Our History, Our Story, Our Journey
IN THE BEGINNING
Incarnation's story begins over 100 years ago. In 1907 two men from the Germantown Episcopal Convocation had a vision to plant a mission in the village of Morrisville. About three years later more Episcopalians had moved to the area and, thanks to a bequest from the Alibone family, the Diocese agreed to plant a church. On April 2, 1911 the first service was held at 4 pm (with Sunday school at 2 pm) in the rented Chambers Street Hall. Blessed with a name, Church of the Incarnation, the time had come to build the church.
BREAKING GROUND
On August 12, 1911, the ground was broken and on September 19th the cornerstone was laid. Church leaders called the Rev. John Carr as the first priest. To the $3,000 raised was added a bequest totaling about $7,000. Soon the big day arrived. On November 10, 1912 the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Garland, then Suffragan Bishop. The Rev. T. Leslie Gosling became the Vicar, the rectory was built and the mission moved toward parish status. The next Vicar, the Rev. Paul Atkins, arrived with his young family, bringing new energy. When the Depression took hold, the mission struggled. It fell to the Rev. Oliver Newton (Vicar 1934-1946) to repair the church and deal with the debt.
A TIME OF GROWTH
In January 1947, the Rev. William Warren, our first Rector, arrived and we soon achieved parish status on May 6, 1952. A fresh vision resulted in new growth which continued under the Rev. Robert Lenhard who served until 1961. Much changed with the arrival of the Rev. William E. Mills and his family in 1961. During his long and active tenure the church enjoyed a time of exciting growth. Strengthened by faith and responding to God's call, a new vision had begun. In 1966 the church relocated to an open space on Makefield Road and the cornerstone was laid. Rev. Bill Mills served for 32 years. The Rev. William Dornemann arrived in 1993. Serving faithfully, he also began refurbishing and renewing the building. Sadly, he became ill and passed away in 2001.
INCARNATION WELCOMES THE 21st CENTURY
In December 2003, the Rev. Joshua Aalan became the fifth Rector. His vision and energy allowed us to modernize the building, increasing our potential for outreach and worship. To this day many volunteers make use of the large kitchen as they prepare meals for the homebound and elderly. The addition of stunning stained glass Narthex windows continues to tell the Incarnation story. Rev. Joshua Aalan's tenure concluded in 2009.
In September of 2011, Rev. Linda Kerr joined incarnation as Priest-in-Charge and a year later became Incarnation's sixth Rector. Rev. Linda retired in May 2016 after serving Incarnation for 5 years.
In October of 2016, after serving as a supply clergy at Incarnation on several occasions, the Rev. Harriet Kollin accepted our call to be our new Rector on a part-time basis. Rev. Harriet brought with her several years of experience as a parish priest as well as serving our Diocese on several committees. In July of 2021 Rev. Harriet retired and will now be able to spend time with her family in the Phillipines.
In September of 2021, Rev. Deacon John W. Conner was called as a part-time Deacon-in-Charge was ordained a priest in March of 2022.
