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St. John's Episcopal Parish
The Mission Statement of St. John’s:
St. John’s Episcopal Parish is a diverse Christian Community, called to serve Christ in the unity of the spirit. We are nurtured by our worship of God, through His holy word and Sacraments.
About Church:
On May, 7 1885 St. John’s, Vernon, held its first service at the Rockville Hotel with the Rev. Enoch Huntington of Broad Brook presiding. A mission was established in 1867, and by June 1872 the congregation was recognized as a parish.
Under the direction of its first permanent rector, the Rev. Harlow Ruggles Whitlock, the parish acquired land measuring 100 x 107 feet at a cost of $1650 with a mortgage on the entire amount! The cornerstone of the first Church was laid on October 2, 1874, and an opening service was held in an unfinished building which was almost abandoned at one time because of debts and discouragement. But through faith and the help of many, the one-level building was completed by the end of 1875.
Fifteen permanent ministers, several supply ministers, and many lay-readers have led the flock at St. John’s. The longest ministry was served by the Rev. Henry B. Olmstead from 1924 to 1950.
During the late 1950’s and 1960’s building committees were formed to plan and raise funds for the construction of a parish center at its present site on a beautiful Vernon hill. After St. John’s Parish moved to the all-purpose building in 1961, it was voted to build a new church and rectory on that site. A glorious celebration service on March 25, 1969 dedicated the new church and installed a new rector, the Rev. Robert Wellner.
On January 30, 1988 the Rt. Rev .Arthur E. Walmsley, Bishop of Connecticut, consecrated our church and altar at a service long to be remembered as a meaningful part in the life of the parish because the dedication and stewardship of a faithful people over a period of many years.
Fr. Wellner was our beloved rector and devoted parish priest at St. John’s for nineteen years. Following Fr. Wellner’s retirement early in 1988, a search committee was elected to find a new rector for the congregation of St. John’s.
The successful search culminated by extending the call to the Rev. James Kellaway who arrived as the new rector on February 1, 1989. Fr. Kellaway’s new ministry was celebrated on May 15, 1989, with Bishop Walmsley presiding at the service of installation.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2237
Vernon, CT
St. John’s Episcopal Parish is a diverse Christian Community, called to serve Christ in the unity of the spirit. We are nurtured by our worship of God, through His holy word and Sacraments.
About Church:
On May, 7 1885 St. John’s, Vernon, held its first service at the Rockville Hotel with the Rev. Enoch Huntington of Broad Brook presiding. A mission was established in 1867, and by June 1872 the congregation was recognized as a parish.
Under the direction of its first permanent rector, the Rev. Harlow Ruggles Whitlock, the parish acquired land measuring 100 x 107 feet at a cost of $1650 with a mortgage on the entire amount! The cornerstone of the first Church was laid on October 2, 1874, and an opening service was held in an unfinished building which was almost abandoned at one time because of debts and discouragement. But through faith and the help of many, the one-level building was completed by the end of 1875.
Fifteen permanent ministers, several supply ministers, and many lay-readers have led the flock at St. John’s. The longest ministry was served by the Rev. Henry B. Olmstead from 1924 to 1950.
During the late 1950’s and 1960’s building committees were formed to plan and raise funds for the construction of a parish center at its present site on a beautiful Vernon hill. After St. John’s Parish moved to the all-purpose building in 1961, it was voted to build a new church and rectory on that site. A glorious celebration service on March 25, 1969 dedicated the new church and installed a new rector, the Rev. Robert Wellner.
On January 30, 1988 the Rt. Rev .Arthur E. Walmsley, Bishop of Connecticut, consecrated our church and altar at a service long to be remembered as a meaningful part in the life of the parish because the dedication and stewardship of a faithful people over a period of many years.
Fr. Wellner was our beloved rector and devoted parish priest at St. John’s for nineteen years. Following Fr. Wellner’s retirement early in 1988, a search committee was elected to find a new rector for the congregation of St. John’s.
The successful search culminated by extending the call to the Rev. James Kellaway who arrived as the new rector on February 1, 1989. Fr. Kellaway’s new ministry was celebrated on May 15, 1989, with Bishop Walmsley presiding at the service of installation.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2237
Vernon, CT