St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Celebrates 190th Anniversary
by oldnews
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church marks 190 years in Ann Arbor in 2017. Old News has digitized hundreds of photos and articles beginning with the appointment of Rev. Gillispie to the rectorship in 1861 to a 2009 story of Svea Gray, mainstay of St. Andrew's Breakfast program. Grace Shackman's Then & Now article provides a great overview of the history of the church. The recommendation of Rev. Tatlock in 1895 to provide free pews so that all were welcome at the church foretold the mission of St. Andrew's to be inclusive, supportive and most importantly, a force in the community at large. The 39-year rectorship of Henry Lewis, from 1922 to 1961, embodied this spirit and became a model for all St. Andrew's rectors to follow. St. Andrew's was a social center for Ann Arborites as well. Their Easter Ball was the "society highlight" of the year, followed closely by their Guild Ball in December. The annual Christmas and Easter fairs raised money for the Church and for their charitable programs. Music remains one of the most noted aspects of St. Andrew's Church. Their choirs, organists, concerts and plays by the St. Andrew's Players remain not-to-be-missed events. The Canterbury House was a place for performance and poetry and protest. And of course, the building. From any view, inside and outside, whether chapel or vestry, details that have a history of their own. Be sure to include St. Andrew's, 306 N. Division St., on your next walking tour of Ann Arbor. You can also read about the history of St. Andrew's in books at AADL.
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