The first seven signers of the charter became the first vestry.

The churchmen look to the future when building the church, for the dimensions were 64 feet long by 49 feet wide with a chancel 18 feet wide and the depth not given on the chart.

1814

The Reverend Jehu Curtis Clay was first elected Rector October 28, 1814 with a salary of $500 payable half yearly commencing December 1, 1814.

1815

 "On the 6th of the present month, I had the satisfaction of consecrating a new church at Norristown. The size and beauty of the building does great credit to the zeal of the few members of our communion." Bishop White, in the course of his address.

The vestry authorized the trustees to purchase an organ for the church.

1816

Seventeen confirmed in St. John's Church.

1822

It is resolved by the vestry that the brass seal which has been procured, being about the size of a quarter of a dollar, with the inscription "St. John's Church" be established as the seal of the corporation and that it will be placed in the custody of the Rector.

1825

The following resolution was adopted VIZ: Resolved that each pew holder who shall on the first day of April next, be indebted to one years rent or more shall vacate his pew. But the pew rent of Mathias Holstein shall be paid out of the debt due him upon the books of the corporation.

1829

Meeting of the Vestry: Resolved that a committee be appointed to ascertain the expense of painting the outside of the church and the necessary repairs required to the fences and make a report to the trustees.

1833

The ladies of St. John's Church, in the borough, will hold a Fair for the exhibition and sale of fancy articles, to commence on Tuesday the 28th of May and to continue for three days at the Court House. The proceeds of the sale are to be applied to the repairs of the church and for the erection of a Sunday School Room. The Court House,will be open from 10 o'clock A.M. to 10 o'clock P.M. each day. Admittance will be 12-21 cents. Tickets to be had at the door on the days of the exhibition.

Meeting of the Rector and Vestry: Resolved that the congregation be requested to meet at the church on Good Friday to take into consideration the propriety of raising pew rents. Resolved that the Warden is authorized to purchase a bible for the use of the church. Resolved that the teachers of the Norristown Episcopal Church Sunday School are authorized to erect a building on the Church lot for the use of the school.

1840

A bell weighing without the yoke, 1082 lbs., was raised upon the tower of St. John's Church, this borough'. on Saturday afternoon last.

1841

Kindall's singing school was held in the Episcopal Sunday School Room, and I had quite a hunt to find it. Mary and I went together and were nearly the first there. I was sadly put out and almost dispaired of learning anything there this quarter, as Kindall keeps putting them to new tunes without paying any attention to the rudiments.

1844

An annual meeting of the Ladies Benevolvent Society was held on Wednesday evening, October 23, 1844, at Mrs. Boyer's. it was decided to furnish cushion and carpet for our Rector's pew in church. In January $50.68 was paid for fitting up the Sunday School Room with benches, lamps, stoves with the remaining proceeds of the last sale. Meetings have not been held regularly but called whenever requisite, the attendance usually small.

A new bell of exquisite tone was placed in the tower of the Episcopal Church in this borough on Saturday last. It was cast by Mr. Debozier of Philadelphia.

1853

Dr. Nathan Stem was interested in all matters involving the welfare of the community. His church thrived under his ministry. However, it was not yet able to provide a home for the rector. So Dr. Stem built a rectory himself alongside the church. The space in front of the rectory was termed "the green." Here Dr. Stem decided to place a fountain. In this position it would be a source of pleasure not merely to him and his family, but to the people of the town.

1856

The work of rebuilding and remodeling this ancient structure is now rapidly progressing toward completion. When the church was built in 1813, the cornerstone was never laid, so now with the work being done, the cornerstone will be laid with appropriate ceremonies on the 31st of July. When finished, this church will vie with any of the other churches in town, in points or architectural beauty. The whole of the building which is composed of stone, was partially demolished and the walls are now again nearly reared to their proper height, the inside being thoroughly renovated. The belfry, which surmounted the back part of the building, has been taken down and another tasteful and substantial one containing the bell will be erected on the front part facing Airy Street. The church is beautifully situated in the most central and convenient part of town and the congregation at present holds worship in a building immediately in the rear of the church.

1860

The Reverend John A. Woart, the newly elected pastor of the St. John's Episcopal Church of this borough, has formally accepted. We had the pleasure of hearing him a few Sundays ago and were much pleased with him. Reverend Woart holds Sunday meetings at Lafayette and Barbadoes Streets with many a large attendance. This area of the borough was known as a "tough" district - Fishtown. After three years, he left Norristown and became a chaplain in the United States Army. After the Civil War he served with the Army in the Far West, making long journeys to visit frontier Army posts that had no regular chaplain.

1861

The Warden stated that the late sexton had resigned and that an arrangement had been made with Joseph Burgents to fill the place, the salary to be the same as heretofore paid - eighty dollars per year.

1864

The Reverend E. W. Maxey, having accepted the rectorship of St. John's Church, Norristown, will preach his introductory sermon on Sunday morning next. His salary was stated to be $1800 and the Rectory.

1869

The Treasurer reported a statement, under a resolution calling for it, as follows: "Within the last five years there has been expended in the erection of a Chapel $9633.27.11

1870

Chimneys on church taken down to church wall and rebuilt to a point above peake of roof (cost not given.)

1872

The Reverend Octavious Perinehief elected Rector, but declined. The Reverend Isaac Gibson elected Rector -salary $100 and Rectory.

1874

The necessity of having ushers being considered by the Vestry as essential to the comfort of strangers attendant upon divine services.

1880

It being represented to the Vestry that the ringing of the Church bell at 7 o'clock A.M. disturbed and annoyed persons living in the vicinity of the Church was on motion resolved that the ringing of the bell at that hour be discontinued. A motion was also made to purchase four hitching posts and have the same placed in position in front of the Church property.

1889

Land was purchased in West Norristown for the erection of All Saints Chapel which work was carried to completion by Reverend John W. Kaye, the assistant minister of the parish.

1897

The committee on music reported that Mr. Alonzo Stone, the choir master, had handed in his resignation which was accepted and they had secured the services of Mr. Wilmer Bean at a salary of $250 per annum.

1898

A contract was entered into with Benjamin Quillman for wiring the Church providing lights for electric lighting at the cost of $600.

On February 17, St. John's Episcopal Church of this borough, was gutted by fire which began at 4:00 A.M., according to trucker Henry Fox of Cherry Street, who was on his way to the borough market. Although the origin of the fire seems to be a mystery, fire officials seem to think it might have started in the closet of sexton George W. Holmes. Estimate of the damage ran from $5000 to $8000 which includes the pipe organ.

1902

It is a desire to place a window in the new St. John's Church which shall be both a Memorial to those who have been baptized in the Parish and have passed into the other life, and a Thank Offering on the part of those still living who have also received the blessing of the New Birth through the ministration of St. John's.- Harvey S. Fisher, Rector of St. John's.

On motion of Mr. Newbold, the minimum charges for a wedding in the church shall be as follows: Sexton $5.00, Organist $16.00, Choir when desired $30.00 to be distributed as follows: Choir Master $5.00, Adults $1.00, Boys .50 cents. Balance if any to the Church fund.

1903

First Messenger

1905

From the Messenger - "We have at last been forced to install in the Rectory, a 'phone." Perhaps we have been selfish in delaying doing so for so long a time. We trust it may prove a convenience to all our friends and to the Parish. It is a Bell phone, No. 638A."

1906

It was announced that the members of the St. Agnes Guild would try to obtain flowers for the Altar without going to the florist unless necessary.

1908

Each Guild of the Parish has decided to place some memorial to our departed Rector, Harvey Shaefe Fisher, Priest who died at the age of 43. We are sure that it would give him all possible peace and joy were every member of St. John's to consecrate themselves anew to Jesus Christ and His Church, whom our beloved Rector served so loyally and faithfully.

1909

The services the Sunday after Christmas were greatly interfered with by the blizzard, which made church attendance for most of the congregation an impossibility. On the Sunday morning of the storm, we had present 27 in the congregation, while 9 members of the choir reported for duty, some of them coming from a distance of a mile from the church through drifts in some places four feet deep. The attendance compared favorably with that of other places of worship. One congregation numbered two people, another had ten, another seven, still another seventeen, one twelve, and so on.

The Rector, Reverend Fiske, spoke briefly and then introduced Mr. James M. Niblo, Superintendent of the Mission Sunday School. Mr. Niblo told the history of the Mission work from its organization.

1910

Episcopalians are interested in the announcement that the Reverend H. ST. C. Hathaway, of Burlington, N.J. has received and accepted a call to the Rectorship of St. John's Episcopal Church, Norristown, one of the most influential congregations in the Northern section of the Diocese. Reverend Hathaway succeeds the Reverend C. Fiske who resigned a few months ago to take a parish in Baltimore (from the Philadelphia Public Ledger).

1912

From the Vestry meeting of April 6th - To the Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of St. John's Church, Norristown, PA: Gentlemen: I agree to erect a rood beam of oak wood, as per sketch submitted, finished in stain and wax to a color to harmonize with the present wood work in the chancel of St. John's Church. To be erected and in place by October 1, 1911 for the sum of $950. The work to be approved by Reverend Hathaway, and upon approval, payment to be made. Signed by John Barber of Norristown, PA.

1914

It is with deep regret that we announce the removal from the parish of Mr. James M. Niblo, who has labored so faithfully at Holy Trinity, both as lay reader and superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Niblo goes to Tennessee to take up work among the mountaineer boys, under the direction of the Order of the Holy Cross. He hopes to continue his studies as a candidate for orders, while there, and to return in a year to enter the Philadelphia Divinity School.

1917

St. Agnes Guild was asked to donate some Christmas packages to send to the soldiers in France. As the time was too short to reach all the members, the Warden undertook to make up most of these packages and arrange for contributions at a later date. Some of the inserts were handkerchiefs, envelopes and soap.

1924

Mrs. Stauffer gave 24 pots of poinsettias and $1.00 worth of holly for the Altar for Christmas.

1925

November 14 - Special meeting with the Vestry to confer with Reverend James M. Niblo, after outlining his plans as to the future of St. John's and these plans having met with the approval of the Vestry, Father Niblo accepted the Rectorship of the Parish to take effect at once.

1927

The laying of the corner stone of the new Parish House last Sunday (July 17th), marked the initial step in actual building. The completed building will stand as a memorial to the life and work of Harvey Sheaf Fisher, who began plans for the building in his day.

1928

Blessing of new organ and organ screens.

1930

Laying of the corner stone at St. Augustines Church.

1932

A friend of the Parish donated a fully-equipped cottage at Ocean, N.J. to be used as a summer vacation home for our boys and girls and even grown-up members of the Parish, as circumstances and needs dictate.

Thursday, if clear, is our Picnic Day. All are urged to go with us to Chalfont. The train leaves Main and Markley Streets at 10:00 A.M. Our own people go free, friends for 75 cents for adults and 40 cents for children.

Father Niblo expects to move into his little house in the country, Oak Knoll, some day this week (May 29th).

1935

Quoted from Father Niblo: "On Wednesday evening last, the Young People's Fellowship entertained the members of the Parish. Nearly three hundred people accepted the invitation, quite the largest group we have ever had for a social evening together. The first hour was devoted to an entertainment by the young men and I could hardley believe that the ballet (?) was made up of my usually sedate and proper acolytes."

May 26th - The Vestry at the last meeting gave the Rector the authority to continue the services of the Reverend William N. Lanigan as a member of the Parish Staff, after his ordination to the Priesthood. I know this is good news to all, for this past year has shown the ability of our good Deacon Assistant to be of genuine help, which will be of greater service to the Parish when he is Priested and can give full time to the work.

1937

December is the month when we can officially work the first public activity of St. John's from 125 years ago. This anniversary year that we are keeping from September 1937 to September 1938 is one that should mean a great deal to all of US.

1938

The rededication of the Date Stone marking the year 1813 when work was begun on the Church building.

1939

The Gay Nineties, A Musical Entertainment was presented by The Service League on April 25th. Cast members included: Amelia and Sam Canning, Arnita Dunlap, Joseph Frantz, Mae Frantz, Mae and Eric Hallman, Mildred Mathaway, Richmond Kershaw, Mae and Frank Hullinger, Jack and Marie MacNamara, Katherine Kline, Phares Marshman, Rae Marshman, Kathryn and Russell McCoy, Betty and George Newton, Clarence Price, Earl and Alice Roth, Dorothy Roth, Virgil and Dorothea Templeton, Virgil Templeton, Jr., Edward Worrall, Dorothy Wells and Clella Whitman. (NOTE: Drum specialty in Scene Three is by Virgil Templeton, Jr.).

1940

The new Hymnal has been adopted. Many felt it to be a loss in the deletion of some 181 hymns dropped, but this is greatly made up by the new and additional hymns to be found in the 1940 edition.

1941

St. Agnes Guild, the Altar Guild of the Parish, begins today (February 9th) the observance of its golden anniversary.

1942

Today (Easter Sunday) is the last day that Sterling Marshall will preside at the organ and lead the Choir for some time. He enters the service of our country this week and we have no idea how long he will be absent from St. John's.

Sunday, September 27th, is Father Lanigan's last Sunday as a member of the staff of St. John's. Next Sunday, he assumes his new duties as Rector of St. Peter's Church in Phoenixville.

1943

Service of Blessing and Dedication of the New Way of the Cross presented to St. John's Church to the Glory of God and a thankoffering from Mr. and Mrs. H. Stanley Drake.

Service of Blessing and Dedication of the New Way of the Cross presented to St. John's Church to the Glory of God and a thankoffering from Mr. and Mrs. H. Stanley Drake.

The Shrine for Commemoration of Servicemen and Women dedicated - St. Martins (May Ist).

The arrangements have been completed for what the members in Church shall do at an Air Raid Warning is as follows: One of the Clergy will announce when the point reached in the Service permits, that the Acolytes and Choir will form in procession, leading out in their usual manner to the Parish House, followed by the congregation. On no account should anyone, except airraid wardens or others having duties at such a time, leave the Church, until the all-clear sounds.

A Shrine has been placed where the names of o ur men and women away in the war are kept and remembered in prayers into a better form. A small Altar will be erected there with the placques containing the names of all those away, placed just above the Altar.

The Boys of the Choir will go to Camp Taitt for a week's holiday as guests of the Parish in July. The Men of the Choir and Acolytes will be guests of the Rector at Ventnor on Saturday, July 27th.

1947

Last Sunday (May 11th) we appreciated having the Society of Maria SS. DiMontegergine, Solality in the Parish whose members are of Italian extraction. They made a Corporate Communion before this service and had their beautiful new banner blessed.

The Service League at its meeting last Tuesday, gave a check for $500 for the Improvement Fund of the Parish and authorized the purchase of ten dozen plates, cups and saucers and five dozen knives, forks and spoons for the kitchen equipment.

1948

(October 3rd) The newly renovated Parish House was dedicated and the new chimes were blessed today by the Reverend James M. Niblo, D.D.

One of the first improvements accomplished on our Church Property is the completion of a permanent parking site for six to eight cars in the Church Yard over by the prison wall.

1950

It is with a deep sense of appreciation that we welcome back at St. John's today, the Reverend William Neale Lanigan, who comes as an Associate Rector of the Parish.

Our young people of teenage have adopted a constitution under which they will be organized as a Parish group, with the name of St. John's Youth Fellowship.

1951

The special Michaelmas offering amounted to $500. This is one of the three sources from which we hope to secure the ten thousand dollars for the cost of present improvements being made in the kitchen and first floor of the Parish House.

1954

A special offering of over $1050 was applied to the cost of replastering the exterior walls of the Church.

1955

Two houses have been purchased on Marshall Street connecting our Church Yard with our parking lot on Church Street.

1956

The St. John's Parish Day School began its second year. This season a kindergarten will be conducted in addition to pre-kindergarten.

1957

Rev. James M. Niblo retires after 32 years in St.John's and terminated his active religious career which began 44 years ago. His assistant, Rev. William N. Lanigan, will assume the Rectorship the first Sunday of Advent.

The Army Reserve Center was dedicated in memory of one of our Parish boys who gave his life for his country in World War 11, Lieutenant Ray S. Musselman.

1958

The Rev. James M. Niblo, D.D., 73, Rector Emeritus of St. John's Church, died yesterday in St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida. He had been vacationing in Florida.

1960

The Rev. Harry St. Clair Hathaway, D.D. who during his earlier life was Rector of St. John's, died in New York. He was almost 90.

The Rev. Vernon A. Austin, Assistant at Trinity Church, Ambler, was the guest speaker at the Lenten Noonday Service at St. John's.

Father Grater left St. John's and will be Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Savona, New York.

1962

Kirke Bryan, a member of the Vestry and our Solicitor was appointed to head a committee for the celebration of our 150th Anniversary

The Married Couples Club changed its name to the Senior Fellowship.

1963

The Organ was rededicated after being renovated and renewed by its original maker, the Austin Organ Co., at a cost slightly exceeding $15,750, as a gift from the present congregation on the 150th Anniversary of the Parish which occurred last year.

1964

A new hardwood floor was installed in the pew areas of the Church. The old wooden wainscotting was replaced with Indiana Limestone at a total cost of $10,000.

1966

St. Agnes Altar Guild observes 75th Anniversary. A memorial gift in memory of Miss Welsh was given. Miss Welsh, who died last year at age 93, was active many, many years as head of Altar Guild.

1968

New front doors are being installed along with new ceilings in the vestibule, new lighting fixtures inside and out,and the vestibules are being lined with limestone.

1968

Palm is scarce this year and we are fortunate to have a little available to us.

1970

A solemn Eucharist of thanksgiving on Sunday, June 14, at the 9:20 Service marked the observance of Father Lanigan's 35th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.

Father Swayne and Father Hildebrandt co-chaired the Annual Supper and Bazaar held November 13th and 14th.

1972

The Chapel of the Resurrection will be officially opened for use on Advent Sunday.

1973

The Parking Lot in the Church Yard is now completed and available for use.

1974

Celebrations of the Holy Eucharist during the Holy Season will be held Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:10 P.M.

1975

Father Lanigan prepares to retire.

1976

A farewell dinner was held for Father Holliday.

Father Austin and family will be with us  July 1st and will conduct his first service Sunday, July 18th. The Rector's family includes his wife, Judy, a daughter, Virginia, age 9, and a son, Stephen, age 7. They will live in the newly-acquired "Rectory" at 24 Terrace Road in Plymouth Township.

The Rev. H. Gaylord Hitchcock, Jr. has accepted the call to become Curate, and will be with us October 3rd.

The 1979 Book of Common Prayer was used on a trial basis, and in 1979 was adopted as the standard of worship. Use of the 1982 Hymnal began in Advent of 1986.

1977

Marked the end of the Men and Boys Choir, and the establishment of a mixed adult choir with some paid professional singers.

A ministry was begun to the Montgomery County Prison, and continued for 10 years until the prison moved to its new facility in Lower Providence Twp. in the fall of 1986.

1978

St.John's Parish Day School closed after 25 years, due to declining enrollment, and increased need for day care which we do not have the facilities to provide.

1979

Inaugurated service in honor of Montgomery County Court.

Clam Chowder lunches began; proceeds originally to mission work, but for the last 4 years to the support of our neighborhood breakfast program.

1980

The choir began an annual series of Sunday afternoon music programs by the choir and visiting soloists.

1981

The congregation approved changes in the by-laws to permit women to be elected to the Vestry, and the first woman was elected to serve.

Through the generosity of Mr. William Elliott, the organ was rebuilt and a gallery division added in the rear of the church.