Church built to honor Civil War soldiers turns 125

From Central PA-

When Gettysburg's Episcopalian community set out to honor fallen soldiers in 1888, they didn't think of a graveyard.

They built a church.

The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace is the only Gettysburg church designed specifically as a Civil War memorial, parish publicist Art House said. The building houses more than 150 stones and plaques for fallen Union and Confederate soldiers, including 140 that form the foundation of the church's bell tower.

Nearly 100 congregants gathered Sunday for a service meant to honor soldiers, re-dedicate the church and continue its mission as a welcoming, vibrant religious community.

Prince of Peace was “not partisan at a time when we recognized the need for healing,” said the Right Rev. Nathan Baxter, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.

The Civil War "was the first time the country realized that wars are fought by young people,” Baxter said. “When we realize they are just children, young men and women, it forces us to ask the question, 'What can we do for peace?'”

More here-

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/arts_and_entertainment/arts_and_entertainment_topics/history/article_9a167471-62c9-5fb8-88eb-c9efe450e292.html

Gettysburg Soup Kitchen marks 20 years of service

From Gettysburg-

The Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen recently reached a milestone, logging 20 years of service during which it has served nearly 180,000 meals to its guests. Nearly 10,000 meals have been served thus far in 2011 alone. Established in 1991 as a ministry of The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace, Gettysburg's Episcopal Church, the Soup Kitchen has been since 1994 a community-based organization supported by more than 60 area churches, more than 15 local groups, businesses and foundations, and countless individual donors, volunteers and sponsors.

According to Mary Daniel, chair of the Soup Kitchen's board and a member of St. Mary's Church, Fairfield, these are exciting times for the organization. Housed since its founding in facilities at Prince of Peace on High Street, the Soup Kitchen is in the process of moving next door to "Peace House," the former St. Francis Xavier Rectory now owned by Prince of Peace. Extensive renovations to Peace House to accommodate the expanded Soup Kitchen facility have been underway for some months and are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

More here-

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/news/basket/article_09f078b7-8c22-5b9c-b5f8-f395e7b20e94.html