St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 75 Center St., Gowanda, continues its l00th anniversary year celebration on Friday, Nov. 7 when the Right Reverend Michael Garrison leads the congregation in re-laying the Cornerstone. This is exactly 100 years to the day when the Cornerstone was originally placed for the building of the church in 1903.

     At the service, to be held on Nov. 7 at 4 p.m., articles will be placed in a box to be put into the Cornerstone, which will then be re-sealed. The Right Reverend Garrison, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, will preside at this eucharistic service. All are welcome to attend. At 7 p.m., a special Jazz Vespers Service will be provided by musicians from many of the churches who are a part of Love, inC. This is being coordinated by Doris Jones. The theme will be American Folk Music. (A free will offering will benefit the work of Love, inC.) Bishop Garrison, the Rev. Max Myers and Deacon Charles Wheeler will preside at this service. Light refreshments will follow.

     St. Mary's Episcopal Church was founded in 1894 and held its services in what was then known as MacCabee Hall of the Opera House; At that time, there were three Episcopalians. Eventually, the dream of a church building was realized and the Reverend William F. Faber, rector of Grace Church, Lockport, was given the difficult task of drawing up plans for the church building. The result was one that is considered to be the most beautiful little churches in the Diocese of Western New York.

     The foundation was built of stones hauled from the Cattaraugus Creek and the building itself is built of Medina sandstone, which over the summer has been cleaned, repointed and sealed. Its style is that of small rural English churches. The interior has a truss-timbered roof and the furniture is oak, all very simple but beautiful.

     Today, the church serves a small but faithful congregation under the leadership of the Vicar-in-Charge, Deacon Charles Wheeler. The Reverend Max Myers is the supply priest. Services of Holy Eucharist are held at 10 a.m. Sunday School is held during the first part of the service, with children joining their families for the Eucharist.