Newport in Perry County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Church of the Nativity

Perry County's Only Episcopal Church

— Perry County Bicentennial 1820-2020 —

The Church of the Nativity Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024

1. The Church of the Nativity Marker

Inscription.
Built in 1889, The Church of the Nativity was constructed by prominent Newport contractor John W. Hetrick in mock Tudor style. The adjacent 1893 facility served as the rectory until converted in 2004 to office and meeting space.

The first Newport Episcopal services were held in the home of Mrs. Elizabeth T. Moore Bechtel on March 28, 1875, assisted by Mrs. Sarah Kerr Hiestand, reported to be the first Episcopalian in Newport. Later, worship moved to the supervisor's office of the Pennsylvania Railroad at 3rd and Walnut Streets. A building lot was purchased on South 2nd Street in 1887, and the facility dedicated November 14, 1889.

Among the priests, two are noted for their length of service and one for being the first woman priest. The Rev. William Dorwart (1864-1927) took charge August 1891 and served until his death. A beloved figure, he 'grew' the parish and became known as 'the Rector of Newport' for his civic activities during his 36 years in the community.

In another generation from 1974-2004, The Rev. Canon William T. Warne II responded to the economic challenges of his time to help establish the low-income

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residences of Episcopal Commons, Newport and Episcopal Gardens, Thompsontown. He also served as a catalyst for many human service and civic programs. Historic St. Stephen, Thompsontown, founded 1827, merged with Nativity in 1984.

As a reflection of the changing roles of women in the Episcopal Church, The Rev. Daphne S. K. Messersmith, the first female rector of Nativity, served from 2005 to 2013.

Erected 2020 by Borough of Newport; Historical Society of Perry County.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Perry County Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 28, 1875.

Location. 40° 28.525′ N, 77° 7.722′ W. Marker is in Newport, Pennsylvania, in Perry County. It is on South 2nd Street 0.1 miles south of Mulberry Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 159 S 2nd St, Newport PA 17074, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania,

The Church of the Nativity image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 23, 2024

2. The Church of the Nativity

in the Susquehanna Valley,

and in Greater Harrisburg.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: David English, Sr. (a few steps from this marker); Citizen's Fire Company No. 1 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Citizen's Fire Company No. 1 (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Citizen's Fire Company No. 1 (about 500 feet away); A Montage of Memories (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newport Market Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newport 1895 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newport (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.