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The history of Good Shepherd Church begins with the chapel services started in 1901 on the grounds of the Sheltering Arms Hospital. In 1888 the establishment of the hospital on the hillside overlooking lock and dam No. 3 on the Kanawha River brought more people of the Episcopal faith and was a great joy for the first Bishop of West Virginia, The Rt. Rev. G. W. Peterkin, DD, L.L.D.
In 1906 the mission chapel was built on the adjacent grounds to the hospital and the bell, reclaimed from the old Union church, was rehung. The hospital performed a great service for the surrounding communities from the turn of the century through the war years. (Both WWI & Mine Wars). The chapel served patients, staff and townspeople. For economic reasons the hospital closed January 1923, after an agreement with the new Charleston General Hospital to care for its patients.
In 1941 the State Road Commission, in re-building route 61, undercut the mountain where the Sheltering Arms and Good Shepherd Church stood. Through 1942 and 1943 there were several landslides and slippage of the hill. By March 1943 the chapel on the hill had to be abandoned. Plans were made for a new church building to be erected down in town.
The site for the new church was given by Mrs. Eleanor Baillie Brannon and Mrs. Mary Baillie Schroeder, descendants of Felix Hansford, in memory of their parents. On March 31, 1943 ground was broken for the basement. War conditions caused a delay in securing materials and labor so construction was slow.
On July 7, 1943 the cornerstone was laid by Captain Albert Sayre, C.A. in the presence of the congregation. The first service was held on November 5, 1944 with the Rt. Rev. R. E. L. Strider celebrating Holy Eucharist. On November 4, 1945 Bishop Strider held the Service of Consecration.
This was the only Episcopal church to be erected in the Diocese of West Virginia during World War II.
Worship times
The congregation takes part in the service: singing, listening to the lessons and the sermon, praying and responding to prayers.
This liturgy, Holy Eucharist, is done in two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table, brought together into one service of prayer and praise, Scripture lessons, music and devout Communion of the Body and the Bread.
During the Liturgy of the Word, we sing, listen to Scripture lessons from the Bible, and pray. A preacher, usually the priest, 'opens' or explains more fully,
a Scripture lesson we have just heard.
The Liturgy of the Table is known as Holy Communion. We pray our thanksgiving for Jesus Christ's work of salvation, which leads to eternal life for humanity. We receive the bread and wine which are Christ's body and blood. We pray as we send a Eucharistic Visitor out with Communion to people who are not able to come to church. The ministers process to the back of the church, singing God's praises. We are dismissed to go into the world, rejoicing and doing God's work, as we have prepared to do.
When you arrive, you can come in through the double red doors off Commercial Street. There is a no-steps entrance under the square tower to the right of the main church, ideal for those in wheelchairs, and others who wish to avoid climbing steps.
You may sit wherever you like. You are welcome to participate as you feel comfortable.
Once you are seated, the service bulletin will direct you to the books you will use for parts of the service. There is a small red Book of Common Prayer and a large blue Hymnal.
You have everything you need to participate in the service if you like. Or you may decide to sit, watch, listen and let the liturgy surround you with peace. You are welcome in this space. You are in God's House.
1203 Center St
Hansford, WV 25103
United States
