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Calvary Episcopal Church

   

The lot for the church was given by the Rt. Rev. Robert B. Strange in 1910 but for lack of funds, and the services and leadership of a minister, it remained vacant for a number of years.

In 1923, with a special gift of one thousand dollars from the Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Darst, four hundred dollars the women of the Church had raised, and the members of other churches subscribing generously, plans were made to start the building of the church.

The actual construction began in April, 1925, under the rectorship of the Rev. Sidney E. Matthews but was not completed until 1949.  The lengthy of time involved was due to a large number of members moving out ot the county and the church's being without a minister much of the time.

But through perserverance and the untiring efforts of the members of the church, personal contributions of the Rt. Rev. Thomas H. Wright and other special gifts, furnishings were gradually added, most of which are memorial including the pews.

The window over the altar was given in memory of the Rev. Samuel Swann Barber by his surviving children: F. Collins Barber, Laura B. Brown, H. Hobart Barber, and Milton A. Barber.  And the organ was given by Virginia Page Spencer and Mrs. R.B. Farnham in memory of their grandmothers, Laura B. Brown and Naomi Chropshire.

In 1965 the Rev. Paul K. Mears and Hal Swindell rewired the church and installed new lights which were given by Esther B. Williams and Harry P. Brown in memory of Virginia Brown Crabtree: also installed at this time was a new pulpit constructed by the Rev. Mr. Mears and given by Annie Whitfield Jamie in memory of her grandfather, the Rev. Samuel Swann Barber

[NOTE:  This church is no longer in use and has been purchased by an individual.]

(Information from Hyde County History; Hyde County Historical Society; © 1976.  Photos taken by Edward Garrison)

© 2016 Kay Midgett Sheppard