History of St.Mary's

by John H. Fisher

A Mission of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey was formed as an offspring of Saint John's Church In The Wilderness, Gibbsboro, New Jersey. This was accomplished through the efforts of Mrs. Carrie Gibbs, Mrs. John Lucas and The Reverend Thomas F. Milby, Rector of Saint John's In The Wilderness. The original Church was built in 1890 on a small hill on the north side of Berlin Road near the center of the village. A cornerstone laying and dedication was held on December 4, 1891 under the direction of Father Milby. However with poor roads and severe weather conditions it was difficult for members and clergy to reach the Church so services were discontinued in the winter months for several years.

On October 25, 1900 the Church was placed in charge of The Reverend Thomas H. Gordon, Rector of Saint John's Church, Chews Landing. He was replaced on June 30, 1912 by The Reverend G. Wharton McMullen, who served until December 1916. Services were conducted by visiting Clergy and Lay Readers from 1916 until 1928, when The Reverend Raymond H. Miller was assigned as the Vicar of Saint Mary's Church. St. Mary's Episcopal Church Circa 1935

In 1939 construction began on the new parish hall at the rear of the Church. This hall was dedicated on May 26, 1940 by The Venerable R. B. Gribbon, Archdeacon under Bishop Gardner.

In 1953 a disastrous fire destroyed the original Church and damaged the parish hall. The parish hall was restored and a new Church was built. Dedication services for the new Church were held on December 19, 1954 by The Right Reverend Alfred L. Banyard, Suffragan Bishop.

In 1972 the steeple was added, highlighting the structure which now stands at the location of the original Church built over 100 years ago.

Rectors of Saint Mary's Church:

The Reverend Thomas F. Milby, 1889-1900
The Reverend Thomas H. Gordon, October 25, 1900 to June 1912
The Reverend G. Wharton McMullen, June 30, 1912 to December 1916
Mr. Henry Abbott (Lay reader in charge), December 1916 to February 8, 1925
Mr. Allen L. Atkinson (Lay reader in charge), February 8, 1925 to January 30, 1927
Mr. Fred Perry Sutton (Lay reader in charge), February 6, 1927 to May 1, 1928
The Reverend Raymond H. Miller, June 3, 1928 to October 1941
The Reverend Joseph T. Urban, November 1941 to November 1943
The Reverend Waldo D. Parker, January 21, 1944 to May 31, 1953
The Reverend Robert L. Helmick, June 1, 1953 to November 1956
The Reverend Richard E. Trask, November 1, 1956 to December 1968
The Reverend Ralph Edwards, January 1, 1969 to June 2, 1969
The Reverend Peter A. Molnar, September 28, 1969 to August 31, 1998
The Reverend Fred Krause, August 1, 2000 to 2003
The Reverend Dr. Henrietta Lavengood, March, 2004 to Present