True Friends host Blessing of Pets in Montrose on October 15

[From Paul Walker and Randy Webster]

True Friends Animal Welfare Center has announced a Blessings of Pets and Open House for Saturday, October 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.  Father Paul Walker of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Montrose, and Father Randy Webster of St. Mark’s, New Milford and Christ Episcopal Church, Susquehanna, will be available to offer blessings for pets that come to visit the center.  Visitors may also adopt a new pet and receive a blessing as well!  Refreshments will be provided.  Donations of canned or dry dog or cat food, as well as dog and cat treats, will be welcomed.  True Friends Animal Welfare Center is located at Routes 706 and 29 in Montrose, PA.

True Friends began in December 2010 following the Pennsylvania SPCA decision to close the Montrose Animal Shelter in March.  The organizers contacted the management and negotiated an agreement that allowed for local residents to take over management of the shelter.  In April True Friends was born.  True Friends management is a dedicated team with a driven purpose to keep the shelter open for protecting the lives of our homeless animals.  They strive to be a non-kill shelter, committed to reducing homeless pets by means other than euthanasia.  The center’s success requires a united community, especially through financial donations.  Tax deductible donations can be sent to The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, 270 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801.  To volunteer or for further details you may contact Dory Browning at 570-396-6011 or True Friends at 570-278-1228.

Summer services at Stevensville begin July 9

A news release from The Episcopal Church in Upper Susquehanna County: St. Paul's Montrose (Paul Walker, rector), St. Mark's New Milford and Christ Church Susquehanna (Randy Lee Webster, priest)

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Stevensville has announced the opening of their summer services for Saturday, July 9 at 5:00 P.M.  Services will be held there every Saturday at 5:00 P.M. through September 3.  St. Matthew’s is under the care of St. Paul’s Church in Montrose.  The Rev. Paul Walker, Rector of St. Paul’s, will officiate and preach at the service.

St Matthew's Church, Stevensville, in what is now Bradford County, was established in 1799 by sheep farmers who came from Litchfield, CT, following the Revolutionary War. Along with their sheep, they brought their deep faith and commitment to the Church of England. However, the recent War of Independence meant that church was now reconstituted in the United States as of 1789 as the Episcopal Church. Their first services were held in a room over a store, but soon they moved to a church building.

In 1814 the church building burned and construction was soon underway for a new sanctuary. This new building, which still stands, was built in 1820 and consecrated by Bishop William White, the first Bishop of Pennsylvania, in 1824. This majestic structure has stood fast and faithful for over 185 years. It is reported to be the oldest building in the Diocese of Bethlehem still used as a church.

The sanctuary has been refurbished several times over the years, but the “modernization” was the conversion of the whale-oil lamps to kerosene. The original source of heat was a large pot-bellied stove in the rear of the church, which still stands. It is not disconnected for reasons of safety; charred beams under the floor are reminders of fires past.

The interior of the building has been kept as the original, including a balcony with benches, which winds its way along the rear and sidewalls. The windows are mainly clear glass, although there are several tinted or painted memorial windows. There are many interesting appointments and paintings in the church.

Due to changing demographics, St. Matthew's has become essentially inactive as a parish. Seasonal services and special events, such as weddings, are held in the building; and, it is the site of many pilgrimages. Since the early 1930's the care and oversight of the church was given to St. Paul's, Montrose, which is seventeen miles east of the parish on Route 706.

Christmas Festival, Lessons and Carols, Stevensville

From the Episcopal Church in Susquehanna County
The Rev’d Paul Walker, Rector, St. Paul’s Montrose
The Rev’d Randy Lee Webster, Priest, St. Mark’s New Milford and Christ Church Susquehanna

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Stevensville has announced its annual Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which will be held on Saturday, December 11 at 3:00 P.M.  The church is located on Route 706 in Stevensville.  The Rev’d Paul Walker, Rector of St. Paul’s, will officiate at the service.  Refreshments will be served following the program.

Everyone is invited to bring boughs of holly and evergreens to decorate the church prior to the service.  Because of the soft ground around the building, St. Matthew’s invites those attending to park at Frank and Mary’s Restaurant, just west of the church, and ride the wagon up to the church.

St Matthew's Church, Stevensville, in what is now Bradford County, was established in 1799 by sheep farmers who came from Litchfield, CT, following the Revolutionary War. Along with their sheep, they brought their deep faith and commitment to the Church of England. However, the recent War of Independence meant that church was now reconstituted in the United States as of 1789 as the Episcopal Church. Their first services were held in a room over a store, but soon they moved to a church building.

In 1814 the church building burned and construction was soon underway for a new sanctuary. This new building, which still stands, was built in 1820 and consecrated by Bishop William White, the first Bishop of Pennsylvania, in 1824. This majestic structure has stood fast and faithful for over 185 years. It is reported to be the oldest building in the Diocese of Bethlehem still used as a church.

The sanctuary has been refurbished several times over the years, but the “modernization” was the conversion of the whale-oil lamps to kerosene. The original source of heat was a large pot-bellied stove in the rear of the church, which still stands. It is not disconnected for reasons of safety; charred beams under the floor are reminders of fires past.

The interior of the building has been kept as the original, including a balcony with benches, which winds its way along the rear and sidewalls. The windows are mainly clear glass, although there are several tinted or painted memorial windows. There are many interesting appointments and paintings in the church.

Due to changing demographics, St. Matthew's has become essentially inactive as a parish. Seasonal services and special events, such as weddings, are held in the building; and, it is the site of many pilgrimages. Since the early 1930's the care and oversight of the church was given to St. Paul's, Montrose, which is seventeen miles east of the parish on Route 706.