St. John's Episcopal Church, at 4 Fountain Square in The Manor, is the oldest church in Larchmont. It was founded in 1891, the same year the Village of Larchmont was incorporated, and began as a little clubhouse on Horseshoe Harbor.

If you want to talk about its modern history, many people will direct you to Elaine Viebranz.

Viebranz, 84, has been a St. John's member since 1953, when she and late husband, Al, moved to Larchmont.  She was very active in the church, and Al wrote one of the two church histories.

"The Sunday before Christmas, a man named Bill Hoffman would organize singing carols. If the weather allowed, we'd sing in Fountain Square, then come inside the church for cookies and cocoa. Everyone in the community, of all faiths, was welcome."

Viebranz remembers the family tradition of taking her young children, who now range in ages 45 to 60, to Christmas services. "The church always lowered the lights and we all held lit candles just for the singing of "Silent Night."  My children still talk about it," she says.

While Christmas activities have changed with the times (not only fewer activities with candles, but fewer midnight services) so has the view from the pews.

St. John's Rector is Reverend Thomas E. Nicoll. The other two priests at services are women.

Priest Associate is Reverend Dorothy A. Greene. Greene, 79, and her late husband, Jeffrey, grew up in Larchmont and were parishioners, raising three children here. May 15, 1988, Greene was the second woman parishioner ordained an Episcopal priest at St. John's, and continues with the parish.

The first was Molly Scherm, ordained at St. John's on December 31, 1978. In "Saint John's Church at One Hundred, 1891-1991," Al Viebranz wrote that Scherm "was the 19^th woman ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of New York, and one of the earliest in the Episcopal Church nationally." Scherm moved from Larchmont.

In 1974, Greene's daughter Hilary, 14 at the time, became the first "girl acolyte" (altar server), and Greene became the first woman acolyte. "I have a photo showing that day, with us in our vestments," says Rev. Greene on a recent Sunday morning.

Also serving at St. John's is Reverend Katharine A. Herron-Piazza, Curate.

The beginning

Around 1870, Larchmont Manor Company developed the area as summer cottages for the wealthy of New York City, and built a small clubhouse on Horseshoe Harbor in 1873 that  became home to summer religious services.

A 1943 church history described, "Ministers of different denominations officiated while congregations sat gazing out at the beauty of the sunlit Sound, lulled by the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the boat landing and the distant cry of sad-voiced seagulls—difficult surroundings in which to preach a stirring sermon on a hot July day!"   Sunday School classes were held by two sisters with last names Sibell and Towle. (The building became the original Larchmont Yacht Club in 1880.)

In 1881, Charles H. Murray, a principal in Larchmont Manor Company, "conveyed a plot of land on the northwest corner of Prospect and Linden Avenues," wrote Viebranz,  to build The Chapel, a small wooden structure to hold "services under the regulation of the Protestant Episcopal Church."   It was under the jurisdiction of St. Thomas's Church, Mamaroneck.

The rococo style was called "hideous," but it was the first Larchmont church. Nearby were a village hall and firehouse on the east side of a village green called The Circle, later renamed Fountain Square.

In 1892, services became year-round, reflecting rapid area growth and demand for a larger, more dignified space.

Church at Fountain Square

Murray made a significant contribution and the property was exchanged for the current location, between Linden and Maple Avenues.

In 1893, building funds were obtained, and in 1894, architect Walter C. Hunting's plans were approved. Ground was broken in May 1894, the Cornerstone laid on June 19^th.

The church is early Gothic, with an entrance through a medieval-type tower eighteen-feet square and sixty feet high, with a battlement parapet. Exterior is rock-faced granite. The interior is based on a Christian cross shape. Woodwork and pews are quartered oak.

The first service was June 2, 1895;  Rev. F. Southgate Hipkins officiated for six months until a permanent rector was found. In November 1896, Rev. Richard Cobden left St. Mark's of the Bouerie, in New York City, and served as rector for twenty-seven years.

Noteworthy parishioners

In the 1920s, vaudeville impresario  E. F. Albee, father of playwright  Edward Albee, brought in the latest  "moving pictures" to be shown Friday nights, 8:30 p.m., at St. John's Parish House. Parishioner George Bell played piano to add mood to the silent movies.

Albee also underwrote a  Christmas party for all Larchmont children, each receiving a gift, candy and fruit. The parties became so large that by 1931 they were held at each church, with the party at St. John's including Jewish children since there was no synagogue.

During WWII, over 160 parish men and women were in the armed forces.

A stained glass window of Madonna and Child is dedicated to Louisa Drew, "mother of the Barrymores," a gift from John Barrymore.

Holiday Services and Activities 2010

"St. John's has been a pillar of the community for over one hundred years," says Rev. Greene. "We welcome everybody."

Christmas Eve

• 3 p.m., Holy Eucharist with pageant, geared to young children.
• 5 p.m. Holiday Eucharist with lessons and carols; teenagers have parts
• 10 p.m. Festival Choral Holy Eucharist with St. John's Adult Choir

Christmas Day, 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with congregational carols

First Sunday after Christmas, 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with congregational singing

January 7^th  Midnight Run. Volunteers bring food, clothing, toiletries, blankets to New York City Homeless.

St. John's Church, 4 Fountain Square, Larchmont; (914) 834-2981; www.stjohnslarchmont.org

Katherine Ann Samon is the author of four books, including Ranch House Style, and is on the board of the Larchmont Historical Society. Her column, "Historical Wonders," about important people, events, and buildings in Larchmont and Mamaroneck, appears twice a month on Larchmont-Mamaroneck Patch. To learn more about the author, visit her Web site.