The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1921-10-20
ZION EPISCOPAL CHURCH
CELEBRATES CENTENARY

NhufCh.
Only once in a hundred years can
an organization celebrate a century
mark in its existence. On Monday and
Tuesday, Zion Church Parish Of
Manchester, celebrated the centenary
Of the conservation Of Zion Church
building, thus setting il aside as a
place for the worship Of God.
On October II, 1921, Zion Church
was consecrated by the then Bishop
Griswold Of the Eastern Diocese. An
Episcopal organization had been in
existence in Manchester for a number
Of years. For II years after our fore
fathers formed an organization and
placed themselves under pastoral
care" they were looked after by an
Episcopal clergyman resident in Great
harrington, Mass, and church records
show that during those II years, this
clergyman visited his small Manches-
ter flock but eight times
Afer this period the needs Of Man
chester Episcopalians were looked af-
ter for some time by the rector at
Arlington. Finally a resident priest
was procured and since that time Zion
parish has always had rector.
The growth Of Zion parish has been
spread, therefore, over long span OF
years, and while its growth may have
been small, it has been continuous.
Through the kindnesses Of her
friends and efforts on her own part
Zion Church has been much altered
since il was consecrated, but the
building is the one consecrated cen
tury ago. Numerous memorials for
those who have passed on have added
much to the attractiveness Of the
church.
Plans for this event have been under
consideration by the vestry Of the
church for some time, and an enjoy
able program was arranged and well
carried out. This program consisted
Of reception at the home Of Mrs. A.
L. Cochrane on Monday evening, two
special services, one at s and one at
10 o'clock Tuesday morning at the
church, followed at 1890 by a lunch
con and speaking at the Worthy Inn.
Nearly 100 enjoyed the reception
at Mrs. Cochrane's on Monday even
ing. Rt Rev. George Y Bliss, Bishop
Coadjutor Of Vermont, and Rev. James
Flanders, and Rev. H. d. B. MacNeil,
the two latter former pastors OF Zion
Church, were the guests Of the even
ing. Many old acquaintances were
renewed and new ones formed on this
occasion. During the evening musical
selections were rendered by Mrs. l.. F.
Schlieder and Miss Clara McDevitt.
Mrs. w. A. Griffith sang two delight
full solos accompanied by Miss Jeanie
jackson.
At s o'clock Tuesday morning Holy
Communion was celebrated at the
church and at 10 o'clock the main SER
vice was held. The church was well
filled and a very impressive service
was held, Holy Communion being
again celebrated. Assisting Bishop
Bliss in the service, were the Rev.
James C. Flanders of Laconia, N. H.,
Rev. H. d. B. MacNeil Of Sherburne,
N. Y, Rev. w. j. Brown Of Wells, and
Rev. w. II. Bamford. Bishop Bliss de-
livered a short address, bringing
greetings from Bishop A. c. A. Hall,
who was unable to be present, and
from the Diocese. The historical SER
mon was delivered by Rev. James c.
Flanders who in a masterful manner
recited the history Of Zion Church from
the founding Of the parish about 1870
down to the present day, II is a diff
cul task to prepare an historical SER
mon or address and have it both com
plete and concise and Mr.. Flanders
the subject and presented the
history in a very fine manner.
At 1890 ninety-four Of the clergy,
parishioners and friends sat down TO a
delightful luncheon at Worthy Inn.
The very attractive dining room ar
ranged for the occasion, formed a
pretty setting for this very enjoyable
part Of the program. Musical num-
bers we're rendered during the dinner
by Mrs. L. r. Schlieder and Miss Clara
McDevitt.
After the dinner j. Ross Roberts Of
for many years a resident
of Manchester and a member Of Zion
Church, and Registrar of the Diocese /
of Vermont, took charge Of the post
prandial exercises. and for two hours
kept those present interested in vari-
Gus speeches. Bishop Bliss wa the
frat speaker ard he was followed b.
Rev. James c. Flanders, Dr.. +. l..
wyman. Rev. II. D. b MscNol Rev.
Jos S. Brown Of the Baptist Church,
Rev. ". A. McIntire Of Dandy. v n.
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