A history and timeline of Grace Episcopal Church, New Lenox — researched by Pam Bloom, Grace Church Historian.
The first service was held in the Methodist Meeting House which was located on Hickory St. between Cedar Rd. and Pine St. (the building no longer stands). Several families living in the New Lenox area asked the Rev. Sam Cowell, rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Manhattan, IL, to conduct services. Manhattan records say: “Rev. Cowell had charge of the Missionary Station at New Lenox – Will, Co., where he organized a Parish under the name of Grace Church and secured the erection of a [unintelligible] for public worship. He came by horse & buggy. This began a ‘yoked’ relationship between the two churches. It was hoped [that] the two parishes combined would support a Minister between them.”
While the Rev. Cowell continues to serve both Grace and St. Paul’s Manhattan, the search begins in earnest for a suitable site for the church. The Building Committee included Horace Wood, James Jones, and Caleb John Jones. Caleb and Alice Jones, founding members, had three children; Lawn Jones Morris, Legh Jones and Bessie Jones).
Caleb Jones asked B.R. Phelps, Jr., for a copy of the “College Chapel” book (See Letter Images Below). He then requested that he make drawings to build Grace in a style similar to Christ Church in West Davenport, IA. Phelps made the drawings for $20.00. The Prairie Gothic style was designed by New York’s Richard Upjohn, a well-known architect.
September 29, 1869
Two young residents, Thornton Haines and Ward Knickerbocker offered, free of charge, a lot north of Hickory Creek, southwest of Cedar Road. Materials had been delivered and excavation for the foundation completed when a very desirable location south of Route 30 was offered instead. On September 29th, 1869, this new lot was purchased from Austin Page at the northwest corner of Pine and Hickory Streets, in New Lenox, 160 feet by 160 feet, for $45. A second adjacent lot at this location would later be purchased from Austin Page in September of 1873 for another $45.
“Opened for Devine Service” — First service held in the Grace Church Building. Windows were boarded, rough-hewn benches used for pews, and a box covered by a red cloth for an altar. The church was literally built around members as they worshipped. In a letter to Bishop Whitehouse, dated September 12, 1870, published in the Journal of Convention that year, the Rev. Cowell describes the service as “very glad,” and adds “It was a great day of jubilee; the day beautiful; the crowd unable to find entrance; Church people from Manhattan, Lockport, Joliet, New Lenox; the Joliet choir and choice music; three surplices in the Chancel; an eloquent, manly sermon, from Rev. Mr. Turner, upon the text, ‘The Lord is in his Holy Temple: let all the earth keep silence before him”; a large collection and a generous hospitality….
February 1, 1871
The Journal of the Diocese of Illinois records that on this date, the Rev. Erastus DeWolf officially took charge of both the parish of Grace New Lenox, in connection with St. Paul’s Manhattan.
August 25
The Rev. Erastus DeWolf presented the first confirmation class to Bishop Henry Whitehouse. The first person to be confirmed was Mrs. William Gougar, Sr. A brass cross placed on the altar in her memory was engraved: In Memoriam of Clarissa Anna Gougar 1839-1899.
October 8-10
The Great Chicago Fire of October 8-10, 1871 was an event of such enduring fame not just because of the dramatic nature and enormous extent of the devastation, but also because of when and where it occurred. By the early 1870s, it was clear to Americans that the United States was being transformed into an urban industrial nation and that Chicago more than any other city seemed to embody that continuing transformation.
June
The Rev. DeWolf presented a second class for confirmation. This was the last visit of Bishop Whitehouse to Grace, as he died young two years in later in 1874.
A second lot (north) next to the church is purchased from Austin Page for $45. This would become home to the parsonage, later known as a rectory or vicarage. After that, the property became home to the parish hall.
February
The Rev. Legh Wilson Glass takes missionary charge of the two parishes (Grace and St. Paul’s, Manhattan) and served Grace for one more year. He was then called to take charge of St. Paul’s as Rector, moving his family into the new rectory in Manhattan, where he resided until his death on January 3, 1888. He is buried in Manhattan at St. Paul’s Churchyard. His wife was Eleanor Merrian Glass.
February
The Rev. Abraham Reeves, M.D., makes a request to Bishop William E. McLaren that Grace be incorporated into a parish. The request is signed by Reeves and 25 prominent men who were interested in the welfare of the church.
March 2
Bishop McLaren gives his consent that Grace, being entirely out of debt, would become a parish.
March 19
The Rev. Reeves calls a meeting of the petitioners to adopt a constitution and elect a vestry of the parish. The first vestry elected included: Senior Warden Thomas Jones, Junior Warden Ephraim Urch, Caleb J. Jones, W.R. Fellows (died 1895), Fred Wood, Sinclair Hill, Louis F. Gougar, Myron H. Kellogg, Dwight Haven and W.M. Emmerson.
Services had been held in Grace Church for 11 years before the building was formally consecrated. Bishop William E. McLaren of Chicago consecrated the church, a congregation of 19 families, entirely free of debt. John McKim was the Rector at this time.
The Rev. Legh (L.W.) Applegate becomes Rector of Grace, serving for three years in this position. Several years later, Applegate will return to serve grace in the early 20th Century as a much older priest, becoming one of two clergy to serve two non-consecutive terms as the church’s spiritual leader.
The bell tower is constructed in this year, dedicated to the memory of members of the Jones family’s parents: MaryAnn and Thomas (Thomas being the first Senior Warden of Grace Church). This is attested to the inscriptions on the stained glass windows above the entrance way to the tower’s vestibule (see image on the right).
The Rev. J. H. White was the rector in Joliet, but frequently held services in New Lenox. He later became Bishop of Northern Indiana.
In this year, the first rectory or parsonage was built next to Grace Church on the north side.
The Rev. William L. Sayers comes to Grace after returning from a mission in China. Afterwards he will give his entire time to mission work in Michigan.
October
New vicar Charles R. Hodge serves Grace for four years, until 1891. His wife’s name was Laura, and his children were Charles, Justine and Mary. He and the family are featured in the iconic photograph outside the church grounds (in 1900). He would return 8 years later in 1900 and served another year as Vicar. In 1888, he also took charge of the St. Paul’s, Manhattan, as Rector, in connection with New Lenox. During this time, on Sundays after Grace’s worship, Hodge would ride by carriage to Manhattan on Sunday afternoons and perform their services, before returning home to New Lenox where he resided in the Grace rectory.
Ethel Robinson Martin begins attending Grace via horse and buggy with her older sister. Ethel’s daughter Doris will also make Grace her home, becoming one of the families (Coopers) with the longest tenure at Grace through generations.
The Rev. Octavious Edgelow becomes Grace’s next rector, serving from 1893-95.
First Annual Grace Church Carnival. The Carnival was held on the farm of Caleb Jones. It included a dart booth, cane rack, milk bottle game, fish pond, Parcel Post Country Store, needlework booth and many others.
The Rev. Charles R. Hodge returns to Grace, eight years after leaving his first term. This time, he has three children with his wife Laura: Justine, Charles and Mary.
The Rev. Theoph S. Richey serves both New Lenox and Manhattan Parishes.
The Rev. James N. Hunter is appointed Priest-in-Charge for New Lenox and Manhattan Parishes.
A sample of the time period: box stoves used to warm Grace Church were replaced this year with a furnace installed for $150.43.
Grace Church, New Lenox, and St. Paul’s, Manhattan separate. It is written that after this happened that there was an increase both materially and spiritually.
A father-figure of the church, Caleb John Jones, (November 9, 1834 – March 22, 1911) dies. He was remembered in this excerpt from the Diocese of Chicago that April:
He came to Illinois with his parents and settled in New Lenox in 1861. For a time, the family were members of St. Paul’s Church, Manhattan. The time came, however, when it was possible to organize Grace Church, near New Lenox, and Thomas Jones became the Senior Warden and held the office until his death in 1881, when Caleb John, his son, succeeded to the office and held it until the present time…So, for thirty years, he has been Senior Warden of the parish and for nearly forty years a delegate to the annual Diocesan Conventions.
Caleb John Jones is survived by his widow, Alice Glass Jones, his son Caleb Legh, and daughters Laura and Bessie [Elizabeth].
A new rector is an old rector (again!). The Rev. Legh Wilson (“LW”) Applegate, begins his second stint of ministry at Grace. He and wife Rebecca return to New Lenox for his second non-consecutive term as the rector. During this time, Applegate starts the custom of The Harvest Festival.
November
A special service is held to celebrate the 48th Anniversary of the founding of Grace Church.
In this year, Grace Church is still recorded as a parish — an Episcopal congregation that is able to be self-supporting.
December
Written in the bulletin: Grace Church Messenger:
With regard to temperance, Bishop Charles Palerston Anderson says, “I am in favor of a dry Chicago and a dry nation, and I believe in supporting the national administration to the utmost of my ability.” President Wilson says: “If religion wanes in the country, the very life-blood of the nation will be dried up.”
June
Bishop Anderson appoints Franklin C. St. Clair “Student-in-Charge” of Grace and St. Paul’s, Manhattan. He was called Lay Reader in Charge.
October
Written in the bulletin: Grace Church Messenger:
The churches should be grateful to the fuel administration for allowing persons who are without other means of transportation to use gasoline on Sunday in order to get to church. Many a buggy has been called out of a well-earned retirement and all who have other means of reaching church have avoided the use of their machines. Better still, there is no indication of a tendency to use the order merely as an excuse for non-attendance at services. Grace complied with the order of the State Board of Health in holding shortened services in its well-ventilated and never overcrowded building due to the Influenza epidemic.
From the Joliet Sunday Herald-News:
“Special Rites in Memory of Fiftieth Year – Pioneer Families Support New Lenox Church Which Celebrates Golden Anniversary” Special service held at II o’clock in the Church followed by a dinner social at Grange Hall”.
Walter Marshel Cowell, Lawyer, 4240 Broadway, Chicago, IL, son of Rev. Sam Cowell (conducted our 1st service in 1868) sent a letter to Mrs. Alice H. Jones:
Due to the continual ill health of Mrs. Cowell we will not be able to attend the 50th Anniversary of Grace Church. I have sent kindly your invitation to my brother Herbert Cowell of Plainfield, IL. I can appreciate the fifty years of struggle since I first became acquainted with some of you dear people there as a child with my Father.
Also that month
Written in the bulletin: Grace Church Messenger:
Now that our country has entered the great war for freedom and peace, we need each other’s help more than ever.
Also in the Parish Notes: Why not buy a Liberty Bond and strike a blow for peace?
Memorials placed in the church over the past 50 years:
Pair of silver vases for little Paul Jones, son of Mr. & Mrs. Caleb John Jones
Baptismal font and processional cross for Eddie Haven
Brass altar desk & two brass vases for Mrs. Sarah E. Jones
Prayer Book from the Rev. T.S. Richey for his son
Brass cross for Mrs. William Gougar Sr, In Memoriam Clarissa Anna Gougar 1839-1899
Hymn board from the Rev. Charles R. Hodge for his son
July 26
Elvesta Monk Batson dies; her cause of death was erysipelas and pneumonia. She was married to Ceward Charles Batson in 1896 by the Justice of the Peace in Englewood, IL. Elvesta was the mother of Lucille Dolores Batson who married Will Drake, mother of Ceward William Batson and Clyde Mark Batson.
January 1919
Written in the Bulletin (Messenger):
Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Jones wish to express their thanks to the New Lenox people who assisted at the burial of the remains of their son on Sunday, December 8th, 1919. Services were held in a chapel in Chicago in the morning, and at New Lenox in Grace Church and at the cemetery in the afternoon by the Rev. L.W. Applegate, an uncle of the deceased. Mr. Jones was also related to Mrs. Caleb Jones and to other residents of New Lenox and vicinity.
April 1919
Excerpts from the Bulletin (Messenger):
As you know, every confirmed person, in order to remain a communicant in good standing, is expected to receive the Holy Communion on the three great feasts; Christmas, Easter and Whitsunday (The old name for Pentecost Sunday, the day described in Acts 2) or at least at the first opportunity thereafter, which should be within a week…
For four years the world kept Lent, but now we hear reports that the peace treaty will surely be completed before Easter. A Resurrection of a war-torn world on the anniversary of the Resurrection of its crucified Saviour…
Grace Church Roll of Honor: Ceward W. Batson, Squadron 6, Naval Aero Station, Pensacola, Florida.
May 1919
Bishop Sheldon M. Griswold is now working on plans for the future care of the work of Grace Parish, so that there will not be any break in the services.
In this year, electricity is added to the church. Also, in this year, the false ceiling of wood is laid on the bottom crossing of the scissors truss in the sanctuary. Lowering the church ceiling helped to conserve heat.
Grace celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year (see article to the right).
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Manhattan, IL, celebrates its 75th anniversary of the dedication of the church. Also, this year marks the 26th anniversary of Major John Henry Smale as Lay-Reader-in-charge. The New Lenox congregation joined with the Manhattan group and their pastor, Mr. Glenn Reddick, a student at Western Theological Seminary at Evanston, assisted at the altar with Arch-deacon Zeigler.
Grace Church entered the International Canning Contest “A Century of Progress” at the Chicago World’s Fair.
The Rev. Vernon L. Shattuck Jones began his work as seminarian-in-charge from Seabury Western Seminary beginning Lent 1936 (ordained a deacon August 3rd, 1937, and the priesthood in July, 1938, at St. Bartholomew’s Church Bemidji, Minnesota). He would return to Diocese of Duluth at conclusion of seminary June 5th, 1938.
June
The Rev. Shattuck Jones writes in the newsletter Grace Episcopal Church Missioner: “Church School is steadily increasing in number. The following families attend church school: W. Baer, C. Batson Sr, W Fulkrod, H. Gougar, E. Hobson, R. Pepping, T. Pugh, E. Roth, H. Senning and R. Stockley. There are still many unchurched young people.”
January-September
The Rev. William J. Wyckoff serves Grace for under one year. In November 1944, Wyckoff wrote Father Spinner a letter: “You may be interested to know that I am now deep in the wilds of New Guinea, a place which is undoubtedly one of the worst spots on earth. See Bulletin from St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Chicago Heights, IL, in our church archives.
November
A new vicar, The Rev. Ralph J. Spinner, B.D., begins at Grace. His son Peter Michael was born in 1943. Lived in Chicago Heights, IL, not in Grace Vicarage in New Lenox, IL. Spinner was a wonderful “cartoon” artist and we have some of his art in our Grace Archives.
March
New vicar Rev. John M. Cleveland begins his three-year tenure at Grace.
In this year, the vestibule of the church (the entryway) has been completed. The renovation work on the steeple nears completion.
July 18
As written in the bulletin The Good News of Grace:
Annual Church Carnival to be held on the Church lawn. Our Bishop (name?) objects to our having bingo, considering it is a form of gambling, it was decided we would have to eliminate our main attraction.” – Rev. Cleveland, Rector.
In this year, beloved couple Doris and Wendell “Coope” Cooper made Grace Church their home. Their children were Martin, David, and Wendy (Wendy and her husband Kevin Reeves are still members of Grace to this day).
September
On September 10th, Mrs. Elizabeth Pester died, followed by Charles P. Gougar’s death on the 18th of September.
There is a new vicar: the Rev. Kenneth Warren Hansen. Also in this year, the church sanctuary is raised, and an undercroft built as a “parish hall”. The undercroft is dug by hand and bucket through bed-rock. It was then expanded with poured cement and cinderblock. A new furnace is purchased for $800, with men of the church installing it themselves to save money.
The Rev. J. A. Hilton succeeds Hansen as the next Vicar of Grace.
June
The 55th Annual Grace Church Carnival. The carnival started in 1896 and renamed Country Fair in 1978. Featured a Parcel Post Booth. Committee members: Mrs. Sam Carr, Mrs. Ed Moths, Rev. Hansen, Mrs. Art Rowswell, Mrs. Bill Penn (Marie Penn’s MS are Bill, a judge & Bob) Miss Bess Jones and Mrs. Wilfred C. Sayers.
October
The new priest at Grace is the Rev. Harris C. Mooney, who is also a bachelor.
December
Another new vicar, in the Rev. Humphrey C. Dixon, also a bachelor. His mother Catherine lives with him. Dixon was born June 18, 1903 and died at age 61 on March 21, 1964 (and interred at Maplewood Cemetery, neighboring the church on. Oak St.)
A brass plate is engraved this year, saying: In Memory of Mrs Julia Gobush April 7th 1956
In the Bishop’s Report this year, Grace is listed as a parish reclassified as a mission.
July
The Rev. Richard A. Crist becomes the next Vicar of Grace, brining with him his wife Mary, and their children. Crist would leave Grace in 1964 to enter the U.S. Navy as a chaplain. After getting his indoctrination at Great Lakes he went to Newport, Rhode Island.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan, IL, closes. Their records and transfer of parishioners came to Grace New Lenox. Grace was considered a northern extension of St. Paul’s at this time.
June
A new priest arrives, the Rev. James Lovett Harper, along with his wife Sally Kelly Harper, and three children; James Jr., Mary Elizabeth, Catherine Kelly. Harper was born in Chicago Heights, IL, and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. This is his first parish; he was ordained a priest in the same month he started at Grace. The Rev. William Orrick, rector of the Church of the Ascension in Chicago, assists the Bishop in the ordination at Grace. This is the church that donated the pews to Grace, see below 1966.
The Couples Club meets on Sundays at the home of Joe and Elda Mae Gougar. This was a social club made up of single as well as married members of Grace mission.
The center aisle is made with “new” pews. The church now seats 100 people. Under the direction of George Fox, the old pews were removed, the floors painted, the woodwork was stained and varnished, and the pews from the Church of the Ascension, Chicago, were cut to size and refinished and installed.
Also in this year, the original rectory has to be demolished when the house fills with water and steam after the boiler malfunctioned. Harper and his family are living there at the time.
Frank Pester is responsible this year for adding a new 200-amp electrical service in the church.
Verna and Wilford Gratrick made Grace their church.
The second, current vicarage was built (costing $27,000) across the street from the church (southeast) at 114 N. Pine Street [lots 6 & 7 ($9,000) in Dochstader’s subdivision of block 7 in Tracey, a subdivision.]
August 17
The annual Country Fair is held and the most popular attraction was the Parcel Post Booth:
In this booth, we sell packages mailed to us by our generous friends. We charge one dollar for each package sold, and we ask the items be new and valued no less than one dollar – Copied from a letter written by Anna Parsons, Chairman, Parcel Post Booth 1969.
There is a new vicar, the Rev. William N. Hoelzel, III. His wife was Mary Jeanne Scott and they had three children: Phillip, Stephanie and Andrew. In 1975, Hoelzel’s annual salary was $8,700. In 2006, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Crystal Lake, Illinois’s website will write about its then-Rector: The Rev. William N Hoelzel, III: Early in 1971, Father Hoelzel was appointed by the Bishop of Chicago to serve as Vicar of Grace Church, a Mission in New Lenox, IL, just east of Joliet. Five wonderful years were spent ministering to God’s people in that lovely rural setting.”
Also, this year, a member of Grace Church, Verna Gratrick, is about to tackle new challenges at age 71. She has volunteered for the Peace Corps and will be going to Thailand next month for a two-year assignment. She has invited a Nicaraguan political refugee family to house-sit while she is away.
Grace was able to be readmitted to diocese as a parish (self-supporting). This lasts for just six years, however.
A memorial Electronic Organ is purchased. The funds had been given by family and friends of Ceward Charles Batson, Hazel Pester, August C. Rauch and Emma G. Rought, in loving memory of these departed members. Organist Judy Carr sets aside her salary as organist for years and placed it in the organ fund.
Storm windows are installed on the church stained-glass windows.
In this year, Fr. Hoelzel meets with new nearby residents Davie and Debbie Poole, inviting them to begin attending Grace Church.
March 17
(Harry) Frank Pester dies. He was a life-long member of Grace; baptized on May 22, 1902, confirmed on May 8, 1921; and buried from Grace on March 20, 1975. He left 20% of his estate to Grace which was approximately $80,000 in 1975.
In this year, Lois Schulz, “55 years young,” makes Grace her church.
These items are dedicated this year:
Two five-socket brass candelabras in memory of William Carson Lockwood by his sister Frodie Regan “Auntie Mame”. Two oak credence shelves in memory of Laura Jones Morris, Caleb Legh Jones, George & Ida Morris by Mary & Ed Morris.
The biggest fundraising event of the year for the ECW was the publishing of a cook book.
Notable parish burials in 1975: Wendell H. Cooper, Harry Joseph Mech, Jr. and Frank Pester.
August
The Rev. Carl E. Giegler becomes the next priest of Grace Church, bringing with him his wife Beverly and daughters Elizabeth and Jean (and they all live at the Vicarage at 114 N. Pine St.). Giegler will serve for 14 years.
Two crystal cruets with sterling sliver crosses ($41.86) purchased from The Albert Bailey Memorial Fund; Verna Gratrick’s father.
Annual Country Fair held at Grace. Pet parade, dunk tank, bazaar, roasted corn, live music.
Grace is returned to mission status with the diocese.
May 20
On this date is the groundbreaking for the Parish Hall addition, over the place on the lot where the original rectory once stood.
November 25
In this year and on this date, Grace celebrates 100th Anniversary of the consecration of its church building and dedication of Parish Hall, commemorated by the Rt. Rev. Quintin E. Primo, Jr, Suffragan Bishop of Chicago, and the vicar, the Rev. Carl Giegler.
The Pancake Breakfast, the Bake Sale and the Country Bazaar are held by the ECW (Episcopal Church Women) of Grace at the VFW Hall in New Lenox. Adults are charged $2.50, 6-12 yrs $1.25, 6 and under .50. Pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee are served.
House (west) behind church at 211 W. Hickory Street is demolished and grass was planted on the lot. (Lot 6 in Blk 5 Village of Tracy known as New Lenox, recorded April, 1859)
In this year, insulation is installed on the false nave ceiling of the church as well as being blown into the walls of the 1868 structure.
Worship in this year becomes so crowded that a third service was added (lasting just for two years, however).
November
Grace Church sponsors its first 10K run, a fundraiser; it includes 6.2 miles on paved roads in and around the New Lenox area. Registration is $5.00 in advance and $7.00 for late registration. Trophies were given. Tom Brunick was the chairman.
April
One of the century-old maple trees is downed by a windstorm striking the lower south east corner of the roof in the process. There is a patch inside the church to indicate where the tree damaged the roof.
The inspection of the cast bell is done by Schulmerich Carillons, Inc. The floor of the bell tower shows no adverse effects, but the cast bell stand needs to be replaced. The old clapper has a flat spot.
Spring
The E.C.W. (Episcopal Church Women) have decorative plates made with the church on it in this year, five of which remain in the Vicarage and one on display for the 150th Anniversary in 2018. The price to own of each plate was $10.00 each.
Summer
Excavation of the south foundation wall of the church/undercroft begins for reinforcement and waterproofing. The youth of Gracetook over the job of digging: Tom Leonhardt, Patrick Burke, Mike Webb & Rick Skolpik. The cost is about $3,000.
Burials this Year:
Edward Willis Morris: DOB January 5, 1907 – DOD January 29, 1985 (Mary’s husband)
Martha Emma Rauch: DOB January 27, 1898- DOD March 29, 1985
Wilford “Wil” Drake Gratrick: DOB September 26, 1913- DOD May 7, 1985 (Verna’s husband)
November
A problem with the roofline reveals that shoring installation needs to be done to support the over-stressed scissors trusses of the church. The crossbeams no longer hold the roof together and the side walls are starting to bow out at the top. All pews are removed and scaffolding is erected in the main body of the church. The congregation worships in the parish hall for about a year.
November 5
Ten years after his death, a resolution creating the Frank Pester Fund is signed by the Bishop’s Committee of Grace Church and the Rev. Carl Giegler, Vicar and Pat Whitney, Clerk. Mr. Pester left 20% of his estate to Grace which was approx. \
December
The New Lenox Minister’s Association presents a “Living Nativity” Tableau held at the Methodist Camp Ground. United Methodist, Christ’s Mission Lutheran, and Grace participated.
The Altar Guild members in this year include Verna Gratrick, Doris Cooper and Mary Morris. Their new recruit for 1986 is Dorothy Cooke, who serves for another twenty years.
The Couples Club changes its name to Pairs and Spares. Doris Cooper said the name change was so that singles or widows/ widowers would feel more comfortable joining the group.
In this year, the rotting shakes and cross on top of the bell tower were replaced. The tower was also secured from invasion of birds & animals. This was the fourth replacement of the cross on the 60-foot high bell tower. Wolmanized (pressure treated) lumber and white aluminum covers the exposed parts of the cross (work done by Renaissance Restoration, Inc. Galena, IL). Large letters were placed on the outside of parish hall. Dave Poole worked on choosing the right size and style of letters to complement our 19th century style buildings. The “Pester Fund” paid for both of these projects.
According to Hauser Art Glass, Co.: Thirteen “Grisaille” style leaded (pure lead) stained glass windows are inspected, and found to be in poor structural condition. The bracing is loose, fatigued, brittle and deteriorating. Some glass is broken or cracked. The wood frames appear to be sound.
September
Lois Schultz, Senior Warden, issues this notice: It is with much soul-searching & the deepest regret that we must lock the Church & Parish Hall buildings because we have been vandalized in the past months. Keys will be given to any active members of the church. Signed Lois Schulz, Bishop’s Warden.
The Rev. Graham “Pete” Berry steps in as interim priest while Grace searches for its next Vicar.
August
The next vicar is the Rev. James T. Nixon. He brings with him his wife Joan and children Katie and Matt, all living in the vicarage at 114 N. Pine St. Born in 1948, and ordained a priest in 1991, this is Nixon’s second call after serving in Humboldt, Tennessee as Priest-in-Charge for two years. After serving at Grace for six years, Nixon will go on to become Rector of St. Catherine’s Episcopal, Marietta, Georgia until his retirement in 2012. Nixon runs for bishop of Northern California in 2006.
December
This first annual “Hanging of the Greens,” to decorate the church for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Food, movie and a talent show follows.
In this year, major work on the foundation occurs. The foundation wall is re-laid and church is raised and supported by steel beams under the supervision and hard work of George Cooke. Materials and labor are donated by Bill Sieczkowski. This leads to a remodeling of the undercroft basement, adding additional classrooms, a library and a meeting space. The asbestos cement board ceiling is removed from the undercroft, done free of charge by church member Michael Marcheschi.
An antique hanging outdoor light fixture made of a base metal and brass, 33×15, c.1900, is purchased for $650 by David A. Walsh. This light fixture is placed outside of the bell tower in memory of David’s mother, Mrs. Helen Walsh.
Also this year, the church’s first mission trip is organized by the Rev. Jim Nixon to a flood site in Alton, Illinois.
September 11
Renovation of the undercroft and bell tower exterior light fixture were dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold and the Rev. Nixon.
The Youth Group, or EYC, goes on its first mission trip in 1996 to South Dakota.
Interior of narthex (bell tower) entrance is renovated. Solid red doors were replaced with glass doors which gave the sanctuary a more open view. Not everyone favored this change.
Also this year there is a second mission trip, this time to West Virginia.
Spring
The last official Ham Dinner at Grace New Lenox is held two weeks after Easter. For many years it was a great time for fellowship and food and was a good fundraiser, but the burden of pulling it together has become too great.
June
Jim Nixon leaves for Marietta, GA and the Rev. Jack L. Schauble serves as interim priest. The Search Committee was formed: Fred Hibbert, Dave Poole, Mike Russell, Lois Schulz, Tina Sherrow, Barb Sieczkowski, Steve Snyder, Bob Swale, Lyman Whitney, Brenda Carrier and Chair, Roger Whitehead.
Parish Hall carpet replaced (orange carpet 10 years old). Outside of church and entrance to parish hall was painted. New floor installed in entrance to parish hall. Handicap ramp and landscaping added to outside of Church. Dedicated in memory of Lyman Whitney’s mother Lucy Whitney.
A second Grace cookbook was published this year, (the first was in 1975).
Fall
The Rev. Susan L. Sommer is called to Grace, becoming its first female priest and vicar. Sue and her family, husband Rick and daughter Cady, move in to the Vicarage at 114 N. Pine St.
May
The Banner Guild begins life. The members are Deb Huddleston, Dianne Garrelts, Pam Bloom, Margo McDermed, Arleen Wobser and Paula Woods.
September 11
On the day of these terrorists attacks on the United States, the Rev. Sue Sommer holds a Service of Evening Prayer at the church.
A tabernacle is given to Grace by Miles and Rosella Snyder. It had been given originally by Rosella’s mother Olive, in memory of her husband, to St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Westchester, IL. When St. Dunstan’s closed in 2001 the Snyders asked the Diocese for the tabernacle so they could give it to Grace. The front has a lamb on it and a side brass plate: Remember Before God Burton H. Hawkins 1890-1963. A tabernacle is a small cabinet designed to contain the Reserved Sacrament.
The Sacristy and Vesting Rooms (rooms on both sides of the altar) are renovated by George Cooke.
A pillar of the community dies: Mary J. Morris (1912-2002) is buried in Maple Wood Cemetery, New Lenox.
The Paschal Candle is given by the Cooke Family in memory of Mary Morris, 1912-2002. A paschal candle is a very large candle in a very tall holder and placed in a prominent display. The candle is lighted throughout the Easter season, during baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Dave Poole forms a Columbarium Committee after sending out a questionnaire to see if there was interest in having one; it shows many people of Grace are interested. In 1984, Dave Walsh and a committee had looked at Grace having an outdoor columbarium but the funds were not there to support one.
George Cooke Sr. and Kevin Reeves remove historically inaccurate 1960’s paneled wainscoting from the nave and replace it with historically-accurate bead board wainscoting.
April
Rita Travis begins as the first female deacon, and first staff-deacon at Grace.
May
The Bishop from the “Old Catholic Church” comes to visit Grace: the Rt. Rev. Frederick J. Sansone.
July
The Rev. Sue Sommer leaves Grace, having served as Vicar for almost six years. The Rev. James Hardy Caldwell serves as supply priest and lives in the vicarage
A building addition project entitled “Growing God’s Grace” is put on hold due to the departure of Sue Sommer. The plan was to expand westward off the back of the parish hall, and would have added 4000 square feet of education space. Parish office would have moved from the vicarage to the undercroft. The plans that were also abandoned this year included a new, larger sanctuary on the property.
Fall
Vicarage, parish hall, undercroft and the outside of church are painted.
April
Dorothy Cooke and Pam Bloom go to the BMO Harris Bank (formerly New Lenox State Bank) to see what was in our safe deposit box. Upon opening the box they find nothing in it! The safe deposit box was opened in 1995 by Vicar Rev. Jim Nixon, Dorothy Cooke and Mike Russell, both Vestry members.
April
The First Annual Church Walk sponsored by New Lenox Area Historical Society for the Benefit of Schmuhl School Museum is held: tickets $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Showcasing: Grace Episcopal Church., Living Streams Church, Marley Community Church, New Life Church, Peace Lutheran Church & United Methodist Church of New Lenox.
August 26
The ordination to the Priesthood of the Rev. Rita Travis happens on this day. The Rt. Rev. Frederick J. Sansone, Old Catholic Church, presides and ordains. Assisting Priest is the Rev. Jim Caldwell, Grace’s supply priest.
October
A LeHavree Healing Service is held at Grace. All denominations are welcomed.
December 31
The Rev. Bridget K. Tierney begins as the next Vicar of Grace New Lenox, celebrating her first service with Grace on her birthday (New Year’s Eve).
Winter
As written in the Anglican Advance: The Rev, Bridget K. Tierney of the Diocese of Southern Ohio has been called to serve as vicar of Grace, New Lenox. Tierney began her new ministry Jan. 1 A 2003 graduate of Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Tierney most recently served as interim rector of St. John’s in Worthington, Ohio. Before that she served as interim rector of St. James, Columbus Ohio, and priest-in-charge of Trinity Church in Troy, Ohio.
February 17
Mardi Gras dinner benefit held at Grace to raise money for a new mission trip to New Orleans. Later that spring, a group from Grace went on the New Orleans Mission’s Trip. They took part in hands-on-rebuilding. Paula and Ben Woods, Rita Travis, Bridget Tierney, Margo McDermed, Chris, Roger & Elizabeth Whitehead, Diann Crawford, Dianne Garrelts, Ron Broud, Kathy Russell and Dave Poole.
Spring
Steve Snyder is able to determine the layer of colors from the plaster that was removed from the church ceiling. The layers of paint are as follows; 1. our current Beige, 2. very light Yellow (yuck), 3. light Beige about the same as we have now, 4. light Blue/Green sort of aquamarine, 5. dark Beige almost Pink (also yuck), 6. Light Beige, 7. Off White, &White, and any previous layers were whitewash.
A Garden Committee was formed to take responsibility for planting and general upkeep of the grounds. Sprinkler system is installed. Members: Diann Perry, Judy Broud, Astrid Ciaglia, Rhonda Kuk and the Rev. Rita Travis.
October
“Amazing Grace” headline on the front page of the newspaper. Pam Bloom, Church Historian, is interviewed about the history of Grace.
March
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee visits Grace Church one month into his new episcopacy.
Spring
Second missions trip to New Orleans. Margo McDermed, Kathy & Mike Russell, Chris, Roger & Elizabeth Whitehead, Diann Crawford, Karen Ziech, Kim & Kevin McGann, Debbie & Dave Poole, the Rev. Rita Travis the Rev. Bridget Tierney.
May
The New Lenox Historical Society holds their meeting in Grace Church. Pam Bloom, Grace Church Historian was the guest speaker. Marilyn Johnson, member of the altar guild and Pam Bloom found these items in the vesting room of the church:
Pair of small brass vases engraved: St. Paul’s Church 1903
Silver etched challis engraved: Virginia Carson Elwood Christmas 1973
Pair of large brass vases engraved: Sarah Eloise Jones 1840-1890
Tires silver collection plates in memory of Virginia Carson Elwood
given by her sister Frances Regan Lockwood
Pair of medium brass vases engraved: Church of the Advent November 1903
The Rev. Bridget K. Tierney leaves Grace and a new search process begins.
Grace Episcopal Church calls the Rev. Ellen Ekevag to be its 35th Vicar.
The sanctuary receives a face-lift, most notably in restoration to the interior and the removal of the red carpeting – thus reestablishing the original wood floors.
The parish hall is also renovated and painted to become more serviceable to the community as a revenue source for rentals.
December
The Rev. Ellen Ekevag is called to serve as Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in LaGrange, Illinois, and a new search process begins.
After a 22 month search, Grace Episcopal Church calls the Rev. Gregory L. Millikin as Vicar, beginning his tenure on February 1, 2018. Millikin, whose paternal ancestors hail from the Ottawa and La Salle areas of north central Illinois, is a former marketer in the film business who previously served as Associate Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Rev. Millikin is installed as the 36th Vicar by the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of Chicago, and becomes the first openly-gay priest to lead Grace Church – another boundary broken in the 150-year history.
Grace Episcopal Church officially celebrates is 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary with a New Lenox Community gala event, followed by a commemorative service on Sunday, November 19, 2018.
Watch the 22-minute film shot, edited and produced by Konrad Hedrich in honor of Grace’s 150th anniversary.
