After a two-year search, California’s oldest Episcopal Church now has a new rector, Nevada City native Seth Kellermann.
The Rev. Kellermann, 32, starts preaching Sunday at Grass Valley’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church downtown, kicking off the highest holiday of the Christian calendar: Palm Sunday and Holy Week, featuring a series of sermons leading up to Easter on April 12.
“This is kind of our big time,” he said.
It’s a big time for mainstream churches across the country, as they face the challenges of an aging demographic and struggle to attract younger people and busy families.
Sorry, this article is not technically accurate. There are Episcopal Churches older, including my own – St. John’s in Stockton, begun in 1850. This parish only claims to go back to 1855. They may have the oldest building, but definitely not the oldest congregation. But, since we’ve left TEC, maybe now they’re on top.
Congrats to Fr. Kellermann. We youths are taking over the oldest parishes in California!
Congratulations Seth! I know that you will be a faithful witness of the Gospel to the people of Emmanuel.
An Airborne/Ranger for Christ!
Sonora claims to have the oldest building, according to their Wikipedia article. In any case, congratulations to the new rector.
#1. fatherlee,
[blockquote]We youths are taking over the oldest parishes in California![/blockquote]As Kurt Russell said in Tombstone, “That just suits me right down to the ground”. Keep that youthful frame too so you can get into those cool duds you wore at the chrism mass. Your seniors at the Cathedral are not into the “rotund clergy” gestalt either.
Blessings,
The new rector has been in diocese of Dallas and his parents are missionaries to Uganda. Somehow I think that he will stick out amongst the liberal Northern Californians. He will have to hold his nose when attending diocesan activities.
As frlee’s predecessor, I echo his observation. It was my impression that St John’s is (was, I guess, now), the third oldest Episcopal church not only in California, but along the entire west coast, Trinity and Grace (or is it St Luke’s? not sure) in “the city” being the only older ones.
robroy #5 – There are a great many orthodox Anglican clergy in Northern California Diocese, and they head many, if not most of the still-functional/financially solvent parishes. At the moment the orthodox’s contribution to the diocesan budget is around 40% and the bishop is not against them. Fr. Kellermann will be a welcome addition to an already strong group, I am sure.
Congratulations Seth+ While I am glad that you are now a Rector, I am saddened that you have left Dallas to become one. But the call to return “home” is great too! I know you will bless many people and bring those who don’t know Jesus to the knowledge of and love of Jesus.
YBIC,
Phil Snyder
Welcome back to the west coast. What with Nevada City, and all, you’ve just made the end of that highway a bastion.
I concur with Sr Priest (#7).
As a card carrying member of the Historical Stickler’s Society, I believe Emmanuel is the oldest building (it is neck and neck with Sonora, but I think technically wins by a few months – depending if you go by foundation, partial use, or full completion). It is certainly not the oldest congregation, even in the Diocese (St. Paul’s, Sacramento and St. John’s, Marysville easily beat it, and St. Paul’s Benicia may, depending on whether you go by the commencement of regular services or the formal incorporation of the vestry). Nevertheless, it’s a historic gem, and I certainly don’t fault a small town journalist for going for a plausible headline.
Fr. Kellerman is most welcome. I personally find the prospect of a young, energetic TESM (?) grad delightful. And if the likes of Phil Snyder can vouch for him, all the better.