeds from the Father and the Son,’ a change expressed in Latin by one word: filioque. This addition was made at a sixth-century regional synod meeting in Toledo, Spain. In this region many Christians had originally been Arians who denied the full divinity of the Son. The synod apparently believed that the constant liturgical repetition of the filioque clause would aid in teaching the faithful that the Son was fully God. The phrase gradually spread until, by the eleventh century, it was in general use in the Latin Church.
Its inclusion has never been authorized by an Ecumenical Council and has never been adopted by the Eastern churches.
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Anglican theologians were unanimous in claiming that the only true bases of doctrine were Scripture and the teaching of the undivided Church (i.e., the five Ecumenical Councils held between the years 325 and 451). The Church of England taught only what Scripture and tradition taught, they asserted. Not knowing the full history of the filioque addition and mistakenly assuming that it had always formed part of the Creed, Anglicans retained the phrase, and some divines even went to great lengths to explain why the Greeks deleted it!
The continued use of the filioque phrase by churches in the West remains a source of irritation between East and West. The unilateral altering of a Creed originally authorized by an Ecumenical Council strikes Eastern Orthodox Christians as ecclesiologically high-handed and canonically indefensible. The theology of the Holy Spirit which has grown up in the West since the introduction of the filioque is a point of serious, but less-heated, misunderstanding between East and West.
In 1976, the Anglican members of the Anglican-Orthodox Joint Doctrinal Commission said in an Agreed Statement that the filioque should not be included in the Creed because it had been introduced without the authority of an Ecumenical Council.
In 1978 Anglican bishops meetings at the Lambeth Conference recommended that churches of the Anglican Communion consider omitting the filioque from the Nicene Creed. The 1985 General Convention recommended the restoration of the original wording of the Creed, once this action had been approved by the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council. The change was then endorsed by the Lambeth Conference of 1988, the 1990 meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council, and the 1993 joint meeting of Anglican Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council. The 1994 General Convention affirmed the intention of the Episcopal Church to remove the filioque clause at the next revision of the Book of Common Prayer.
Whether or not to restore the original wording of the Nicene Creed is not primarily a theological issue. The relation of the Holy Spirit to the first and second persons of the Holy Trinity remains a matter of theological discussion and is ultimately unknowable, at least on this side of the grave. The real issue is twofold:
1. on what authority a statement of faith agreed upon by bishops and theologians of the whole Church, East and West, may be changed; and
2. what course is most faithful to the theological traditions of Anglicanism.
A good introduction to the issues, suitable for parish study, is found in Marianne H. Micks, Loving the Questions: An Exploration of the Nicene Creed (Cowley Publications, 1993)."
“The original wording of the Nicene Creed, ‘I believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,’ was agreed upon at the fourth-century Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (Ecumenical Councils are councils of bishops and theologians of the entire Church).
The wording was altered in the Latin half of the Church by the addition of the words, ‘who proceeds from the Father and the Son,’ a change expressed in Latin by one word: filioque. This addition was made at a sixth-century regional synod meeting in Toledo, Spain. In this region many Christians had originally been Arians who denied the full divinity of the Son. The synod apparently believed that the constant liturgical repetition of the filioque clause would aid in teaching the faithful that the Son was fully God. The phrase gradually spread until, by the eleventh century, it was in general use in the Latin Church.
Its inclusion has never been authorized by an Ecumenical Council and has never been adopted by the Eastern churches.
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Anglican theologians were unanimous in claiming that the only true bases of doctrine were Scripture and the teaching of the undivided Church (i.e., the five Ecumenical Councils held between the years 325 and 451). The Church of England taught only what Scripture and tradition taught, they asserted. Not knowing the full history of the filioque addition and mistakenly assuming that it had always formed part of the Creed, Anglicans retained the phrase, and some divines even went to great lengths to explain why the Greeks deleted it!
The continued use of the filioque phrase by churches in the West remains a source of irritation between East and West. The unilateral altering of a Creed originally authorized by an Ecumenical Council strikes Eastern Orthodox Christians as ecclesiologically high-handed and canonically indefensible. The theology of the Holy Spirit which has grown up in the West since the introduction of the filioque is a point of serious, but less-heated, misunderstanding between East and West.
In 1976, the Anglican members of the Anglican-Orthodox Joint Doctrinal Commission said in an Agreed Statement that the filioque should not be included in the Creed because it had been introduced without the authority of an Ecumenical Council.
In 1978 Anglican bishops meetings at the Lambeth Conference recommended that churches of the Anglican Communion consider omitting the filioque from the Nicene Creed. The 1985 General Convention recommended the restoration of the original wording of the Creed, once this action had been approved by the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council. The change was then endorsed by the Lambeth Conference of 1988, the 1990 meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council, and the 1993 joint meeting of Anglican Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council. The 1994 General Convention affirmed the intention of the Episcopal Church to remove the filioque clause at the next revision of the Book of Common Prayer.
Whether or not to restore the original wording of the Nicene Creed is not primarily a theological issue. The relation of the Holy Spirit to the first and second persons of the Holy Trinity remains a matter of theological discussion and is ultimately unknowable, at least on this side of the grave. The real issue is twofold:
1. on what authority a statement of faith agreed upon by bishops and theologians of the whole Church, East and West, may be changed; and
2. what course is most faithful to the theological traditions of Anglicanism.
A good introduction to the issues, suitable for parish study, is found in Marianne H. Micks, Loving the Questions: An Exploration of the Nicene Creed (Cowley Publications, 1993)."
Thanks to Fr. Phil,
and the next steps for St. Paul's
and the next steps for St. Paul's
After almost four years of service, our long-term supply priest, Fr. Philip Kunder, will be leaving us. His last day at St. Paul’s will be April 26th, and his last worship service with us will be April 24th.
We thank Fr. Phil+ for his dedicated service, including during the two years of the extreme disruption that came with the Covid pandemic. Especially appreciated is his continued role with the leadership team of Courageous Conversations.
We also pray for the best for him in his future ministries.
Beginning on May 8, Fr. Christopher Hofer+ will be joining us as supply priest. He will remain with us through at least late June.
Meanwhile, the St. Paul’s Search Committee continues its diligent search for a priest-in-charge to help us move St. Paul’s forward.
Thank you all for your continued love of and commitment to St. Paul’s.
Sincerely,
The Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Canton, OH
We thank Fr. Phil+ for his dedicated service, including during the two years of the extreme disruption that came with the Covid pandemic. Especially appreciated is his continued role with the leadership team of Courageous Conversations.
We also pray for the best for him in his future ministries.
Beginning on May 8, Fr. Christopher Hofer+ will be joining us as supply priest. He will remain with us through at least late June.
Meanwhile, the St. Paul’s Search Committee continues its diligent search for a priest-in-charge to help us move St. Paul’s forward.
Thank you all for your continued love of and commitment to St. Paul’s.
Sincerely,
The Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Canton, OH
You may notice some differences in the St. Paul’s Liturgy during the Lenten season. That’s because it’s drawn from “Enriching Our Worship,” a collection of supplemental materials authorized by the 1997 General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
In her introduction to “Enriching our Worship,” Phoebe Pettingell for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music explained the goal:
“The committee sought language and imagery which would speak to the diversity of people who worship in the Episcopal Church today, both those who are well steeped in the tradition and those whose knowledge of scripture and the Christian tradition is fragmentary and to whom much traditional liturgical language is puzzling. The goal was to employ evocative language which would lead worshipers deeper into the mystery of God.”
For some, the most noticeable difference is in the Nicene Creed – especially the omission of the words “and the Son.” “Enriching Our Worship” includes an extensive explanation by the Rev. Dr. Ruth Myers of the evolution of the Creed we’re used to reciting and why the difference in this work.
In her introduction to “Enriching Our Worship,” Pettingell invited examination of all the changes.
“As we pray these new rites,” Pettingell wrote, “we should remember the spirit of the injunction from the 1789 preface to the first American Book of Common Prayer, to receive and examine them in a candid, charitable spirit, without prejudices or presuppositions, ‘seriously considering what Christianity is, and what the truths of the Gospel are.’”
In her introduction to “Enriching our Worship,” Phoebe Pettingell for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music explained the goal:
“The committee sought language and imagery which would speak to the diversity of people who worship in the Episcopal Church today, both those who are well steeped in the tradition and those whose knowledge of scripture and the Christian tradition is fragmentary and to whom much traditional liturgical language is puzzling. The goal was to employ evocative language which would lead worshipers deeper into the mystery of God.”
For some, the most noticeable difference is in the Nicene Creed – especially the omission of the words “and the Son.” “Enriching Our Worship” includes an extensive explanation by the Rev. Dr. Ruth Myers of the evolution of the Creed we’re used to reciting and why the difference in this work.
In her introduction to “Enriching Our Worship,” Pettingell invited examination of all the changes.
“As we pray these new rites,” Pettingell wrote, “we should remember the spirit of the injunction from the 1789 preface to the first American Book of Common Prayer, to receive and examine them in a candid, charitable spirit, without prejudices or presuppositions, ‘seriously considering what Christianity is, and what the truths of the Gospel are.’”
It’s time to order the lilies that will fill the Sanctuary during Eastertide and memorialize and honor friends and family. The deadline to order is April 10th.
Flowers donated to St. Paul's will be distributed to shut-ins when the chancel area is cleared and are tax-deductible. Or you can purchase the flowers to be picked up in the Narthex when notified (those are non-deductible). You can download the order form below and return it with payment to the St. Paul's office.
Flowers donated to St. Paul's will be distributed to shut-ins when the chancel area is cleared and are tax-deductible. Or you can purchase the flowers to be picked up in the Narthex when notified (those are non-deductible). You can download the order form below and return it with payment to the St. Paul's office.
Enriching Our Worship:
Why the differences?
Why the differences?
Photo by David Rotthoff
The Parish Prayer for Spiritual Renewal During Lent
God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent. By the good works You inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit.
Without You I can do nothing. By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Teach me to find new life through penance. Keep me from sin and help me live by Your commandment of love. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life and make me one with You in love and prayer.
Fill my heart with Your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.
Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand; let me walk more readily in Your ways. Guide me in Your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.
Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.
You live out this prayer by attending the entire Holy Triduum.
God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent. By the good works You inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit.
Without You I can do nothing. By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Teach me to find new life through penance. Keep me from sin and help me live by Your commandment of love. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life and make me one with You in love and prayer.
Fill my heart with Your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.
Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand; let me walk more readily in Your ways. Guide me in Your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.
Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.
You live out this prayer by attending the entire Holy Triduum.
The Holy Triduum
One service over three days
One service over three days
Christmas glory, 2020
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All Saints Day Remembrance
-Each red rose is in loving memory of:
Dan Pastor
Deb Shamlin
Anne Hedgeman Dulabahn
Jared Marcum
Rev. William F. Tompkin, Deacon
Angela Myers
John H. Lothrop
Rev. Erv Smuda
-The white rose is for all in the world who have died from Covid-19.
-Each red rose is in loving memory of:
Dan Pastor
Deb Shamlin
Anne Hedgeman Dulabahn
Jared Marcum
Rev. William F. Tompkin, Deacon
Angela Myers
John H. Lothrop
Rev. Erv Smuda
-The white rose is for all in the world who have died from Covid-19.
We remember Jared Alexander Marcum, who left this earth on August 25th, 2020. Jared was a much-loved and faithful past member of St. Paul's congregation along with his family. His full obituary can be found here. May you rest forever in God's embrace, Jared.
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A small, private service was held for our friend Deb Shamlin on Saturday, 22nd August at 11:00 a.m. The service will be viewable through live stream at our Facebook page.
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Celebrant: The Reverend Philip F. Kunder(Fr. Phil+), Long term Supply Priest Preaching: The Reverend Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson+ Crucifer: Douglas Colmery Lectors: Todd Shamlin, Son Jay Shamlin, Son Organist: Bill Kendrick, Parish Musician Emeritus |
Above: Moments from our June 21st re-opening, courtesy of M.L. Schultze.
Above: Members of Vestry for 2020, from left: Judy Arrington, David Lewis, Senior Warden; M.L. Schultze, Clerk; Karen Swope, Carol Sutek, Junior Warden; Dr. Richard Oloya, Patrick Weschler, Douglas Colmery, Treasurer. Photo by David Rotthoff.
Candlemas, February 2nd. Photos by David Rotthoff.
Above: Happy Anniversary to Dr. Richard and Dorothy Oloya ; Rick Senften and M.L. Schultze. Photos by David Rotthoff.
Above: Mt. Olive Baptist Church joined with St. Paul's to co-host the January 19th service in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King. Rev. Eric Howard (at right) was our guest preacher. Photos by Rick Senften and M.L. Schultze.
Above: images from last Sunday's Annual meeting, which took place following a hearty repast. Photographed by David Rotthoff.
Above: St. Paul’s and the MacDowell Music Club co-sponsored the St. Nicholas Balalaika Orchestra in concert Sunday, Jan. 12 at St. Paul’s. The orchestra has appeared at St. Paul’s many times in the past and has always been immensely popular with the public. Photos by David Rotthoff.
Above: Elegant treats and elegant music at Sunday, January 5th's Epiphany Tea. Photos by David Rotthoff.
St. Paul is back in the house! Photo by David Rotthoff.
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Saint Paul’s hosted Soprano Suzanne Woods on Wednesday, December 4 as part of the church’s Concert & Compline series. Under the title of Ding, Dong, it must be Christmas, Ms. Woods offered a program of Christmas gems and light selections of the season. Photo by David Rotthoff.
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Above, left: This December, Pete Taflan and family celebrated his 98th birthday. Congratulations, Pete!!! Right: Happy Birthday to Linda Kendrick as well! (Hi, Bill!)
Another Successful Year for Thanksgiving Baskets!!!
Below: Volunteers sort through thousands of donations that came into St. Paul’s for the annual Thanksgiving Baskets distribution on Nov. 23. More than 1,100 local families received turkeys and bags of food to prepare their Thanksgiving dinners.
The interfaith effort including churches, synagogues and mosques has been underway for 40 years. Photos courtesy of David Rotthoff.
Below: Volunteers sort through thousands of donations that came into St. Paul’s for the annual Thanksgiving Baskets distribution on Nov. 23. More than 1,100 local families received turkeys and bags of food to prepare their Thanksgiving dinners.
The interfaith effort including churches, synagogues and mosques has been underway for 40 years. Photos courtesy of David Rotthoff.
The Feast of all Saints, Solemn Evensong Rite II.
November 4th, 2019
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Canton. 150th Anniversary
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Massillon, 183rd Anniversary
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Canton, 65th Anniversary
Photos by David Rotthoff.
November 4th, 2019
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Canton. 150th Anniversary
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Massillon, 183rd Anniversary
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Canton, 65th Anniversary
Photos by David Rotthoff.
Below: Additional Evensong photos by Bill Rand, St. Mark's.
Below: video of the Solemn Evensong choral performance, courtesy of M.L. Schultze.
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Left: Jefferson McConnaughey, acclaimed organist from Columbus, performed at Wednesday night’s concert and compline on St. Paul’s E.M. Skinner organ, which has been restored by Kegg Pipe Organ Builders. McConnaughey’s selections included “The Last Chord,” a poem by Adelaide Anne Proctor set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan. “ I have sought, but I seek it vainly, that one lost chord divine, Which came from the soul of the organ and entered into mine.” St. Paul’s offers concert and compline the first Wednesday evening of each month beginning at 7 pm. |
Above: Opening Remarks from Senior Warden David Lewis at St. Paul's 150th Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Saturday, October 26th. Photos by David Rotthoff.
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Left: Artisans from Radiant Arts removed the Lady Chapel window and another along the south wall this week to begin their restoration. The Lady Chapel story of the Annunciation and Nativity is the oldest in the church. The Beach City company’s work restoring the nearly 100-year-old windows began with the image of Saint Paul’s above the balcony. |
Below: More repair of stained-glass windows:
Photos by David Rotthoff
Below: October 3rd's Concert and Compline featured Erin Byrne, soprano, and Joanne Fox, dulcimer. Photo by David Rotthoff.
St. Paul's presence was very strong during its annual Hall of Fame Parade outreach on August 3rd. Early risers handed out doughnuts, bottled water, and good will to bystanders. Photo by David Rotthoff.
Housewarming party for Larry and Vicki Simpkins on Sunday, July 28
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On Sunday, July 7th, the African Children's Choir appeared at St. Paul's during their "Just as I Am" hymns tour, and performed a riveting concert of music and storytelling! Details below. Photos by David Rotthoff, videos courtesy of Rick Senften and M.L. Schultze.
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Praise, thanks and a joyful noise
For three days this week, the sounds and dreams of 16 children from Uganda are filling St. Paul’s. Thanks to Olivia Johnson, our church is hosting the African Children’s Choir on their “Just As I Am” North American tour, beginning with a concert that drew 125 people in out of the pouring rain Sunday night. Children from Canton stood on the pews to join their counterparts from the other side of the world in a combination of song, dance and story telling ranging from traditional Ugandan rhythms to “This Little Light of Mine.” But children weren’t the only ones moving -- and moved -- by the performance. The evening raised more than $900 to to sponsor the choir, which is part of Music for Life -- a program begun by Ray Barnett in Uganda, which was then dominated by dictatorship and war, 35 years ago. Today the ministry extends to a half-dozen African countries. And while music is its backbone, the goal is education -- of both the children and the world. The children, most ages 7-10, spend six months preparing for their nine-month tours. When they return home, they’ll attend boarding school through university graduation, an expense their families could never afford. From there, as they told the audience at St. Paul’s, they’ll become doctors, nurses,teachers, scientists, police officers. For Music for Life, the goal is that they’ll become leaders of their home countries, and help counteract the stereotypes of those countries as places hopelessly caught in poverty, tyranny and greed. In Canton, the children are spending their days at the church, doing school work, enjoying favorite meals (spaghetti, top of the list) prepared by Beth Paynter, Carol Sutek, Judy Arrington, Brenda Denning, Bonnie Frazier, Nancy Suba and others -- and rehearsing for their next stop in Columbus. They and their chaperones are staying with host families -- the newest “aunties” and “uncles” in their lives. |
For more on Music for Life and the African Children’s Choir,
go to africanchildrenschoir.com. |
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On June 23, St. Paul’s marked our 150th anniversary, as well as the dedication of our current sanctuary 96 years ago, with a family friendly picnic and ice cream social!
Newcomers and old friends joined us for the service (below left), music, games, food and fellowship, church tours and glimpses of St. Paul’s (and greater Canton) over the years. The festivities began at 12:15 p.m. at the spot where St. Paul’s took root in Canton 150 years ago: 425 Cleveland Ave. SW (below right).
Newcomers and old friends joined us for the service (below left), music, games, food and fellowship, church tours and glimpses of St. Paul’s (and greater Canton) over the years. The festivities began at 12:15 p.m. at the spot where St. Paul’s took root in Canton 150 years ago: 425 Cleveland Ave. SW (below right).
Below, far left: Well over one hundred people helped us celebrate these two very special occasions. Below, left: the Lilly family was among those competing in a photo scavenger hunt and other games celebrating St.Paul’s and the Episcopal church. Below, right: a barbershop quartet entertained. Below, far right: friends from Mt. Olive Baptist Church, who have been our partners on the Courageous Conversations discussion of racial reconciliation, joined us for the picnic and ice cream social.
Preserving the stained-glass story of St. Paul's
Photo courtesy of David Rotthoff
Update: Jim Foltz of Radiant Arts met with the congregation on May 26 to outline the most immediate needs to repair and reinforce the stained-glass windows that illuminate our sanctuary. The estimated cost is about $23,000. We've had pledges for approximately half the cost and the Vestry is launching a matching-gifts campaign.
St. Paul’s has had more than three-dozen windows installed over time. The high-altar window and its more than 10,000 piece of glass was installed by the time the church was consecrated in 1929. The last of the windows were dedicated in 1946.
The window depicting our namesake, St. Paul, looks down over the balcony. It was dedicated in 1936 to the late Rev. Walter McCowatt, the dynamic priest who led St. Paul’s for nearly two decades and built our current church. The window faces west, which means its been battered by wind, snow, rain, hail and everything else Mother Nature has thrown at it over the last 83 years. For a complete list of the windows and their subjects, please see the News page.
Photo courtesy of David Rotthoff
Update: Jim Foltz of Radiant Arts met with the congregation on May 26 to outline the most immediate needs to repair and reinforce the stained-glass windows that illuminate our sanctuary. The estimated cost is about $23,000. We've had pledges for approximately half the cost and the Vestry is launching a matching-gifts campaign.
St. Paul’s has had more than three-dozen windows installed over time. The high-altar window and its more than 10,000 piece of glass was installed by the time the church was consecrated in 1929. The last of the windows were dedicated in 1946.
The window depicting our namesake, St. Paul, looks down over the balcony. It was dedicated in 1936 to the late Rev. Walter McCowatt, the dynamic priest who led St. Paul’s for nearly two decades and built our current church. The window faces west, which means its been battered by wind, snow, rain, hail and everything else Mother Nature has thrown at it over the last 83 years. For a complete list of the windows and their subjects, please see the News page.
