St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 139 North Jefferson Avenue in Canonsburg, will open its doors for ‘tour and tea’ on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. in honor of the parish’s 160 years of ministry.
‘Tour and Tea’ organized by members Rita Senay and Mary Pollard is one way the congregation is celebrating its anniversary.
“Visitors will discover 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 Senay.
Episcopalians’ warm welcome might be linked to their role as a “bridge church” that connects worship, theology, and music from both Protestant and Roman Catholic Christianity. The Canonsburg congregation includes “cradle Episcopalians” as well as former Methodists, Presbyterians, and Roman Catholics. Episcopalians are also part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the third largest Christian community globally.
Senay believes that, “St. Thomas’ Church is special because we are a small congregation but big on welcoming everyone, big on new ways to serve others, and big on success of prayer. Most importantly we are big and strong in putting God first.”
Founded in 1866, St. Thomas’ 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 became the first female priest to serve 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.
Visit on Saturday, May 16 to learn more about ways St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church has maintained a presence of Anglican Christianity along Chartiers Creek since just after the US Civil War.
Visit St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church online at:
https://www.stthomascanonsburg.org/
https://www.facebook.com/stthomascanonsburg