Our History
The Church of Saint Andrew was founded in 1708 and chartered by Queen Anne in 1713. The Church of Saint Andrew served as a hospital and headquarters for the British soldiers as the New Colonies fought for their freedom.
The Rev. Richard Charlton served as the Rector of Saint Andrew's during this time. He was the maternal grandfather of Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, who was the first canonized American Saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Along with her grandparents; her father, brother and sister are buried in our historic cemetery. The Rev. Samuel Seabury was called to be the first Bishop of the Episcopal Church while he was serving as Rector of the Church of Saint Andrew from 1777 until 1780.
Throughout our three hundred year history, the Church of Saint Andrew has remained a strong and active faith community dedicated to prayer, fellowship and community outreach. During the course of the week, you will find men from Project Hospitality sleeping in the downstairs of Hemsley Hall, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, AARP, Plays and Musicals being rehearsed and performed, Square Dancing, University Hospice Bereavement Groups, St Jude Children’s Hospital support group, Tai chi, Yoga, Recovery Group meetings, the Sons of Italy, Concerts, and lots of evenings of eating, dancing and fellowship.
We witness to the larger community as we prepare meals for Trinity Lutheran Soup Kitchen, house and feed the homeless, donate food to the Episcopal Feeding Ministry, fund raise for Episcopal Relief and Development (a world-wide organization touching the lives of people effected by disasters.), and through the efforts of our chapter of the Episcopal Church Women.
As you find yourself adding your fabric to the quilt we call Saint Andrew’s, there are many opportunities of ministry such as the Altar Guild, the Choir, the Evening Guild, the Men’s Club, the Holiday Fair, as a Lector, Chalice Bearer, Children’s Church leader, Youth Group or Acolyte, as a volunteer in the parish office or as a host for Coffee Hour.
Over the last 301 years, the Church of Saint Andrew continues to be "the friendliest church in the valley." It is a place where everyone is not only welcomed, but also embraced. We are a Church that is steeped in history, yet we remain open to hear God's Call to vision into the future.
Please feel free to worship with us. On Sunday, we worship at 8:00am, 10:00am and at 7:00 pm. During the 10:00am Eucharist children, ages pre-school through 6th Grade are invited to join us for Godly Play. Child Care is provided on Sunday’s and on special occasions.
