About St. John's About St. John's
St. John's Episcopal Church was founded in 1702, to meet the needs of local Anglican worshippers. It is one of the oldest in this country, and may be the oldest in the diocese. The first church building was built on land given by John and Margery Hannum. This original building, a log structure, was located in what is now the cemetery. In the 18th century, the log church was replaced, on the same site, by a church built of brick and stone. It is the second church that existed at the time of the American Revolution. In 1844, the present "church on the hill" was built in the Country Greek Revival style. The present interior of the church has an atmosphere of quiet antiquity and almost Quaker-like plainness and simplicity.
In 1707, pewter communion ware given by Queen Anne, was brought from England by the first Rector, the Rev. Evan Evans, and has since been used by the 52 Rectors which have served St. John's. This pewter is still used on festive occasions - Easter and Christmas.
Later after the Battle of Brandywine, soldiers from both sides of the struggle were purportedly buried in the churchyard. William Weston who is believed to have carried the first Stars and Stripes in battle during the Revolution, is buried in the church cemetery according to a family tradition.
The church bell that calls people to worship was purchased in the latter part of the 19th century from the Holy Trinity Church in West Chester and moved to St. John's. The present bell tower supporting the 400 pound bell was constructed many years ago in loving memory of a former Vestry member.
The church is surrounded by 15 acres of open land, which will remain open and park-like in the midst of Concord Township for years to come.
Church Structure
The official governing body of St. John's, or any Episcopal Church, is comprised of the Rector, Wardens and Vestry. These positions are peculiar to the Episcopal Church and often need definition. So, the following descriptions are meant as aids to understanding how St. John's is organized.
The Rector - is the chief clergy person who directs the conduct of worship and oversees the spiritual guidance of the parish. In addition, the Rector is generally responsible for much of the administrative functioning of the church. In this administrative role, he presides over the vestry as chairperson and has ex-officio membership on all committees and parish organizations. The rector makes a report to the vestry each month about current activities and events of the parish.
The Wardens - are the chief lay leaders of the parish providing counsel and advice to the Rector. There are two wardens: Rector's Warden and Accounting Warden. The rector's warden is appointed by the Rector and the Accounting Warden is appointed by the vestry. The duties of the Rector's warden include assisting the rector in any area necessary, chairing the vestry meetings in his absence, and to be available to parishioners for questions and concerns. The accounting warden is responsible for the financial records of the parish and keeps track of monies coming in and going out.
The Vestry - consist of those parishioners who are elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting, and are grouped in classes staggered in three-year terms. The vestry's primary responsibility is to manage the corporate property and finances of the parish. The vestry also provides leadership in many areas of the parish's programmatic life, including assisting the rector in administering the programs and activities of the church. The vestry meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm.
Vestry Committees - the regular administrative tasks of the parish are divided among the standing committees of the vestry. These committees meet regularly and report to the whole vestry each month. The membership of the committees consist of both vestry and non-vestry members. From time to time, the vestry may appoint an ad hoc committee to assist in work beyond the present work of the vestry.
For a more in depth profile of St John's, please download the "Parish Profile" using the link below.
National Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church in the United States derives its tradition in worship and theology from the Church of England, but is an autonomous national church linked to other Episcopal Churches throughout the world by a shared spiritual life. In addition to combining Catholic and Protestant traditions, the Episcopal Church holds to a faith that is rooted in Scripture, enriched by tradition, tested by reason, and fired by the Holy Spirit.
The Episcopal Church is govern by a general convention which meets every three years. This body is composed of two houses: the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. The Deputies consist of an equal number of clergy and laity. In the time between conventions, the church is governed by an Executive Council. The Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, and his staff, administer the ongoing life of the Church from the national offices in New York City.
The Episcopal Church is made up of over 100 dioceses in the United State and areas of special foreign missionary work in Latin America. A diocese is an autonomous geographical area govern by a bishop. A state may well have more than one diocese; for instance, Pennsylvania consists of five dioceses. St. John's is part of the Diocese of Pennsylvania which serves the five counties of the southeastern part of the state. The congregations are further divided into 12 deaneries in our diocese. The deaneries serve as a communication link between diocese and congregations. Our parish resides in the Brandywine Deanery which includes 15 parishes and one mission.
The most visible sign of Diocesan life is the annual visit by the Bishop for Confirmation. The Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania is the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr. Since there are 162 parishes and missions in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, and around 41,000 communicants, the Bishop is regularly assisted in this ministry by retired bishops and bishops from around the Anglican Communion. The Diocesan offices are located in the historic district of Philadelphia.
The Diocese of Pennsylvania is steeped in history. It is the home of many firsts, including hosting the first general convention of the Episcopal Church, the first authorized American Prayer Book, the first Episcopal Sunday School, the first black congregation, and the ordination of the first black priest and woman to the priesthood. The Diocese is the second oldest in the Episcopal Church and the fourth largest in members.