Saint Martin’s-In-The Fields' History
In 1907, the new stone church named Christ Episcopal Church had been erected and consecrated. The question arose as to what should happen to the church building that had been constructed in the 1720s. Land records show that Martha Prudden of Orange (West Haven was part of Orange at that time) deeded a lot at Washington Avenue and Park Street to Christ Church for the sum of $1.00. Ms. Prudden sole proviso was that a chapel be built on the site to “perform missionary work and spread the word of the Gospel”. The original Christ Church was dissembled (including the rubble foundation) and rebuilt on the Park Street property (including the original cornerstone of the original church).
The chapel was under the authority of the priests that served Christ Church. For the most part, services were of morning prayer led by lay persons of the church. The priests did come monthly to hold Holy Eucharist. Several current parishioners are listed as serving as acolytes at the Chapel.
Although they were small in numbers the parish had several ongoing activities. In the late 1950s to mid 1960s, there was a group of women known as the St. Martin Guild. This group met once a month at different members’ homes for dinner and crafting. Their efforts were donated to the children’s ward at Grace New Haven Hospital. For Christmas they made stockings and filled them as well as Easter baskets filled with treats. There was also a summer Sunday school program.
The final services were held there in 1976. The property was sold and is now private housing. The altar from St. Martin’s - which was the altar from our first church oon the Green - as well as its pews, were incorporated into the building now housing Church of the Holy Spirit.
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