St. Martin’s: A Look Back
A visual snapshot of some of the changes and history our parish has seen over its almost 140 year history. Thanks to Kathleen Purvis for helping us remember these brief glimpses of our past.
Men at work
Men, food and fellowship have always been the St. Martin’s way. They may not have on our current Wonder Woman aprons, but these men have their sleeves rolled up and their ties mostly safely tucked into their vests. Look closely and you can even see a man’s hat hanging from a pot handle by the door. We don’t know the event or what they’re cooking, but older church members think this kitchen was in the old youth building that once stood on the far side of the parking lot.
A Changed Chancel
Have you ever had a dream about a familiar place that doesn’t look familiar at all? Here’s our chancel in 1952, after the church and parish hall had been damaged in a fire. Note the position of the high altar, facing the rear of the church, so the priest would have his back to the congregation while preparing communion. The choir was divided into areas on the right and left sides, and the bishop’s and priest’s chairs are just visible in the back. Notice that the organ is not along the right wall, during this time it was located in the closet between the chancel and the sacristy, now the sound room. There was a window on one side where the choir master could watch the proceedings and direct the choir.
Bulletin from 1943
In this one-page bulletin from 1943, even the name of our church was different. After the American Revolution, Episcopal churches were called Protestant Episcopal to distance us from the British monarchy. Our church was dubbed the Wilkes Memorial by Bishop Joseph Cheshire, former rector of St. Peter’s. After St. Peter’s helped to establish St. Martin’s and we moved to our current location in 1912, Cheshire wanted to honor the late John Wilkes of St. Peter’s for his service: 53 years on the vestry, 48 years as senior warden, and treasurer of the diocese for five years. You can still see a plaque naming Wilkes on our parish house.