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OUR CHURCH HISTORY

LA HISTORIA DE NUESTRA IGLESIA

History: Welcome

In August 1950, fourteen men and women met at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Walt Kanne (7021 Knox Ave. So., Richfield) their minds firmly made up about one thing: there was to be an Episcopal Church in Richfield.

This meeting was followed by a much larger one in the lunch room of the Lincoln Hills School. Two representatives of the Episcopal Diocese were present: the Rev. Vernon Johnson, then Archdeacon of Ruralwork (yes, Richfield was considered “rural” in those days), and the Rev. Douglas Henderson, the Diocesan Director of Religious Education and later the Headmaster of Breck School.

As a result of this meeting, a new church congregation held its first service in Lincoln Hills School on January 7, 1951, enthusiasm unchilled by the -19° day. Instead of an anticipated 25 people, more than 80 of the faithful arrived. The group chose St. Nicholas for their name because of the many, many children that came with the families wanting to start this new church. 

The growing congregation continued to meet at Lincoln Hills School through its period of self-establishment.  While meeting there, St Nicholas acquired property on Oliver Avenue South between 75th & 76th streets, hoping to build a structure of their own there. 

Meanwhile, in 1948, Woodlake Lutheran Church had built a two level church for themselves, with a sanctuary on the main level and a fellowship hall and kitchen on the lower level. In 1953, when they outgrew that facility, an exchange was made:  they received our property on Oliver Ave and we acquired their building and property at 7227 Penn Avenue South, our current location. A two level education wing was added in the 1958. In 1994, a one-level addition was built including the gathering space, nursery and office.

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History: Text

In the 50s & 60s, the place was buzzing with the sounds of children. Finding enough space for Sunday school became a challenge. Classes met in the furnace room, in the education wing, and in the rectory that was located on the “north 40”. As these children grew, we had large, active junior & senior EYC (Episcopal Young Church people) groups for junior high and senior high aged young people. In the middle 60s, the senior EYC group offered a coffeehouse-type event once a month for teens.  This was open to the community and included music, games and refreshments.


In 2012, in keeping with our mission to be present to the needs and opportunities in our local community, St. Nicholas began offering a service in Spanish.  This service now happens on Saturdays at 5:30 pm.  Bilingual services are held periodically during the summer and on special occasions such as Christmas. 

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History: Text

These are the priests who have served St. Nicholas through the years: 
1950 - The Rev. Archie Cochrane, Vicar-in charge then Rector
1955 - The Rev. Edward Eilertsen, Rector
1959 - The Rev. Sherman Miller, Rector
1966 - The Rev. James Riley, Rector
1972 - The Rev. Stuart Edwards, Exchange Rector from New Zealand
1975 - The Rev. John McMillan, Rector
1984 - The Rev. William Fraatz, Rector
1985 - The Rev. Robert Gibson, Exchange Rector from England
1988 - The Rev. George Richmond, Interim Rector
1989 - The Rev. Thomas Harries, Rector
2005 - The Rev. Penelope Warren, Interim Rector 
2005 - The Rev. Thomas Eklo, Rector 
2012 - Padre Neptali Rodriguez, Vicar Latin Ministry/Hispania
2018 - The Rev. Lindsay Freeman, Interim Rector
2019 - The Rev. Julie Luna, Rector

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History: Text
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