IN Canon-Mac Fall 2016 | Page 20

An image of North Jefferson Avenue in Canonsburg, circa 1953. Photo courtesy Sam Richards. Rich in History and Fellowship St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Canonsburg celebrates its 150th anniversary as a staple in the community. BY W.B. FRESA Tucked away at 139 North Jefferson Avenue in Canonsburg is St. Thomas Episcopal Church. While the fellowship did not begin in this exact location, the members began to congregate here in 1866. The congregation first gathered under the leadership of the Rev. James A. Brown from Washington, Pa. One year later, on May 22, 1867, Bishop Kerfoot named the mission for St. Thomas the Apostle. It is a rich history for St. Thomas Episcopal Church and one the current members relish. 18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Canon-Mac After four years at Odd Fellows’ Hall, many of the laymen began construction on the current St. Thomas Episcopal Church for a reported $5,000. While members of the church and community may recognize the original church design, the stained glass windows, steeple and paved sub-basement were not installed until much later. The church was blessed and opened for worship in November 1901 and that is where its members have convened ever since.