Page last Published 4/6/2023
An Iconic Centerpiece of the Pine Meadow Historic District
Placed on the National Register in 1996, St. John's is regarded as an exceptional example of early New England 'Carpenter Gothic' both in its exterior and interior construction
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The Founding of St. John's
The first Episcopal service in Pine Meadow was a gathering of lay members in October of 1849; in November the diocese sent the Reverend John H. Betts as the first priest of St John’s, Pine Meadow. At that time, the parish numbered around 70 families. With funding and land from the Chapin family, the first St John’s church was consecrated in 1851. However, this church burned on December 33, 1859 when the Christmas tree caught fire. Work on the present church began immediately, and its first service was Christmas Eve, 1861; it was consecrated in 1863. In 1884 the Chapin family donated the Hooke and Hastings tracker organ. This instrument is unusual in that it is not only in full working condition, but is virtually unmodified which is rare for such organs. |
Challenges of the Early 1900s
In the early 20th century, the population of New Hartford dropped drastically when the mills shut and the parish shrank along with it. Between 1924 and 1948, there was no resident rector and the parish was an assisted parish until the mid 1970s.
In the early 20th century, the population of New Hartford dropped drastically when the mills shut and the parish shrank along with it. Between 1924 and 1948, there was no resident rector and the parish was an assisted parish until the mid 1970s.
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Entering the 21st Century
In 1994 Charlie Gill gifted to the Church the memorial garden in memory of his wife. After he died that same year the garden was renamed the Alison and Charles Gill Memorial Garden. Also in 1994, the Rectory on Townhill Road was sold and the proceeds were used to establish a Housing Endowment. Since that time rectors have lived in their own homes and have received a housing allowance. In 1996 Mason and Licia Beekley gifted a house across the green for use as a parish office and meeting place. It was know as the Meadow House until 1998 when it was rededicated as the Licia House. The house was sold in 2009 to offset some of the cost of the new Parish Office and Church School building behind the garden which was dedicated as the new Licia House in 2011. Mother Sandra was our most recent priest. She was called to another parish in the diocese in 2022 and we have started the search process for a Priest in Charge. |
Recent Rectors
Rector September 2018 to August 2022 |
The Red Doors
The "Church with the Red Doors" did not always have red doors. Although red doors are common on many protestant churches because of the theological symbolism of the color, our doors are red for a more prosaic reason. The original doors were green, however when Ron Caine repainted them in 1969, the only color on hand was red. They have remained red ever since. |
The Chapin Windows
The Chapin family is memorialized in two stained glass windows donated by the family. In the 1990s the two windows were moved to their current location flanking the rose window in the choir loft. It is believed that these windows were from the Tiffany company. |