1920–1945
Close relationships between St. John's and Utah State University in Logan have been a hallmark of the goals that have been held by leaders in the community and church. In 1922, a member of the St. John's congregation, Miss Nathalie Jacobs, became both the organist at St. John's and the department head of the Music Department at the Utah Agricultural College. (1)
One of the first public histories of Cache Valley was started in 1923 and published in sections in the Logan Journal newspaper. This included basic information about both the St. John's Mission School and St. John's Episcopal Church in the first fifty years of its operation. (2)
1. "Church Notices: Local News, Page 4" The Journal, September 30, 1922. Page 2. University of Utah, Marriot Library, Utah Digital Newspaper. https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=25061534
2. "Page 25" Logan Journal, December 15, 1923. Page 25. University of Utah, Marriot Library, Utah Digital Newspaper.https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6xh4kmp/25056939
At the end of the 1920s, as the country was entering the Great Depression, it became difficult for the Diocese of Utah to continue to provide clergy in Logan. Many parishioners left the state to continue their careers and provide for their families, lowering the number of Episcopalians in Logan to nearly zero. Significant activity at St. John's did not begin again until the 1940s.
During this break in consistent services, visiting lay readers and missionaries heading west would occasionally stop by to perform Sunday services. F. P. Champ, a local Episcopalian and banker, was the caretaker of the church buildings and contents of the parish. Because of his diligence in keeping records, we have many of the documents that are stored in Utah State University's Special Collections and Archives regarding the earlier history and operation of St. John's.
