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Occasional services were held in
Blair as early as 1870, but regular services begin in April of
1882. The cornerstone for Old St. Mary's Episcopal
Church was laid on August 10, 1882. The church, cast in
1882, hangs know, atop the present structure.
The old church was built for $1000.
John I. Blair, for whom the town was named, was an Episcopalian, and
donated the land for the church. The Reverend W. E. Jacob was the first
rector, serving in 1882.
(source St. Mary's Church Cookbook)
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Occasional services were held in Blair as early as 1870, but
regular services with five communicants began in April 1882.
Parochial organizations under the name of St. Mary's Church
was effected in June and the cornerstone laid on Aug 10, 1882.
The Church was consecrated by Bishop Clarkson, for whom the
Clarkson Hospital in Omaha is named.
The bell cast to the Glory of God for St. Mary's Church in
1882 is still used to this day in our new church.
The Castetters and B. F. Hallers built the first Church for
$1,000.; John I Blair, for whom the town of Blair is named,
was an Episcopalian and donated the land, for the church. He
was a railroad-man and wanted to establish a town where the
railroads were, and churches were a good drawing card for the
growth of the town. Before the church was built they met in a
vacant store. The Pierces were staunch supporters, Mrs. E. C.
Pierce being one of the first members. In the drought -
depression years Mrs. Pierce, then a widow, gave room and
board to the young student priest who served the Church, so
they could afford to keep going.
The Women's Auxiliary of St. Mary's throughout the years have
held a Bazaar the first Wed. of Nov. with a delicious turkey
dinner which has always been well attended. There are booths
of various types selling homemade goodies, and needle work of
all types, plant sales and white-elephant offerings.
A boys club was formed called Hitchman Boy's Club in memory of
young Bill Hitchman, his father having offered the boys a
billiard table if they would dig out the basement under the
old church. This was for all boys of any denomination. They
also helped build the the Parish Hall where chaperoned dances
were held for young and old alike.
Father Wm. Shattuck was the priest in charge when our present
new church was built in 1967. This was a beautiful serene
church, and many beautiful gifts, have been given in memory of
loved ones. The stained glass window was given in memory of
Father A. Marsh's son, who was killed in World War I. He was a
Chaplain. It is respectfully lighted in the lounge when coffee
is served after services.
The former Ed. Mathiesen home is not the Rectory for our
priests. Our Present Priest is Father Jess Hanson who comes
highly recommended. Submitted by Mrs. S. Pierce Allen. |
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The Episcopal Church
is being Plastered which is an indication that it will soon be ready for
conducting services in.
Blair Republican Newspaper,
October 19, 1882, Page 3, Column 1
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