Cornerstone Centennial "Nuggets"

Nugget for January 18, 2026

Getting Started with the Building

In early January 1926, vestry decided to erect a grey stone structure, which, including the furnishings and all expenses, would not exceed $25,000. There was $5,250 insurance money, Bishop Horner gave $3,300, the rectory was mortgaged, and a campaign was launched immediately to raise the balance.

According to an article in the Brevard News (1/14/1926), “It is the understanding that all contributions given by members of the church be voluntary and not raised through the means of bazaars, church suppers, etc.” Stone masons were Joe and "Doc" Wright from Hendersonville who then trained several local men including Fred Mills, a Brevard native and African American, who later became a stone mason for projects in the Rosenwald Community and the stone wall around Brevard College.

Three members of the 1926 vestry have descendants who are current members of our parish: William Breese (great-uncle of Peggy Bridges) donated the stone from his quarry; Royal Morrow (grandfather of Mac Morrow, David Morrow, and Mary Rose) served as chair of the building committee and on-the-job supervisor; and A.H. Kizer (father of Dottie Marcinko and great grandfather of Marty Kizer and Melanie McKague).

Nugget for January 30, 2026

The St. Philip's Rectory

The Rev. Harry Perry became rector on June 1, 1925, during a period of growth for both the town and church. He, his wife Dorothy, and their three daughters arrived just 6½ months before the fire that destroyed the Victorian wooden St. Philip's church. The rectory became the temporary home for services, Sunday School, and the Perry family.

The first services in the new stone church were held February 14-15, 1928, when the Convocation of Asheville met in St. Philip's chapel, the only part of the church that was completed. That June, St. Philip's moved from mission to parish status with the vestry holding the property deed. Even with the ongoing construction, parish business was conducted and during this time parish membership approached 100, offerings were good, and the congregation accepted the proposed 1928 Book of Common Prayer—though they were less enthusiastic about Perry's introduction of red cassocks for acolytes.

Then the Depression hit. The rectory mortgage was foreclosed, forcing the Perry family into modest rentals, including one where the church negotiated rent from $25 to $15 monthly. At times, Senior Warden Smedberg paid the rector's salary from personal funds. Despite these hardships, the parish—especially its women—persevered. On May 7, 1939, the new stone church was consecrated, debt free.

Nugget for February 13

St. Philip's Women in the Depression Years

Photo: "Miss Molly" Allison dressed in traditional choir vestments including the required choir hat.

The women of St. Philip’s were not allowed to serve on vestry until 1936, but that did not stop the Women’s Auxiliary and Guild from providing leadership of the church’s financial, spiritual, and outreach efforts.

They ignored the vestry’s ban on using bazaars and church suppers to raise money for the new building, choosing to host numerous fundraising events that were regularly featured in the Brevard News between 1926-1939. These included Christmas and July Bazaars held at various businesses in town and the Franklin Hotel across the street; a series of Salmagundi Parties (a dish with everything thrown in) with 35-cent admission; Wednesday night church suppers that provided food and fellowship; and sponsorship of “Heaven Bound,” a popular African American folk drama presented by 30 Sylva singers and advertised as a fundraiser for the church. Mrs. R.I. Gash even sold copies of her personal cake recipe!

Simultaneously, they served the broader community by sending clothing boxes to Episcopal missions across the country and sponsoring Miss Rennie, a missionary to China. Members cooked and served lunches to underprivileged school children in March of 1933. They taught Sunday School and led the choir. They visited the sick and newcomers and held all-day prayer vigils on holy days. They truly “carried the freight” during these difficult years, and we are indebted to these women for their perseverance, stewardship, and service to others.