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Pioneer church bursts its wooden seams

Contributed by: carla holst on 10/12/2006

St. Philip-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, the little white church in the "Dell" has plans to build a new sanctuary. Built by pioneers 137 years ago, surrounded by the Bear Canyon Cemetery, this church and its surroundings continue to be a sanctuary for Colorado families.

Situated in a pastoral valley in one of the nation's fastest growing counties, St. Philips has cleverly avoided this expansion over recent years. Restoration of the original structure, partially funded through historic preservation grants, was completed in 2001.

Attendance continued to climb with the rapid influx of people into the surrounding communities in Douglas County, and the congregation committed itself to a building program to accommodate its growing population now and for the foreseeable future. Long term plans call for a thriving religious campus accommodating a possible retreat, education center, and a place to meditate and grow spiritually.

"Although many issues in global Anglicanism remain unresolved, our resolve to worship, grow, and love in this sacred place is firm", states Father Theron Walker, St. Philip's rector. Thriving youth and adult education programs, a fresh young priest, a dynamic congregation consisting of 'old timers', descendents of the original Colorado pioneers, and newcomers attracted to the beauties and wholesome lifestyle of Colorado, are serving as the impetus for the growing congregation plans.

After years of spiritual discernment the congregation has committed itself to the development of a new sanctuary and community center in the western environs of Douglas County. Long a central gathering place for Plum Creek Valley's inhabitants, today the parish building acts as a meeting hall for organizations such as 4-H, Alcoholics Anonymous, Bear Canyon Cemetery, funerals, American Legion services, ecumenical Easter season services, local, weddings, and much more. In addition, parishioners host and cater receptions for many of these gatherings, including an annual church homecoming when former parishioners return from throughout the nation to celebrate and join hands in worship with old and new friends.

"We have the unique opportunity to connect our rich past with the generations to come.", states H. Bud Curtis, whose family homesteaded here, and helped in the construction of the original church in 1872.

Building plans are well under way, and the stewardship campaign is planning an autumn full of feasts and celebrations of history and growth. Come join us on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 5, under a heated tent on the site of the new facility. At 10 am, in an all church service, many past Priests will be celebrating the Eucharist, the children will march in a "saints' procession", as bagpipes play " When the Saints Come Marching In" and " Amazing Grace".

Carla Holst, (Chairman, Stewardship Campaign, Press POC, 303-725-5466)


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

carla holst

Sedalia , CO

carla holst has posted 1 story and 0 comments since joining on 10/11/2006. carla holst 's average story rating is 5.
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