Religion

Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2026 20:56

St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church threw open its historic red doors in Canonsburg as a way to celebrate 160 years of ministry. Members offered guided tours and a high tea for visitors on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The Rev. Jim Miorelli explains the history of a processional cross and other Christian symbols during a ‘tour and tea’ last Saturday, May 16, honoring St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church’s 160 years of ministry in Canonsburg.

Rita Senay highlights features of the Saint Thomas the Apostle stained glass window at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Canonsburg during a ‘tour and tea’ event as part of the congregation’s year-long celebration of 160 years of ministry.

“Visitors discovered the beautiful traditions and history that we honor. We are a small church with a cozy feeling and, God willing, we are here to serve for many more years to come,” according to tour organizer Rita Senay.

The tour highlighted the church’s 18 stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ along with the church’s largest window honoring its patron saint Thomas the Apostle. Other artifacts on display included newspaper clippings and historic objects used during worship services.

Founded in 1866, St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church has worshiped in multiple Canonsburg locations before constructing its current building for $5,000 in 1901. Over the years, congregants have upgraded the facility, including installation of a series of stained glass windows during the 1950s and extensive renovations during the 1970s.

During its 160 years, Canonsburg Episcopalians have adapted to many changes. The Rev. Rosalind Brown, later canon librarian of Durham Cathedral in England, became the first female priest at St. Thomas’ in 1997. Congregants also showed innovative thinking by being among the first Washington County churches to livestream worship services during the Covid-19 epidemic in March 2020.

The church’s active ministries include a ‘Blessing Box’ to support those who are food insecure, a Sunday School program for small children, and a weekly AA meeting. They also host special annual services such as Blessing of the Animals and a Blue Christmas to remember loved ones who have passed. In 2022, the Canonsburg church partnered with St. David’s Episcopal Church in Peters Township to raise funds that successfully eliminated $1.68 million of medical debt for neighbors in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and eastern Ohio.

Learn more about the church’s history by visiting www.stthomascanonsburg.org or finding a library copy of the 2016 book The Middle Holds: A History of St. Thomas’, Canonsburg, and the Community it Serves by Samuel J. Richards.