In the 1980s, a small group of Episcopalians came together in a Temecula basement to worship. Over the years, the congregation grew in size and began meeting in strip malls around town.
Finally, after nearly three decades of relocation, they have a place to call home.
On the first Sunday in September, St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church and School held services in its new facility, a 17,000-square-foot mission-style church in southern Temecula.
With its pristine white paint, red brick roof and three-story bell tower, meeting in the church was a coming home of sorts for the congregation of about 200 families, Senior Warden Kay Bemis said.
“To be in an actual church instead of a storefront is amazing,” she said. “Some of our parishioners that started 30 years ago are still here, so it was really exciting for them.”
This is so typical of how new southern California congregations grow, regardless of denomination. In a developing area, take the risk of building a facility not only with a commodious, comfortable, and modernly-equipped worship space, but also additional spaces inviting the community to see the facility as a community gathering place. Throw in a decent pre-school, express willingness to consider adding a K-6 or even K-8 someday, and a congregation really grows. Just don’t expect too much interest in doctrinal fussiness or received tradition, and be prepared that the next religious group in the same community to offer a bigger/better facility may well mean some of your congregation simply decide to change church brands!
Though I am in ACNA, good for this congregation. Congratulations!
This is really impressive. From 2002 through 2007 St. Thomas has grown in Members by about 40 percent, ASA is about the same, and Plate & Pledge has increased by about 25 percent. Who says times are tough in California? But I still marvel at the fact that St. Thomas can afford a $ 4.5 million property with a Plate & Pledge of $ 200,000 (in 2007). Statmann