Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church

St. Timothy's is an historic, traditional Episcopal church. St. Timothy's had its beginning early in Massillon history. James Duncan, founder of Massillon, was Episcopalian and in some ways was the founder of St. Timothy's for the first recorded Episcopal service in Massillon was held in his home. Mr. Duncan gave the land for the first building and served on the first vestry.

The church was incorporated in 1834 and the cornerstone was laid on September 29, 1836. Work was delayed by the depression of 1837, and it was not until 1843 that the building was finally completed and dedicated. Our church has been a beacon of faith and service ever since. A number of clergy and lay people have served the church well over the years. Probably the period of greatest achievement came under the leadership of The Rev. Edward L. Kemp (1885-1887), when great growth was experienced and several building programs were carried out. The old building underwent changes, remodeling and repairs over the years and it served the congregation until 1892 when it became evident that the church building was in poor condition because of inadequate foundations, and would have to be replaced. The last service was held in the old building on Christmas Day of that year before it was torn down to make way for a new church on the same site. The cornerstone for the present church and parish building was laid on July 6, 1893. The parish hall was completed in 1895 and was used for services until the church building was finally completed. It took several years and a lot of work, but the new church was opened for services on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1898.

Designed in Victorian eclectic style by Arthur Bates Jennings of New York, the church was built of gray sandstone at a cost of $30,000. The oak pews and much of the original brass and giltwork remain in place today. Our current building, now over 100 years old, has also been enlarged, remodeled, and renovated over the years. When a new organ was purchased in 1909, the chancel was lengthened by twelve feet. The altar window was raised in 1913, permitting the installation of new choir stalls and a carved reredos. In 1952 a small side chapel was created and named the Chapel of the Resurrection. In 1954-55 major repairs were made to the church roof and the parish hall was extensively remodeled. Because of its architectural design and the historic significance of its site, St. Timothy's was admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

We are all justifiably proud of our church. Our building is one of the most beautiful in the state, if not the country. It is truly an offering of beauty to our Lord. The architecture, the stone work, the slate roofs, the stained glass windows, the woodwork, the nave and chancel area, the altar, the baptismal font, and the pulpit all contribute to the beauty of St. Timothy's, and the beauty contributes to our worship.

Over the years many notable achievements, many significant events, and many milestones in the lives of our parishioners have transpired within the walls of our church. The worship at St. Timothy's is the traditional, inspiring worship services of the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. We have a history of excellent music programs and currently have one of the best small choirs in this part of Ohio. St. Timothy's has always had a strong Christ centered, Bible based Christian Education program and youth ministry. We have a tradition and a commitment to strong ministries of fellowship, Christian service, women's ministries, and pastoral and prayer ministries.

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion which uses rich traditional liturgies for worship and follows the Protestant theology of salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The authority of the Episcopal Church is Holy Scripture, interpreted by the tradition of the Church, and received by each individual through their inspired, yet fallen reason.

The people of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Massillon, Ohio, are committed to the Love of God and are called to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.