St. George’s in Waynesburg celebrating its 130th year
In 1854, George and Sara Elms and their extended family left Somerset, England, and settled in Swarts, near Rices Landing.
Elms served in the Civil War, and upon his discharge, he was paid $1,000. He used the money to move his family to Franklin Avenue in Waynesburg.
By 1886, he and his wife had 10 children. They wanted their children to be baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal faith. Mr. Elms had to write to the Diocese of Pittsburgh to find a priest. Bishop Cortland Whitehead came to baptize and confirm the children in July 1886. Shortly thereafter, the parish of St. George’s was born.
Others began to join the mission and gathered in the Elms’ home. In 1904, the congregation bought a lot on Porter Street and erected a tent, where they held worship services.
In 1908, they met in the East Waynesburg School building, using furnishings donated from a disbanded mission. They moved several times, but usually met in the Elms’ home or another member’s home.
Upon the death of her parents, the Elms’ daughter Lizzie inherited their home, and she continued to hold services there. She died in 1956, and left her home and $8,000 to St. George’s Mission.
In October 1956, her home and a lot on Porter Street were sold so the congregation could finally build a church of their own. On Sept. 18, 1960, construction began at Bonar Avenue and Fifth Street, site of the present church. The building was completed in 1961, and the church was dedicated.
Because of theological differences, St. George’s left the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh and joined the Anglican Church of North America in 2008. St. George’s Anglican Church is a member of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Today, the church continues its mission to reach out to the people of Waynesburg. The Rev. William Carpenter has an outreach with students at Waynesburg University, and also is a pastoral caregiver for the local Red Cross.
Deacon Barbara McMillen serves as a chaplain at Washington Health System-Greene Hospital in Waynesburg.
The church also offers a free lunch from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday.
A 130th anniversary celebration lunch is planned for later in the year.
St. George’s holds its weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. For more information, call Carpenter at 412-596-9359.