The Parish of “The Church of the Prince of Peace” began on October 13, 1929 with services being held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. On December 2, 1929, Confirmation was conducted by Bishop Sterrett with eight confirmands. Though no hymnals, prayer books or music were available, thirty people attended the Communion Celebration on Christmas Day.
A building fund was started in January 1930. Meetings and Services continued in St. Paul’s until 1937.Then services were held in homes until 1940.When the economic depression brought a halt to the steady growth of the Mission the parcel of land in Dallas and the existing Trust Fund were placed with the Incorporated Trustees of the Diocese until further development was possible.
The Parish organization was formally dissolved in December 1942. In 1949, with improving economic conditions hopes for an Episcopal Church in the area resurfaced.Services were held in the Shavertown Fire Hall with nine families from the original group attending.An Altar cross and furnishings for each Service were transported from St. Peter’s Church in Plymouth.
In May 1949, Bishop Sterrett visited the revitalized Mission.A gift of $5,000 was granted to the church by the Diocese for a building fund. Plans were approved and a fund-raising drive was started once again. Groups of the church held suppers, rummage sales, and other events to raise additional money.
On September 13, 1949 Bishop Sterrett officiated at a groundbreaking ceremony, with approximately 150 people present.After 40% of the construction was completed, costs were over budget. Church banks were distributed to help raise the money needed.
By December 1949, the congregation had grown in numbers and strength. The continuation of the building fund on the faith of the people had been justified. A rotating Vestry system was put into effect.
By February 1950, the building was enclosed, and the men were preparing to install floors and temporary heat. A Men’s Club was formed and members completed much of the interior work, such as installing ceilings, erecting partitions, and painting.By August, the Sanctuary was furnished. An organ was purchased and pews were in place, all made possible by memorials and gifts.
A Service of Dedication was held on September 17, 1950. More than 400 persons filled the church with many standing outside unable to get into the building. At this time the church had 231 communicants. Work continued inside the church. Monthly covered dish suppers sponsored as church family gatherings enabled all to get to know one another better.A Youth Group was formed in October 1950.On Christmas Day three hundred people received Communion at one of three Services.
In 1951, a tower bell was procured from the Lehigh Valley Railroad. A Junior Choir was started and eleven acolytes began training. A Young Married Couple’s Group was organized. They joined in an Easter gift to the Parish of pew Prayer Books and Hymnals.
The Altar Guild was formed, supplying the church with seasonal Altar hangings and other Communion supplies. The Men’s Club built and installed kneeling benches and painted the interior of the church. The Church School was organized with more than 110 children. The Dallas Library Annex was made available for the pre-school group due to insufficient facilities in the Parish House.
In 1952, attention turned to landscaping. Parking areas were prepared. The men painted the floors and walls. In June 1952 another 45 adults and children were confirmed.At this time the Rev. William Williams announced his resignation.In September of 1952, a call was issued to and accepted by the Rev. William McClelland.
With constant growth the need to expand the physical facilities became evident. A Building campaign was conducted. Plans were made to add to the Parish House on the ground level with an undercroft below this new section.This was finished and dedicated on December 8, 1957. The church was incorporated in May 1961 and therefore ceased to be called a Mission.
The Rector resigned in February 1962 to accept a call to Florida. The Vestry once again directed its energies to the calling of a clergyman. The Rev. John S. Prater was selected and called. He accepted the call and began services on the first Sunday of September.
In June 1964 a new electronic bell system was given as a memorial, replacing the old Lehigh Railroad Bell. In 1965 two lots situated behind the church were purchased.In 1978 the remainder of the property behind the church became available and was purchased, providing much needed parking spaces.
The entire interior of the church was renovated in 1974. The Men’s Group and Couples Club combined efforts and did much of the painting and carpentry work. The arrangement of the Chancel was restored to its original state, the entire floor was carpeted, and new choir pews were placed at floor level in the Nave. Growth continued and soon more space was needed for Church School Classes and other activities. An addition onto the side of the Parish House provided one large room on the first floor and two classrooms and an office below. Other improvements were made throughout the building and were dedicated in November 1976. The Parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee in October 1979, with dinner and entertainment in the Parish House.A new Allen organ was presented as a memorial in February 1990.
After much research a Coat of Arms was designed in 1993. From this design a banner was made and dedicated.It now hangs in the Sanctuary.
At the Annual Meeting in January 1997, the Rev. John S. Prater announced his resignation, calling once again for the people to search for a new Rector.
In August of 1998 Father Robert A Nagy accepted the call of Prince of Peace.During Father Nagy’s term, the Altar area was accentuated. Father Nagy introduced several new programs and services, such as Healing Services, Lenten Programs, Way of the Cross, Vigils, Parish Hikes and Supper Clubs.
In May of 2002 Father Nagy stepped down as Rector.Upon his departure, The Reverend Vivian R. Bennett joined us as an Interim Rector.In 2003 she became our Priest In Charge and helped to guide us through a period of self study.During Reverend Bennett’s time with us, Phase I of our Memorial Garden, located behind the church, was completed.
In January of 2006 The Reverend Mark Peter Harer joined us as the new Rector of Prince of Peace. Father Harer moved to a new Parish in July of 2007.
On October 1, 2007 Father James P Stevenson began serving as our Priest-in-Charge.
Prince of Peace Episcopal Church 420 Main Street Dallas Pennsylvania 18612 570-675-1723 princeofpeace@epix.net