Saint Michael's Episcopal church
Who We Are
Saint Michael's Episcopal church is a vibrant community of faith and service in the heart of the beautiful college town of Geneseo, NY. We are an intergenerational parish that values service to the community, the beauty of worship, and the fellowship engendered by the Holy Spirit. We believe we are growing in faith and love and strive to live lives of Gospel in accordance with the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are a scripturally based, spirit filled, and joyful community of seekers and strivers.
History
St. Michael's Episcopal Church began as a mission in 1819. The parish was formally organized on May 17, 1823 at the home of Ebenezer Belden. Services, at first, were held in the Court House until a house of worship could be completed in 1828.
The first Episcopal Church was on the site of the present one. Consecrated on January 18, 1829, it is described by Lockwood R. Doty in the following words: “This church was of the old type of church buildings with vestibule, west gallery and belfry and served its purpose well for nearly forty years.”
A cornerstone for a new church was laid in 1866. The plans for this beautiful brick edifice with its graceful stone spire were by the architect, Henry Dudley, of the firm Draper and Dudley, New York, and were the gift of Mrs. Montgomery Ritchie. The work was carried out under the supervision of C. W. Less, also of New York.
In 1891, a Parish House Society was formed and plans for the Parish House were the work of Heins and LeFarge, designers of St. John the Divine in New York City. Patterned after the gothic style of the church, it was completed in 1898 and was dedicated on St. Michael's Day of that year.
Consecrated at the same time was the Rogers Memorial Chapel given by Nancy Wadsworth Rogers in memory of her only daughter. The chapel is of a slightly later gothic style.
Since its dedication, St. Michael's has been enriched by many memorials. Stained glass windows by Tiffany, William Morris, and Pike Studios, along with tablets, chancel screen, gifts of brass and silver, etc., enhance the beauty of the interior.
