A Brief History of St. David’s Church

St. David’s is not the first Episcopal church in the Cranbury-Hightstown area: that was Trinity Church, an Episcopal congregation that met in Hightstown from 1859 to 1956. Attendance had dwindled by the time Trinity closed, but by 1967, a growing population in the area led to the establishment of a Cranbury-Hightstown-East Windsor Mission Committee, which began planning for a new congregation.

With the support of the Diocese of New Jersey, the mission group held its first celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the auditorium of Meadow Lakes Retirement Village in Hightstown on December 28, 1967. The mission group now had the authority to complete arrangements with Peddie School, Hightstown, to hold services in its Ayer Chapel on a regular basis. The first service at Peddie was a milestone event attended by about 60 worshippers.

As the year 1968 continued, events moved steadily toward the establishment of what we know today as St. David’s Church. An amendment to the diocesan Constitution and Canons allowing two or more parishes to establish and maintain a parochial chapel was passed at Diocesan Convention. Following the convention, clergy in the area held a general meeting to implement the new canon.

The name chosen for the new congregation — at the suggestion of two of the original members, Angela Holman, and Rae Kerr, wife of Peddie School’s headmaster — was St. David’s Chapel of Cranbury, East Windsor, and Hightstown, in honor of the patron saint of Wales. On July 7, 1968, St. David’s Chapel held its first official service at Peddie School with 97 people present. Following a search, the Rev. Laurence D. Fish was called as vicar of the new congregation.

In the early years, St. David’s received financial, physical, and moral support from other parishes in the diocese. However, the congregation was frustrated because it lacked the space for weekday services, meetings, and church events. A search was soon underway for a permanent space, and in 1973, the congregation purchased a six-acre lot in Cranbury.

Ground for a church building was broken in June 1981, and the first service was held in the new sanctuary in October 1982. In November 1987, St. David’s was recognized as a self-supporting parish by the Diocesan Convention. Fr. Fish stepped down in 2003, and in 2005, the Rev. Karin R. Mitchell became rector.

In 2008, the congregation celebrated its 40th anniversary, but parishioners already had their minds on the future, not the past. In June of 2010, St. David’s broke ground for a long-anticipated addition, and the new space was dedicated by Bishop George Councell n June 2011. It includes a large parish hall and updated kitchen; a new library named in honor of Fr. Fish; a sacristy and choir room; and new Sunday school classrooms. These new facilities not only provide a growing congregation with much-needed space, they enable St. David’s to continue its mission of offering hospitality to community groups and individuals who use the new parish hall and classrooms for meetings and other functions.

—with thanks to Helen M. Cushman, author of A History of St. David’s Episcopal Church, Cranbury
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​St. David's Time line
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A TIME LINE OF THE HISTORY OF ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Cranbury, New Jersey Originally prepared July 31, 2009; updated February 10, 2020 1785: Formation of the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. 1859: Trinity Episcopal Church, Hightstown, founded. 1956: Trinity Episcopal Church, Hightstown, closed. Thereafter no Episcopal Church existed in the Cranbury-Hightstown-Princeton Junction area until the founding of St. David’s. 1967: Planning for a new church, March 1967. Rev. E. Rugby Auer, a priest at Trinity Church, Princeton, Rev. Harry I. Lauer, Vicar of All Saints Chapel, Princeton, and Rev. William D. Roeger, Rector of St. James’ Church, Trenton, met with several Episcopalian lay people living in the Cranbury-Hightstown-Princeton Junction area. The meeting was to discuss a more effective ministry to that growing section of the diocese. 1967: First invitation to all area Episcopalians, May 15. On May 15th the invitation went out to all Episcopalians, regardless of church affiliation, to come together for a covered-dish supper, at 6.00 p.m., May 28th, at the Cranbury School. “The ministry of the church to our area is very important to us -- we are certain that it is important to you,“ said the invitation. 1967: First Steering Committee minutes, June 6. First recorded Minutes of the Episcopal Steering Committee. Those present voted at this meeting to change the name to “Episcopal Outreach Committee.” The meeting was held at the home of Robert E. Wright, 56 Brooktree Road, East Windsor. In attendance were Mr. Wright, representing East Windsor, Dr. George H. Rohrbacher, Jr., West Windsor, Mrs. Alexander Perritt, Hightstown, Mr. Harold T. Larsen, Meadow Lakes, Mr. Robert Pointon, Washington Township, and Mrs. Milton Carl Baxter, Cranbury. 1967: “Church without walls” suggested, June 29. All members of the Episcopal Outreach Committee were present at its second meeting, again held at the home of Robert Wright.. ideas put forward included the possibility of one priest serving several congregations organized by High School sending districts, the priest being a “circuit rider.” 1967: July 1-September 30, meetings in homes. Over the summer of 1967 The committee met several times in private homes, studying the feasibility of establishing a mission in the area. From the information they had on the number of Episcopalians in the area, and on the projected growth of these areas in the coming years they felt it would be essential that a mission be established in the very near future. The committee continued to work with the clergy and to receive assurance of their support and guidance. 1967: 70 attend pre-organization meeting, November 5. The meeting of November 5, 1967 was a pivotal event in the formation of St. David’s, a turning point that brought increased scrutiny of the Diocese on what was happening among Episcopalians in the Hightstown-Cranbury-East and West Windsor-Plainsboro areas. Seventy or more people attended the Communion Service, covered dish supper and Pre-Organization Meeting at Cranbury School, Cranbury, at 5.15 p.m., 1967. Bob Pointon discussed the population growth of the area--past, present, and future. Fr. William Roeger, Rector of St. James Church, Trenton, discussed what it would take in Time, Talents, and Treasure to begin a mission. Representing the Bishop, The Ven. Canon Archdeacon Samuel Steinmetz explained the canonical requirements. After the Archdeacon's presentation those present were asked to sign cards of intention stating whether they would attend a mission in this area if begun, if they would support this mission; and if so, by how much per year. Pledges representing twenty-four families were received totaling over $6,000 per year. 1967: Permission granted to hold services. December 13. Bishop Banyard granted the Outreach Committee his permission to conduct monthly services and meetings, and to schedule the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the auditorium of Meadow Lakes, in Hightstown at 7:30 p.m. on December 28th. 1967: First Christmas party. December 28. Christmas celebration for all confirmed Episcopalians, 7.30 p.m., in the auditorium at Meadow Lakes Retirement Village, Hightstown. 1968: Holy Eucharist and meeting at Ayer Chapel of Peddie School, February 4. About 60 people attended. Eucharist celebrated by Dr. Richard Toner, assisted by Canons John A. Van Sant and George Boardman. Clergy present included Fr. Roeger,Rector of St. James, Trenton, Fr. David K. Taylor, Curate of St. James’ Church, and Fr. Robert E. Clark, Rector of St. Matthias Church, Trenton,. Dr. Rohrbacher conducted the meeting that followed the Eucharist, held in the Peddie School Master’s house. Fr. Roeger reported to Ven. Canon Steinmetz that “There was a high level of enthusiasm.” 1968: Elliott B. Williams serves as Acting Chairman from February to June 1968. 1968: Holy Eucharist at Peddie, February 4. 1968: First stewardship campaign starts. February 24. 1968: The outreach group is recognized as an Episcopal Mission, March 28. 1968: Palm Sunday service at Peddie, April 7. 1968: Canon 34 new section 4 is passed, May 7. General Convention of the Diocese of New Jersey at which an amendment was passed providing for two or more independent parishes to establish and maintain a Parochial Chapel, subject to certain conditions. Briefly these required that the spiritual authority of the Parochial Chapel would be the Supervising Rector of the Parochial Chapel. A Vicar to be appointed by the Supervising Rector, and to exercise his ministry under the direction of the Supervising Rector, and to report monthly to the Supervising Rector. 1968: The Rev. William D. Roeger takes office as Supervising Rector May 16. May 16, 1968 Clergy met at St. James’ Church, Trenton, New Jersey for: Establishing and maintaining a Parochial Chapel in the area of Hightstown, Cranbury and East Windsor in accordance with the Amendment of Canons and Constitution as to Parochial Chapel of Several Parishes (adopted by Convention May 7 & 8, 1969.) Canons James R. Whittemore of Trinity, Princeton, George Boardman of St. Michael's, Trenton, and John A. Van Sant, Frs. E. Rugby Auer of Trinity, Princeton, Richard Toner of Peddie School Chapel, Robert Clark, James W. Heilman of St. Andrews, Trenton, Russell A. Smith, Christ Church, Bordentown, J. Wesley Vanaman, of St. George’s, Helmetta, David K. Taylor and William D. Roeger. The meeting provided the nuts and bolts needed for St. David’s Chapel to come into existence. Until then the Hightstown-Cranbury group, whether as a mission or an assisted parish, did not have status in accordance with the new canons. The cooperating parishes were to provide a minimum of $100 annually, and would vote for a Supervising Rector, would state their intentions to cooperate by means of an “Enabling Resolution” that would be drafted forthwith. The group - elected Fr. Roeger as Supervising Rector. -moved to petition the Bishop requesting his permission, blessing, guidance and direction for the establishment of a chapel in the Cranbury, West Windsor, Hightstown area under the provisions of Section 4, Canon 34. - drafted the “Enabling Resolution” -Moved to provide weekly Sunday services for the proposed congregation starting July 1, 1968, subject to the Bishop’s approval these services to be conducted by rotation of the clergy from the participating parishes. 1968: The name “St. David's Church" is proposed May 16. At a general meeting about 60 in all, met, and moved -- to accept, subject to the Bishop’s approval, the establishment of a Chapel under the provision of Section 4 of Canon 34. --Selected the name of “St. David’s Chapel of Cranbury, East Windsor and Hightstown,” The name had been chosen in a previous meeting when names were being discussed. When Angela Holman and Rae Kerr, wife of Peddie's Headmaster, suggested the Patron Saint of Wales; all present approved,. --Moved to accept, subject to the Bishop’s approval, the offer of Peddie School to use the Peddie Chapel as temporary-permanent home. --Confirmed the selections of the Supervising Rector Designate of the following Chapel Committee Designate, subject to the Bishop’s approval, and to serve until the first official Chapel meeting, tentatively set for January 1969 The first officers of the Chapel were Elliott Williams, Warden, Ruth Naylor, Clerk, and Harold Larsen, Treasurer. Fred Kohlhepp was in charge of Stewardship and Finance, Priscilla Baxter, Christian Education, Pamela Kerr, Altar Guild, Robert Adamski, M.R.I., David Benton, Evangelism and Public Relations, and Margaret Perritt, Activities. 1968: As of June 20, 1968, eight parishes commit $6,050 in funds for the support of St. David’s. The figure, adjusted for inflation, has the same buying power as $38,240.87 in 2008. These parishes were St. George’s Church, Helmetta, Grace-St. Paul’s Church, Trenton, St. James Church, Trenton, St. Matthias Church, Trenton, Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, Trinity Church, Princeton, St. Peter’s Church , Spotswood, and St. Andrew’s Church, Trenton. About half that amount would be made available by December 1968. 1968: Elliott B. Williams takes office as warden, June 2. 1968: Name “St. David’s Chapel" selected, June 2. 1968: First regularly scheduled Sunday service, July 7. The Rev. James Heilman, Rector of t. Andrew’s, Trenton, as celebrant., at Peddie Chapel. Assisting clergy included The Rev. Laurence D.Fish, Jr., Rector of The Church of the Holy Spirit, Bellmawr. 97 people attended. 1968: The Rev. Laurence Fish serves as celebrant and preacher at St. David’s Chapel, July 28. 1968: Organist appointed at $50 per month, July 31. 1968: Fr. Fish accepts call to St David’s, September 10. 1968: Altar Guild Members organized in September. The first Altar Guild members: Kay Benton (Mrs. David), Barb Erikson (Mrs.L.N.), Ann Erikson (Miss), Angela Holman (Mrs. J. Michael), Rae Kerr (Mrs. Albert L.), Jane Mariboe (Mrs. W. H.), Ruth Naylor (Mrs. Leonard), Arlette Naylor (Mrs. James), Sally Strong (Mrs. Philip L.), Mary Williams (Mrs. Elliott B.), June Kohlhepp (Mrs. Fred.) 1968: First baptism, September 29. September 29, 1968: first baptism at St. David’s: Jay C. Ball, parents: Jess and Jacqueline Ball. Acolyte Charles (Bud) Seymour assisted. 1968: First church newsletter, forerunner of “The Tablet,” undated, distributed in either September or October. October 1968: St. David’s Newsletter published, announced as the first of a series of monthly newsletters. The Newsletter has been published continuously since this issue. 1968: The Rev. Laurence D. Fish, Sr. takes office as Vicar, November 1. 1969: First Annual Meeting, January 5. January 5th was the date of the first Annual Meeting, a covered dish supper at the Hightstown Baptist Church. Official membership was 103, and the first slate of elected officers were Warden, Elliott Williams, Ruth Naylor, Clerk, Charles Seymour, Treasurer, Milton Baxter, Assistant Treasurer, Members-at-Large, Harold Larsen, Sally Strong, Helene Klein and Linton Ousley. The Palm Sunday Christian Unity and Witness March for all Hightstown churches began at St. Anthony's, processed through Hightstown gathering other churches and ended with an outdoor service at the Peddie Chapel with an estimated 500 worshipers attending. In May Bishop Banyard made his first visitation and confirmed eight young people and two adults. The men of St. David's were cordially invited to use the facilities of the Peddie gym on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Attendance records were not kept. On St. David's first anniversary Fr. Roeger inducted Fred Kohlhepp as our second Warden. As the year came to a close, Charles Seymour reported that the balance on hand was $1,063.61, with a shortage of $2,103.09. 1969: Planning Meeting for ECW, January 20. Meeting to plan for an Episcopal Churchwomen’s branch in St. David’s, held at the home of Margaret Perritt. Organization of the Episcopal Church Women of St. David’s, a group that developed an active program of outreach, fund raising. 1969: Bishop Banyard makes the first Annual Episcopal Visitation to St. David’s, May 25. 1970: Fr. Roeger accepts call to be Rector at Bloomfield, March 2. 1970: The Rev. David K. Taylor, Associate at St. James, Trenton, becomes Acting Supervising Rector, April 2. St. David’s Chapel was now able to provide a ministry to the community, a place to worship, administration of the sacraments, visitation to the sick, and a Christian education. That year a new Christian education program was adopted to provide a biblically centered and and meaningful education for its children. “The need for a readily accessible, worship-place for weekday services and church school activities, as well as fellowship functions not only for St. David's but for the larger community, forced the congregation to revise the original ideas and seek a building of its own. An early effort in February was discouraged by the- Supervising Rector-Elect Fr. Taylor: "We will not at this time purchase the property now occupied by 5t,. Paul's Lutheran Church and the adjoining home." 1971: The Rev. Charles E. Walling, Rector of St. Matthias Church, Trenton, takes office as Supervising Rector, February 3. 1971: Patrick W. Campbell takes office as Senior Warden. 1971: Building and Land Investigation Committee formed. Two years were spent in investigation of possible land sites until finally, on November 26th, we entered into a contract with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hostetler for 5.8 acres of land on the Cranbury-Hightstown Road in Cranbury Township. Convenience was an important factor in choosing a location. Our site is easily reached by major arteries serving our parish community; Cranbury; Hightstown, East Windsor, West Windsor, Windsor and Robbinsville are just minutes away, Sharon and Allentown just a little further. Paying for our land turned out to be a happy combination of generosity and achievement. The Diocese gave us a newwork grant of $10,000 toward the purchase price of $40,250. We received another $10,000 gift and $8,000 was from our savings, leaving a mortgage of $12,000.” 1973: Dr. Taylor P. Reeder III takes office as Senior Warden. 1973: 1972 Diocesan dues paid in full. 1973: Land purchase, May 3. 5.8 acres purchased in Cranbury, NJ for a church building. 1974: The Rev. William B. Outtrim takes office as Priest Associate. 1975: The Rev. J. Wesley Vanaman, Rector, St. George’s, Helmetta, takes office as Supervising Rector. 1975: Selection of Architect. The Architect Selection Committee, chaired by Doug Webb, began the search for an architect. After interviewing almost a dozen local architects, ASC selected three, from which Thaddeus Longstreth of Princeton was selected. ASC also visited numerous churches in order to determine what should be copied and what avoided. Meetings were held with the organizational heads of St. David's to find out their needs. Consequently, we were able to explain clearly to our architect how best to meet the demands of our parish.” 1976: William F. Downs takes office as Senior Warden. “On the first of December the final payment was made on the ten-year note, just three years from the time we bought the land! Many projects helped to reduce the mortgage so rapidly. The largest debt reduction was through our stewardship giving and the use of the Building Fund envelopes, but the Mum project was our most exciting and involved many people. From 1974 on some 1500-2000 mums had been planted annually, given tender, loving care and sold in the fall. The camaraderie made the hours of work lighter and the income bolstered the treasury!” 1977: Church newsletter is now named “The Tablet.” 1979: John J. Chestnut takes office as Senior Warden. 1979: Fr. Fish approaches Diocese for funds to build. 1980: Building Committee formed. “Led by Lynn White, the new committee provided vital input which led to the decision to build the church in three stages and to the selection of the final architect, Gary Wasko and contractor, Edward Enourato & Sons. 1981: Dr. Taylor P. Reeder III takes office as Senior Warden . 1981: Groundbreaking, June 21. 1982: The Rev. Irving S. Pollard takes office as Assistant. 1982: First formal service in new building, October 17. 1982: Dedication of new building, November 28.
A TIME LINE OF THE HISTORY OF ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Cranbury, New Jersey Originally prepared July 31, 2009; updated February 10, 2020 1983: Richard Neff takes office as Senior Warden. 1984: Bruce Faloon takes office as Junior Warden. 1984: Jean McFarland takes office as Senior Warden. 1985: Betty Berlenbach takes office as Pastoral Assistant. 1987: The Rev. George Henry (Harry) Brant takes office as Priest Associate. 1987: Memorial Garden first used, July 26 . 1987: St . David’s accepted as a self-supporting Parish at the Diocesan Convention, November 14. 1988: Karin R. Mitchell takes office as Senior Warden. 1988: William Keegan takes office as Junior Warden. 1989: Paul Szymanski takes office as Junior Warden, Betty Berlenbach ordained to the Priesthood. 1989: Roadside signs installed. 1990: Robbery at St David’s, December. 1992: Robert Rodgers takes office as Senior Warden. 1992: Church cookbook is published. 1993: Robert Boltner takes office as Junior Warden. 1995: Building addition, dedication September 17. 1996: The Rev. Richard Cromwell takes office as Priest Associate. 1996: Tim Doutt takes office as Senior Warden. 1997: Br. John Baptist, OSF takes office as Pastoral Care Associate. 1998: Donald W. Peterson takes office as Junior Warden. 1998: The church celebrates its 30th anniversary. 1998: 175 members, as of September 30. 2002: Rex A. Van Veldhuisen takes office as Junior Warden. 2002: Deacon Robert Thomas takes office. 2002: The Rev. Karin R. Mitchell ordained Deacon, June 22 and Priesthood on December 21.
A TIME LINE OF THE HISTORY OF ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Cranbury, New Jersey Originally prepared July 31, 2009; updated February 10, 2020 2003: Edmund A. Abramovitz takes office as Senior Warden. 2003: The Rev. Frederick R. Nestrock takes office as Interim Vicar. 2003: The Rev. Canon Laurence D. Fish, Sr. becomes Rector Emeritus. 2003: First J2A service. 2005: The Rev. Geoffrey Collis takes office as Interim Vicar. 2005: Dr. Camilla Jarnot becomes the Minister of Music. 2005: The Rev. Karin R. Mitchell takes office as Rector, November 1. 2006: Rev. Mitchell instituted as the second full-time Rector of St. David's, January 7. 2006: Angela J. Levy takes office as Senior Warden. 2006: The Rev. Linda Carlson-Scholer takes office as Priest Associate. 2007: Russ Beaulieu takes office as Junior Warden. 2007: Deacon Richard Wisniewski takes office, June 24. 2008: St. David’s celebrates its 40th anniversary. Guests of honor at the Parish Celebration include The Right Reverend Sylvestre Romero, The Reverend Canon Laurence D. Fish, The Reverend Betty Berlenbach, The Reverend Linda Scholer, Father Harry Brant, and Father Richard Cromwell. 2008: Judy Henningsen begins work as Parish Administrator. Mother Linda Scholer retires as Priest Associate in July. John Hutchinson, our first Seminarian from Princeton Theological Seminary, begins discernment at St. David’s. 2008: Prayer Shawl Ministry established, led by Mary Ann White. 2008: Feasibility Study conducted by Kirby-Smith Associates to explore possible expansion of the Church building. The study concluded the congregation was “ready and willing to support a building project with fellowship and classroom space as its priorities.” 2009: Carol Rodgers takes office as Junior Warden. The Reverend Dr. Gordon Graham joins Saint David’s as Priest Associate. Caitlin Foehse joins as Seminarian. 2009: A phased building plan is developed by architectural firm Clarke Caton Hintz and submitted to the Cranbury Planning Board. 2009: A capital campaign initiative was launched in September, headed by Charles Fischer and Amy Mansue. By November they had achieved the Church’s goal of $500,000 in pledged commitments. 2010: Tim Touhey takes office as Senior Warden. Nikki Burks joins St. David’s as Seminarian. 2010: A variety of committees begin work on the new space. The Construction Committee, led by Rob Sarchiapone and Paul Szymanski, oversee day-to-day construction of the new space. The Building Committee of Tim Touhey, Rob and Lana Sarchiapone, David Miller, Paul Szymanski, and Angela Levy focus on how to meet all the objectives of the Church and parlay that into the construction. A Kitchen Committee and Furnishings Committee were also established. 2010: Rector Emeritus, The Reverend Canon Laurence D. Fish, passes away. 2011: The new Parish Hall is completed and begins to be used by many of St. David’s members as well as outside groups. The Women’s Christmas Party holds a kitchen shower to help equip the new space. 2011: Two additional Seminarians join St. David’s: Heath Pearson and Alex Lenzo. 2011: Dr. Brian Katona joins St. David’s as Minister of Music. 2011: New fundraising initiatives are started including the Scrips gift card program and the “Scrap-a-rama.” 2012: The Reverend Hank Bristol is installed as Deacon at Saint David’s. 2012: Phase II of the Capital Campaign is launched, led by Amy Mansue and David Levy. 2012: The Library is dedicated to the memory of The Reverend Canon Laurence D. Fish, founding vicar and Rector of St. David’s. 2012: “Wiggle and Worship” service is instituted once a month for the Church’s youngest members. 2012: The new Parish Hall hosts a variety of events including the First New Members Dinner, the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Maundy Thursday Dinner and Foot Washing, the Carol Sing, and Women’s Tea and Christmas party. 2013: The new space is being put to good use, housing the meetings for 14 recovery ministry programs and two other Church programs – Syrian religious services and Pentecostal Church Assembly of God. Jazzercise and Yoga classes are also held in the multi-purpose room. 2013: The Rev. Dr. Gordon Graham retires from Saint David’s. Ed Miller is installed as Junior Warden. Timothy Wood joins as Seminarian. 2013: With some help from volunteers, Thomas van Veldhuisen builds a playground in back of the Church as his Eagle Scout project. The playground is dedicated to the memory of his mother, Donna van Veldhuisen, who led the J2A program for many years. 2013: An Endowment Fund is established as a way for the Church Community to invest in the long-term service of St. David’s. 2013: Deacon Hank began the first Covenant Group; St. David’s parishioners participated in the Bible Challenge. 2013: Evangelism Committee begins sending St. David’s postcards to new residents, inviting them to join Sunday worship. 2014: The Rev. Dr. Jacob David joins St. David’s as Priest Associate. Deacon Candidate-in-formation Dorothea (Dot) Hospador joins St. David’s. Carol Rodgers takes office as Senior Warden. Tim Doutt is hired as the Church Sexton. 2014: St. David’s adds 17 new members through its New Member Welcome Program. 2014: Thanks to a bequest from William Meirs, the vestry is able to pay off the commercial mortgage and carry the payment within our budget. The new parish hall is dedicated to William Meirs. 2014: Was the beginning of our community garden, monthly testimonial minutes during Sunday worship, increased service to Rise, water and energy shield programs through Green Faith, the blessing of our playground, the recording and publishing of our Gospel reading and sermon on Facebook, and our first ever “Final Affairs” fair. 2015: The Reverend Karin Mitchell celebrates 10 years as St. David’s Rector. Patricia Kraft takes office as Junior Warden. Evan Hierholzer joins St. David’s as our Seminarian. 2015: St. David’s welcomed 21 new members. 2015: St. David’s raised over $7,000 to build a well to provide fresh water to people in Africa or Central America. We also raised over $5,000 for local food banks. 2015: Some of the new initiatives included: the Saint Paul Project, developed to support Church members in their Christian formation and extend that formation out into the Community; Bereavement Groups, headed by Brother John the Baptist, Mother Mitchell and Clara Douglas; a Recovery Sunday worship service; and donation of produce to Rise, from our improved community garden. 2016: Carol Rodgers began her discernment to become a Deacon. We formed a Parish Committee on the Priesthood for Evan Hierholzer. 2016: The Saint Paul team focused on the Lenten Season of Gratitude with intergenerational activities, including a gratitude journal. They also adopted the hashtag # St David’s Rocks. 2016: St. David’s expanded its reach into the community with Mother Karin holding “free prayer” sessions at Teddy’s in Cranbury and Evan Hierholzer and Mother Karin hosted Theology on Tap discussions with young adults at local pubs. 2016: On the social side, St. David’s held a St. Nicholas Day party in the fall which was open to the community, started Family movie nights, and opened Meirs Hall to two new groups: Tai Chi for Cranbury Seniors and the United States Jamil Academy for the study of S. Asia languages. 2016: St. David’s hosted several important Diocesan events including: Project Resource on Financial Planning and Management; Anti-Racism Commission Conference; and Parish Leadership Day covering parish empowerment. 2017: Katherine Ellis joins St. David’s as our Seminarian. Carol Rodgers submitted her paperwork to the Diocesan Committee on the Diaconate and Evan Hierholzer submitted his application to the Diocesan Committee on the Priesthood and continued his discernment in Texas. St. David’s also convened another Parish Discernment Committee for the Priesthood for Ms. Allie Graham Hicks. 2017: The Endowment Fund has continued to increase and is now over $50,000. 2018: Deanna Emerson takes office as Senior Warden. Naomi Ketchens and Kate O’Connor join St. David’s as our Seminarians. 2018: The Reverend Karin Mitchell, Rector of St. David’s is installed as an Honorary Canon of Trinity Cathedral on May 12 th in recognition of her faithful service to the Diocese of New Jersey. 2018: Saint David’s celebrates its 50 th anniversary with a variety of activities throughout the year to commemorate this special milestone:  Development of 50 th anniversary logo and theme: Celebrating the Spirit … From Age to Age  Motivational seminar by Jerry Posner on “How to Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet”  Special Evensong and Welsh tea commemorating St. David’s Day  St. David’s marches in the Cranbury Memorial Day Parade  50 th Anniversary Commemorative Service is held at the Peddie Chapel on June 24 th .  St. David’s adopts the local Habitat for Humanity chapter as its special outreach project, raising over $23,000 for homes being built in Hightstown.  50 th Anniversary Concert is held, with the theme, “Make Your Garden Grow”  50 th Anniversary Golden Gala is held on December 1 st . 2019: In January, Mother Karin announced that she would be retiring this year. In her nearly 13 years as St. David’s Rector, Mother Karin greatly enhanced our parish, helping us to grow in Christ and in our commitment to our church and each other. 2019: On May 19 th Mother Karin said her last mass at Saint David’s, in two beautiful and uplifting services, with the church overflowing with congregants, family and friends. The service was followed by a celebratory reception in Mother Karin’s honor. 2019: During the months that followed Father Jacob generously filled in until our Interim Rector joined. 2019: On August 4 th we welcomed the Reverend Donald Caron as our Interim Rector. 2019: The Vestry commissioned a Discernment Committee to conduct a thorough, thoughtful and prayerful search for a candidate to lead St. David’s Church as our full-time Rector. 2019: At the end of the year St. David’s had 28 lectors, 20 intercessors, 17 licensed Eucharistic Ministers, 6 Sunday shepherds, and welcomed one new acolyte. 2019: St. David’s Church welcomed four new members through Baptism, our Bishop confirmed three youth and reaffirmed four adults, there was one marriage performed, and 6 funerals. Our weekly attendance at mass averaged 120. 2019: Continuing our outreach efforts, St. David’s gave nearly 15% of our budgeted income to support many local community groups and worthy international causes.