“Founded 1725” boldly declares the cornerstone of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. Saint Andrews Episcopal Church history begins long before this building even existed. Let’s journey back.
The seeds of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church were sown in Scituate. July 28, 1725 marks the first gathering. Townspeople invited Rev. Dr. Timothy Cutler from Boston’s Christ Church. He led a service at the North Meeting House. For a few years, services occurred at a private residence. Rev. Ebenezer Miller from Christ Church in Quincy led these.
October 11, 1731 became a pivotal day for Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. Rev. Miller opened the first church building. Over 150 people attended. The wooden structure stood about a mile from here. It served as the parish’s home until 1811. Saint Andrews Episcopal Church outgrew it.
1733 saw the appointment of Rev. Addington Davenport. He was the first resident minister. However he left in 1737. Before leaving he donated land with a dwelling house and barn. Proceeds helped fund the purchase of land and building of a rectory in 1849.
Revolutionary War times proved difficult. Members of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church were suspected of loyalty to the king. Many faced arrest and imprisonment. Their prayers for the king and objections to Puritan taxes caused suspicion.
Early church records vanished. Patriots allegedly destroyed Rev. Ebenezer Thompson’s library. Church records since 1730 went with it.
A new chapter for Saint Andrews Episcopal Church began on April 24, 1810. A vote decided to move the church to Hanover. This depended on individuals building a new church there. Rev. Joab G. Cooper became rector in 1811. He retired in 1816.
June 11, 1811 marked the consecration of the new church in Hanover. Bishop Alexander Griswold blessed it. This was the first church to be blessed by him. Rev. Calvin Walcott followed as rector in 1818. He served until 1834.
Many rectors followed like Rev. Samuel Appleton, Rev. Eleazer A. Greenleaf and Rev. Samuel Cutler. Rev. Cutler served for over thirty years.
The interior underwent remodeling in the Gothic style around 1879-1880. The Ladies’ Dorcas Society gifted a belfry bell.
A small parish house was erected behind the church in 1902. It included a hall, stage, kitchen, and guild room. A clock was added to the steeple.
In 1911, Saint Andrews Episcopal Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in Hanover. A new organ and choir stalls were purchased.
December 24, 1986 was a sad day. Fire destroyed Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. But it was later rebuilt.
Saint Andrews Episcopal Church celebrated its bicentennial on November 6, 2011. Rare sermons, artifacts, piano, organ concert and old church history stories were displayed.
Today Saint Andrews Episcopal Church stands on Church Street. It sits in Hanover’s Four Corners village. This scenic village was the starting point of Hanover itself.
Saint Andrew’s Church history reflects resilience. From its founding in 1725, through challenges and triumphs, it has stood tall. Its story is one of faith, community, and enduring spirit.