Huron church to celebrate its history

HURON — A Huron church will host a new event to honor its 186-year history this weekend. Christ Episcopal Church, at 120 Ohio St., has planned its first-ever Founders Festival for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the church, located across from Lake Front Park. "Join our festival as we celebrate the history of Huron's oldest church," according to a church statement. "Volunteers will be in period costume from 1837, when Christ Episcopal was founded." Historical demonstrations, quilting, old-fashioned crafts, music performances and more activities are slated to occur. The festival's food menu will include soft pretzels, meat pies, traditional stew, kettle corn, cookies and cakes. History lesson Read more about Christ Episcopal Church's past here: The Episcopal Society of Huron was organized in 1837 and a cornerstone for a church building was laid on May 23, 1838, the church's websites states. At that time, the church was located on the village's original southern limit with the Rev. F.M. Levenworth as its first pastor, according to the Huron Historical Society's website. In 1839, the Rev. Samuel Marks took over leadership duties and remained in his position for more than 40 years. Soon, a steeple was added in 1876 and a bell in 1881. Almost 100 years later, the church received major upgrades in 1963, adding classrooms, kitchen, a fellowship hall, offices, choir room and meeting space. The sanctuary was upgraded too. More renovations followed suit. "In 1975, a newer steeple was erected and a modern impressionistic stained glass window of the Living Christ was installed behind the altar," the church's website states. "In recent years the church was painted, the entrance was made handicap accessible, a library was added, pew cushions and kneelers were installed and the organ was renovated." In its history, 19 people have lead Christ Episcopal Church. "The Rev. Eugene Smercina, who retired in October 2001, served for 36 years. In the early 80's, during his pastorate, the church life changed dramatically with the Cursillo Movement. The parish moved from a more traditional to a more evangelical worship, while maintaining an inclusiveness that promotes diverse worship styles. In 2003, the Rev. Wanda Ray became the first female rector, who retired July 30, 2014." The church's current pastor, Father Michael Floyd, has served the church since November 2015. Because it's one of the oldest churches in Ohio, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the church's website.