The first services of the Episcopal Church in Hillsboro were held in 1851 in the Highland County Court House.
Bishop McIlvaine appointed the Rev. Noah Schenck in 1853 for alternate Sunday services with Troy, Ohio.
The name, St. Mary's, was chosen for the parish at the suggestion of the Senior Warden, Isaac Sams.
1854 - The Vestry resolved to "build a church worth $5,000.," however, the plans were rejected as too costly. A second Gothic design was approved and our present stone building was built for $12,000.
Bishop McIlvaine consecrated St. Mary's on October 25, 1855.
Our Founders stained glass window mentions: Professor Isaac Sams, Senior Warden; J. Milton Boyd, Junior Warden; Colonel William H. Trimble, Carleton C. Sams, Colonel William O. Collins, Alexander B. Sams, and William H. Bayard.
Three of our stained glass windows are worthy of note:
- The St. Cecilia window was executed by Charles J. Connick of Boston, one of the nation's foremost stained glass window artists.
- The beautiful East window, representing the Ascension of Christ, was given by the Beecher family in memory of the Trimbles and their four sons.
- One window was given in memory of Lt. Casper Collins, who gave his life trying to save his men in a battle with Indians, and after whom the city of Casper, Wyoming is named.
1885 - The Koehnken and Grimm pipe organ was dedicated. It is one of the outstanding instruments of its kind in the area.
1895 - A separate brick structure was built behind the church to serve as a parish house.
1907 - The present stone parish house was built around the original brick building providing a large parish hall and several smaller rooms.
1968 - The parish house is severely damaged by fire and rebuilt over the next two years.
1988 - "Renovate in 88" - a general updating of facilities was undertaken.
The church has become involved in healing ministry, outreach in the community and provides sacramental services based on the command of Jesus to "love God, and love your neighbor as yourself."
See pictures below of our Soup's On feeding program to our friends in the neighborhood on the last Saturday of each month.
Soup's On
Happy Boy eating
Soups on Dinner
