HISTORICAL NOTES ABOUT ST. PAUL'S

The information on this page began as "NOTES" FROM THE CURATOR " which was a summer filler for the Bulletin and developed into a six month project. A two fold project to discuss St. Paul's history and recognize and help celebrate our 150^TH anniversary. The Webangel (who is NOT the author) collected the Notes here for visitors and members to review and learn more about our history.

Our Curator hopes your knowledge of and interest in St. Paul's has been broadened. "Notes" did not cover all St. Paul's history, so you may purchase the book by Charles H. Stebbins: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Salem, Virginia - A History 1836-2000. An autographed copy may be purchased for $10.00. Copies will be on sale in the Parish Hall as will St. Paul's plates and mugs.

I refer the reader to Charles H. Stebbins' book "St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Salem, Virginia", chapter "A Time of Transition". The February 8^th, 1927 Vestry records provide an interesting bit of Church Social History. As Mr. Stebbins mentions, the Vestry of St. Paul's Parish agreed to provide a Miss Martha Duncan of Salem a monthly income of some $25 for the remainder of her life. Why? We do not know. To give an idea as to the value of this amount just three years later the Vestry hired a sexton for but $20 a month.

Church history might provide us with the "why". I refer you to "Colonial Williamsburg, Spring 2004, page 72, Virginia and Anglican Church History". During colonial Virginia the parish Vestry had the sole responsibility for the "destitute, including the elderly" and their well being. The Vestrymen levied a tax for not only general expenses (no voluntary pledge like now) of the parish, but also for the care of the poor. "The preferred method for providing support was to assist the poor in their own homes with food, clothing, firewood, payments of a doober's bill or cash in the form of tobacco. In 1693 St. Peter's paid "for keeping the widow Davis two months". Sounds like St. Paul's parish in 1927 and "Miss Martha Duncan". So does this, perhaps, explain the "why" for "Miss Martha Duncan's annuity" an amount greater than we were paying our sexton? What do you think? If you want to read more about the history of St. Paul's Parish, stop by the Parish Office and purchase a copy for just $10.

THE TOWER BELLS:

Fifty years before the installation of our Tower Bells, St. Paul's Tower would ring forth each evening with sounds of heavenly music. There was a "LP" player within the building and speakers high atop the old Tower. This gift of heavenly sounds to downtown Salem remained until the early 1960's. All was silent until the summer of 1994. It was then Bob Copenhaver's dream came together.

During 1994 he located a bell that had never been used. Good fortune prevailed and two additional used tuned bells were located making a "Major Triad". He then obtained the necessary donors for the bells and the tower renovation. The renovation of the tower was a major undertaking. There had to be a bell ringer's room just above the Tower Vestibule. A bell room is above the ringer's room. Above this room is the base for the spire. The Ringer's room is in memory of John Burress ( the father of the St. Paul's Spire).

The three bells 1,200 pound "G" note, 1,000 pound "B" and 350 pound "D" were installed July 1994. A crane hoisted the bells through one of the four by eight foot towers that had been removed. We must thank the builders of the church in 1910 for not constructing the opening any less in size. The clearance for the largest bell was about one inch to spare.

The largest bell, "G" has a toller that that can be rung for funerals or memorial services. Tolling an American Peal (all three bells) the ringer or ringers must do so from the bell ringer's room.

The bells are in memory of Joseph Logan, Jr. (St. Joseph's Bell) "G" note, Nancy Logan (Miss Nancy Bell) "D" note and Anne and Elizabeth Higginbotham (St. Anne's Bell) "B" note. These "tuned" bronze bells were manufactured by the McShane Foundry of Glen Burnio, Maryland. This foundry is the only remaining "Tuned" bell foundry in the United States.

There is room for a fourth bell. September 1995 a fourth bell was found, 210 pound "E" bell. This bell is still available for an agreed upon sum. Would it not be grand if a fourth bell was added so St. Paul's could really ring out some heavenly music with its four bell American peal?

Please see photo of the installation that hangs in the "Hall of Memories".

THE POST HOUSE

Was it 1812 or 1821? For many years 1812 was above the doorway of 42 East Main Street. However, this long time mistake was corrected a number of years ago to 1821. No matter which year the Post House was built it still is the oldest building on Main Street and has been designated an historic building. In 1952, at the time St. Paul's purchased the Post House, it was operated as a "Tea Room and Restaurant." During 1958 the two first floor rooms were converted into the first official offices for the rector and Parish. The original building was expanded into the current Post House in 1961. For a view of the rear section that was razed for this addition see the photos of the Post House hanging in the Hall of Memories.

THE OLD POST-HOUSE GHOST?

Have you ever been in the Post House late at night and heard a window open and close and you're the only one in the building? It has been said by some that they experienced a cold draft late at night when all windows and doors were closed. It's been reported there have been occasions prior to the 1962 addition to the Post House when gas jets in the parlor fireplace would come on or go out without anyone controlling the regulator. Roanoke College students studying in the parlor late at night have experienced these occurrences. Church members and staff have reported finding a ladder-back chair facing and within a few feet of the fireplace as if someone had been sitting there for warmth. Reportedly there have been times when a small table would be in the rooms center, a chair would be next to the table with a candle. College students during the 1950's reported attempting to use the restrooms (at that time the restrooms were outside the Post House). The doors would be locked from the inside as if in use. After waiting they would try again to open the door, the door would open, the restroom would be empty.

Legend has it during the War Between the States a Union soldier wounded during the Battle of Hanging Rock, was left at the Post House. He was to be cared for by the Inn Keeper. The Union army was driven from the valley and did not return for the soldier. He soon afterwards died from his wounds. Could it be this lone Union soldier is waiting for his unit to return for him.

There are those who discount these reports. However, this writer can attest to some of them. If there are those who do not believe that's fine, but Happy Halloween anyway! .

Tradition, what is a tradition? It has been said, do something once and it becomes a tradition at St. Paul's. The following are some of our Christmas traditions that have been done more than once.

The pageant has been held in the church as part of the service since 1870 and most years since. Some years it would be the Sunday morning service. A few times it would be a week day evening. Sunday mornings became the most popular. Another long standing tradition is the star and evergreen rope. The date of the first such display is not known, but it does date to the original 1870 church building. A photo of this tradition can be viewed hanging in the "Hall of Memories" or see the photo on the back cover of "A History 1836-2000." The use of the electric star in the original building is interesting since gas lamps were used to light the Church.

In 1968 St. Paul's first Chrismon Tree was lighted. The youth of the church supplied both the tree and lights, the ladies the ornaments. This was the second such tree in Salem, now it's every ones tradition. Then in 1970 the Tower entrance was enhanced with the Elizabeth Paxton Christmas Crèche. This crèche display is now dedicated to the memory of its creator.

Three other St. Paul's Christmas season traditions are the Children's Tree, 1982, now referred to as the Parish Tree; the outdoor live Nativity, 1982; and the Angel Tree, 1982. This tree was first referred to as the Mitten Tree. The outdoor Nativity was truly outdoor for the first fifteen years before it was moved from Market Street to the Tower entrance. The Parish Tree was first intended to be for the children to hang their ornament on the tree with the date of their baptism. Now all are welcomed to help adorn the tree.

If it only takes one year to make a tradition, what tradition have we begun this Christmas season? If we should break any of these fine traditions, would Christmas at St. Paul's still be the same? Remember, these wonderful traditions merely help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. May there be a blessed Christmas at St. Paul's.

CROSSES AT ST. PAUL'S:

There are four crosses seen only during two of the church seasons, Lent and Easter: The "Old Rugged Cross", Lily Cross, Children's Flower Cross and the Mite Box Cross. The origin of the Flower Cross is unknown to this writer. The custom on Easter Morning is for the children to bring a cut flower to church and attach it to the cross. This cross stands in the Tower Entrance. After the morning services, the cross is placed outside for the Salem Community to enjoy during the afternoon. The age of the cross is unknown, but it was rebuilt during the 1980's. If a reader has additional knowledge, please contact the Curator.

The cross that stands next to the Children's Flower Cross is known as the Mite Box Cross. This cross dates to the mid 1970's. Children, and adults, place their mite box in it. The cross has never been full. In recent years there have been fewer mite boxes returned each Easter Sunday for the special mission offering. Prior to the Mite Box Cross a plain cardboard box was used.

The first "Old Rugged Cross" at St. Paul's was Lent 1969. The trunk of the first Chrismon Tree, 1968, was used. This trunk was also used for the first "Lily Cross", 1969. This trunk, thereafter, remained the cross for the Lilies. The 1969 Chrismon tree trunk was used for the future "Old Rugged Crosses". The Lily Cross for many years was tended by a committee of four ladies of the church. A photo of these ladies hangs in the Hall of Memories. There is also a photo of the first Lily Cross hanging in the Hall. In the 1970's the Lily Cross was given yearly in the memory of the Reverend Frederick Griffith. Easter 1983 there were no Lilies on the cross, only the boxwood used for backing. This was the year the Frederick Griffith Easter Lily Cross Endowment was set up to insure the cross in perpetuity.

The idea for this cross came from Kathryn Garst and after Mr. Griffith's death suggested it be dedicated to him. Upon her passing in 1997 the cross was rededicated as a joint memorial. Gifts may be made to this endowment.

The year was 1984, the occasion, a St. Paul's Seniors' Trip to Glendale Springs, North Carolina. The, then rector, Bob Copenhaver, suggested to this writer we look into the possibility of having a columbarium such as the one under the Church of the Holy Communion. The original thought was to have ours under the church. This idea caused a major change in plans for the ramp from the Parish House to Market Street. It had been suggested to have the ramp come from the Chapel door, go parallel to the building, then right to the sidewalk. If there was to be an under church columbarium, then the ramp had to be changed and it was, to the current exit.

It was not until February 1990 that the Vestry appointed a committee to study the possibility of a columbarium somewhere "on, in or under." During February and March two surveys were conducted of the congregation as to the need or desire for a columbarium. The committee made five on site visits to churches having columbariums: St. John's, Bedford; St. John's, Roanoke; St. Thomas, Christiansburg; Trinity, Rocky Mount; and Christ Church, Martinsville. During this period of time the Vestry hired an architect who met with the committee. When the agreed upon site was set, the architect began submitting plans to the committee. The process went along rather well until the point of, should it be bronze or brick. The committee appeared equally divided, but decided to recommend bronze to the Vestry. The brick people did not give up and the rector called a special meeting of the committee to meet twenty minutes before the Vestry meeting to "re-visit" this question. The rest is history. The brick people won the others over and the Vestry agreed. A contract was entered into in September 1992. A change order during October added the Bronze Cross (the bronze people didn't give up). The columbarium was completed June 13, 1993. It should be noted, the south wall and gate of the Meditation Garden had to be moved. The gate now is at the entrance to the columbarium. The columbarium has been designed for easy expansion.

A sidebar to the construction was the stopping of work when bones were found where pipes for drainage were being laid. Did St. Paul's already have a burial ground? No, the bones were likely a cow. This is the general area where the Post House tearoom/ kitchen was located. See photo hanging in the Hall of Memories. The drain pipes are under the parking lot and connect to the city storm line at Calhoun Street.

One day during the late 1970's this writer and a long time member of St. Paul's stood on the back stoop of the Post House discussing the condition of the church yard. We both agreed it would be nice of the yard could be improved and such events as strawberry festivals could be held. This idea was passed along to the then rector, Bob Copenhaver. Some ten years later Bob Convinced the Vestry to pursue a plan to have the yard landscaped. There having been an understanding no general church funds would be used, all funds would be donated. It would be a memorial garden. This idea evolved into a Fellowship Terrace and Meditation Garden. Everything: lamps, lighting, benches, walkways, gates, walls would be memorialized. The one type of item that could not be individually memorialized were plants, trees and bushes. They would be memorialized in general. The Terrace and Garden were dedicated May 1, 1988. A plaque to the affect hangs on the Post House hall wall. While all this was taking place during 1987 a member of St. Paul's, Alice McVitty, advised Bob Copenhaver she wished to donate the well head sitting in her High Street front yard. This well head was brought to Salem by her husband during the 1930's from the Holy Land. A mill wheel, once used in a Roanoke River grinding mill, was part of this offer. Having these two gifts moved would prove to be a challenging endeavor. Since the north brick wall between the Post House and Church was already in place (as was a wall at the south end), a forklift and crane were needed to lift the well head and wheel over the wall to its resting place in the Meditation Garden. A sidebar to this is the two wooden benches in the garden were not the original benches. The original were of steel construction and half-barrel in shape. Upon agreement of all parties the change was made a few years later. The Louton Bench in the Fellowship Terrace was not a part of the original dedication and has its own memorial plaque. This bench did serve as the model for the others. Also, as promised, no general church funds were used for the grand improvement with one exception. The Younger Park building's brick wall was added with use of Younger Park building's Capital Funds.

Since that historic day in June 1966 when the skyline of downtown Salem was changed, there has been an ongoing series of comments. Does St. Paul's Church Spire enhance or detract from the appearance of the church? It was a clear, warm, late spring day when a helicopter lowered our spire atop the remodeled tower. If you were to stand in the tower under the spire you would be unable to see over the side without standing on a stepladder. Some of the comments heard since that day have been similar to those later heard regarding the "new" Prayer Book. Why change a good thing? That's not to say many people thought it was a grand improvement (both the spire and Prayer Book). The question is, how did it come about? The Senior Warden at the time, requested the Vestry to agree to a spire "to enhance the appearance of the church." If they did, he would cover all costs. The Vestry agreed. A search of Vestry records reveals just two entries, May 3, 1965 and July 10, 1966. There was at least one other discussion not recorded and one field trip to view a similar spire style of a Methodist Church in Southwest Roanoke. The Vestry, May 3, 1965, after the Senior Warden's persuasive discussion, "unanimously" authorized the architect "to design and have erected a tower addition to St. Paul's Church if and when the design is acceptable and the means are provided." The two conditions must have beet met since a year later we had a spire. The second and final spire Vestry entry was a called special meeting July 10, 1966. "Motion made and passed…that we thank Mr. and Mrs. Burress for the new steeple.

The tower spire was later dedicated to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Glenna Burress. The illuminations was not made permanent until 1993. Like it or not, we have a tower spire and the "new" Prayer Book. Visit the Hall of Memories, Parish House, view the photos of "before" and "now" and you decide.

During this same period of time, first six months (around 1965) the Vestry delayed action on the rector, Fred Griffith's, request for a typewriter . There are four entries in the minutes. The Vestry kept requesting additional information (cost) before authorizing the rector to purchase a typewriter for the office. Vestry never changes, do they.

THE REDEROS [Webangel note: The Reredos is the carved relief screen behind the altar]

During 1937 The Reredos was installed and dedicated to the glory of God by the Rt. Rev. Robert Jett. It is of carved oak having a polychrome finish. The Rev. Mr. Moncure designed this memorial. The paneling in the Sanctuary adjoining The Reredos is dedicated "to the glory of God and in loving gratitude to the Rectors of this Parish." The Reredos is below the East Window a.k.a. Altar Window or the Trinity Window. This window was installed in the new church in 1911. For the installation of the Reredos the window had to be raised four to six inches.

Now for a brief description of this work of art. The fish symbol behind the cross was used as a means of recognition by early Christians. This is called Vesica Picis. The Vesica holds "the fruit of the vine." From this symbol extends the rays of light into the world. The early Church's growth is represented by the two large figures of St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Peter is on the Gospel side "because he walked with Jesus in the days of the flesh and because of his associating with the Gospel of Mark." The panel on the Gospel side represents Christ before the resurrection. Remember his visit to the home of Mary and Martha. The Epistle side has St. Paul. Paul was the writer of most of the Epistles. The panel represents Christ after the resurrection on the road to Emmaus.

The Church down through the ages is represented by the four small figures: St. Chrysostom of Constantinople, representing the Eastern Church; St. Francis of Assisi, the Western Church on the Epistle side; St. Colomba of Iona, representing the British Isles; and Robert Hunt, Chaplain of the first colony at Jamestown, the Church in America, are on the Gospel side. In the paneling, the conventional "fish symbol" can be found. Above the Reredos are grape leaves and grains of wheat. The top of the Reredos has a Greek Cross. On the side of the cross are the symbols in Greek of Jesus and Christ, Alpha and Omega. Please view the photographs of the Reredos by James C. Malley, organist 1930's and 40's hanging in the "Hall of Memories", Parish House.

Prior to 1928 there was a straight hallway from the Nave to the church grounds; after 1928 the Parish House. In 1930, when the Moller organ was installed, one organ pipe chamber protruded into the hallway making it both narrow and crooked. The passageway remained obstructed and drab until 1997. The new Noack organ did not require the chamber. However, a smaller obstruction was added. The steps from the new chancel exit lead into this passage. That is when this previously drab hallway was transformed into an attractive useful chapel. The official name is "St. Margaret's Chapel", dedicated in 1998. The Chapel has both old and new appointments. The Altar Table is the original Altar Table from the "1870 church", the cross is from the old "Children's Chapel" and the eleven Chapel Chairs are new. Who was St. Margaret? She is a Scottish Saint who was Queen of Scotland, 1070. She died in December 1093 shortly after her husband, King Malcolm, was murdered. Queen Margaret was "most beloved and revered" by Scottish people. Her feast day is November 16. Saint Margaret is our Rector Emeritus, Robert T. Copenhaver's favorite Saint.

Have you ever wondered how long has the Cross been on the Altar? What happened to the pews from the 1870 building? Perhaps the following will answer some of your questions. The Altar Cross as well as the large brass vases are from the first church. The 1870 Altar Table is now in St. Margaret's Chapel. The 1870 Lectern is now on the Parish Hall stage (it was not white in 1870). A double chair used in 1870 is in storage awaiting restoration when funds are available. A small pew can be found in our St. Anne's School. The Baptismal Font was a gift from the Junior Auxiliary of St. Paul's in 1898. Both the Bishop's chair and the Priest's Chair were used in the first church. Yes, we are surrounded by our past. The history of St. Paul's is living.

Our first church building stood on the site of the present Parish House. The Parish House was dedicated October 24, 1926 to the Glory of God and erected that year in memory of Alice Chalmers. Mrs. Chalmers not only left a legacy for St. Paul's, but also to the Methodist Church. The Methodists built an educational building next to their church on College Avenue. Roanoke College now owns Chalmers Hall and the old Methodist Church is now a grass lawn. During 1972 what is known as the "New Addition" was added as the result of a major capital fund campaign. In the late 1980's the "South Wing" was purchased and added to the "New Addition." The corner property was owned by St. Paul's on at least two occasions. St. Paul's owned the land in the 1930's and 40's when a gas station stood on the corner. The main beam from the gas station may be seen today as part of the support for the interior wall of the "South Wing." A photo of the gas station can be seen hanging in the "Hall of Memories" in the 'new addition'.

Even in the early days of St. Paul's our concern for reaching out was apparent. The first reference to a mission was in Vestry minutes of 1916. We had a mission church on Bent Mountain until we closed it during 1920 because of the flu. Also, that same year the Vestry voted to sell St. Paul's interest in St. Andrews Chapel on Ash Bottom Road, northwest of Salem. It was closed in 1918 because of the flu epidemic. Four years later, 1924, St. Paul's founded Mount Gerizim Chapel on Twelve O'clock Knob southwest of Salem. Unfortunately, due to declining membership, it was closed in 1951. St. Paul's gave it one more try in May of 1965. Vestry records note the Vestry began a study for future expansion into West Salem/County. Vestry records show an active Committee from May through November of that year. November 1965 the Vestry expanded this study to include a school. The minutes are silent until September 1967 when the Vestry voted to confer with the Bishop per the diocese plans for future growth. This grand plan then withered on the vine.

RECTORY

Rectory, "a rector's house; parsonage." June 7, 1883 St. Paul's paid Col. Robert Logan the sum of $2,000 for the first rectory at 301 West Main Street. Prior to this St. Paul's rented a house to be used by our rectors. In 1905 St. Paul's sold this house and purchased a house for use as a rectory at Market and Clay Streets. The Rev. Meredith was its first occupant. This is where The Rt. Rev. Lewis, Jr. lived as a small boy. This rectory was sold in 1928 and Rev. Moncure upon his arrival first lived in a rental house. The 116 Lewis Avenue rectory was built that year and remained as the rectory for the rectorship of Rev. Griffith. The Rev. Copenhaver also lived at 116 Lewis, however the church sold the house to him during 1972. He and future rectors receive a housing allowance.

The last Sunday of June 1958 was like most summer Sundays, hot. In the attempt to be cool during services the roof vents would be open, windows opened and many worshippers could be seen waving the Salem Oakey Funeral Home fans. Main Street, US 11 and 460 was the I-81 of the day. Rev. Griffith many times had to wait for the trucks and buses to pass before continuing with the service. July 6, 1958 this all changed. The nave was cool; St. Paul's was now air-conditioned. In fact, St. Paul's was the first church in Salem to be so cooled. If you have one of the Oakey fans, your donation of it would be appreciated.

Two bishops of the Episcopal Church spent part of their younger years attending St. Paul's. The Rt. Rev. David H. Lewis, Jr., whose father was the Rev. David H. Lewis, rector of St. Paul's from 1922 to 1926. Bishop Lewis at the time was four to eight years of age. He was Suffragan Bishop, Diocese of Virginia 1980-1987, In later years the Rt. Rev. Frank H. Vest was baptized during 1936 at St. Paul's. During his college years at Roanoke he attended St. Paul's and was active in the Canterbury Club. Bishop Vest was Bishop, Diocese of Southern Virginia 1989-1998.

DAVID H. LEWIS spent a portion of his boyhood in Salem while his Father was Rector of St. Paul's. He also became an ordained Episcopal priest as well, and was later consecrated Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Virginia. David Lewis died in Richmond last April 16^th at age 83. Those who are interested in knowing more about this interesting man may read about him in Charles Stebbins' history of St. Paul's, available for purchase from the Church Office. This interesting history details the corporate life of our parish from the earliest days in the 1830s through the calling of Father Timothy to be Rector.

Facing Main Street is the West Window, aka St. Paul Window. It depicts St. Paul's trial before King Agrippa. He is pleading, "Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." Legend has it the German artist who created this work of art used many of the members of St. Paul's as models for each figure. Also, the baldheaded man is the artist. During 1946 the Vestry authorized the lighting of the St. Paul Window.

The first St. Paul's Church building erected in 1868 had a second story? The following is from "History of Roanoke County, Salem, and Roanoke City 1734-1900 by William McCauley, A.M. 1902 a brick chapel erected, with a second story of two rooms, which were rented and used for school purposes for several years. In 1883-84 the building was altered by removing the upper story. A photo of this building hangs in the Hall of Memories, Parish House.