From Johnstown-
The pews are polished and the banners have been sent out to be cleaned in preparation for an area church’s reopening on Sunday.
Because of dwindling congregations, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Northern Cambria merged with St. Luke Episcopal Church in Patton and formed SS. Thomas & Luke in 2004.
“That happened during my tenure, and I hope it (St. Thomas) becomes active and thriving again,” said Ann Staples, who will serve as deacon and Liturgist for the newly reopened St. Thomas.
“The problem began in the 1980s when the coal mines closed,” she said.
When the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh split in 2008, Staples said there were two-thirds of the parishes that left, with one-third belonging to the Episcopal church.
When SS. Thomas & Luke expressed a desire to align with the Anglican church, Staples knew that would mean there would be no Episcopal church presence from Indiana to Johnstown.
“The situation is painful,” Staples said. “I cannot imagine not belonging to the Episcopal church. This parish is the geographic center of the area.
More here-
http://tribune-democrat.com/features/x967735048/Church-reopening-St-Thomas-Episcopal-in-Northern-Cambria-planning-service-on-Sunday
No comments:
Post a Comment