Architectural splendor is abundant throughout the Susquehanna Valley landscape in the many houses of worship. Each week in this space The Daily Item will feature a grandiose structure with information about its origin. Additional photos and historical information will be published about each structure featured as well as many others located in Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties. The full collection of beautiful treasures in the Valley will be published in a book titled "Domes & Spires." Look for it in September.
MUNCY -- Episcopal worship in Muncy dates back to 1797 when members held regular Angelican services in a local barn. In the early 19th century, the church worshipped in a local school house and by 1819, the church had adopted the name of St. James Church. Services on the present site began in 1832 with the construction of a plain brick church. By the 1850's, plans were undertaken to build a larger church.
A local architect was in the final stages of approval by the vestry, composed of men only, when Miss Susan Hall, a prominent member of the parish, stormed into the meeting. When she heard the details, she objected to a plain brick building and stated that it would be a proper Episcopal church, it would be stone, not brick and Mr. Upjohn would be the architect. Richard Upjohn was internationally famous and America's most prominent Gothic Revival architect.
The new Gothic Revival church in the English style was consecrated in 1858.
In 1863, the pipe organ was installed and was replaced by a larger instrument in 1915, and an elegant corona-style chandelier was installed in the chancel in the 1870s. Of particular note is the large round "rose" or "wheel" window high in the west wall.
n If you would like to share information about your house of worship's architectural splendor, please contact Lynn Bickel at lbickel@dailyitem.com or Karen Renninger at krenninger@dailyitem.com, or call them at 286-5671.
