St. John's Episcopal Church marks 200 years with October celebration
The congregation also houses multiple nonprofits serving homeless and food-insecure residents as part of its two-century commitment to social justice.
NORTHAMPTON — St. John's Episcopal Church will mark its 200-year history with a celebration the weekend of Oct. 3-4 at its home at 48 Elm St. The church, which began as an Episcopal group meeting at City Hall in 1826, will host an open house and remarks from Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, and other leaders on Saturday, followed by a special bicentennial service on Sunday featuring Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, the first Black woman elected diocesan bishop in the Episcopal Church.
St. John's has become a center for social services in Northampton, serving as home to Manna Community Kitchen and other nonprofits dedicated to serving residents experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Over the past four decades, the church has launched or hosted the Northampton Survival Center, Manna Community Kitchen, and the Trinity Room emergency freeze overflow shelter. In 2018, the church completed a building expansion that added a commercial kitchen, elevator, showers, and laundry facilities to support its community programs.
The Rev. Anna Woofenden, rector of St. John's, described the church's mission as rooted in "faithful love of our neighbor." She said the church aims to serve "as a place of restorative justice, real healing and radical welcome." The words carved over the sanctuary doors—"Given to Hospitality"—have guided the congregation through generations, Woofenden said, from welcoming Smith College students to housing feeding programs and community support agencies.
Kathy Whittemore, a member of the church's senior leadership team, said the bicentennial marks both the church's longevity and its role in Northampton. "The church has really been a pivotal part of helping our neighbors in need in Northampton and acting as a place of worship where people can feel welcomed, healed and rejuvenated," Whittemore said.
Manna Community Kitchen Executive Director Niki Lankowski credited St. John's generosity with enabling Manna's work. Manna serves up to 100 people on an average day, many experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and food insecurity. "Manna's work would not be possible if it were not for the radical generosity of St. John's Church," Lankowski said, noting that the facility provides meals, showers, laundry access, and medical care connections.
Whittemore said the church is seeking to attract younger members in coming years. "In a world filled with divisiveness and feelings of uncertainty, many are seeking refuge in faith," Whittemore said. The church is part of Nourishing Beloved Community, a collaborative interfaith initiative bringing together local congregations for mutual support. Saturday's open house begins at 3 p.m., followed by remarks at 5 p.m. from dignitaries including Bishop Miguelina Howell of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass. The Sunday service begins at 10 a.m.