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The names of the individuals are from left to right:
Father R. James Larsen, Kathleen Nealeigh, Tim Nealeigh |
Prior to the American Revolution there was the presence of the Church of England in the Colonies. Many of the churches served an important role within our quest for freedom of England. Times have changed and so has the Church. Before the Revolution, there was no Bishop in this county. The Episcopal Oversight was through the Bishop of London, but his supervision was long-distance. Because of the influence of Oliver Cromwell when he asserted the religious and political views of the Puritan party, the Church was vastly different from what it is today. The Puritan influence decided on a far simpler service, and without on-site Episcopal direction, many churches developed by the whims of the clergy and more importantly the wardens of the parish. Just before the beginning of the American Revolution, William White, Rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia [later one of our first three Bishops] rewrote a part of the Service of Holy Communion, in which he removed all references to the king and royal family, and substituted prayers for ‘the American Colonies.’ Some changes were also dictated by the economy, such as the use of candles which were too expensive to be burned during daylight hours. The colors of the season were conspicuously absent as were altar flowers. A drum called the faithful to worship.
But enough. Come and see for yourself, when St. Paul’s hosts the 1662 Eucharist as it would have been done in Virginia in the late 1600’s. This will be held on November 13th, when we will be giving thanks not only for our country, but also our forbearers in the Church.
This will take place at the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, November 13th at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 201 S. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
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