Ever wondered how a humble house transformed into a beacon of faith? In 1960, the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas established the mission Church of the Redeemer in North Irving. This area was once open pasture. It now thrives as Las Colinas. Valley Ranch and Hackberry Creek are nearby. They feature luxury homes and corporate offices.
The first church home for the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer was unique. It was a Tudor-style house. It even had a swimming pool. This multi-purpose space served as the church rectory and parish hall. This was until the current church was erected in 1965.
Father Joe Holyfield was the founding rector. He faithfully served the parish. He guided it through the financial struggles of a new parish. In 1972, Father Terrance Roper became the rector. He was a native Englishman. His accent suited the architecture of the parish hall. During his time, the parish became financially stable. Attendance steadily increased at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.
Father Douglas Eberly succeeded Father Roper in 1976. Under his leadership, the parish continued to grow. The Redeemer Montessori School was established. It became a vital educational institution. A new parish hall was constructed. The old house was demolished due to structural problems. During Father Eberly’s era, the Archbishop of Canterbury was entertained here.
In 1992, Father Mark Story was called as the fourth rector. He and his wife Susan helped Redeemer Montessori to grow. The permanent school building was named Story Hall. In 2003, Mother Gail Gateley became the fifth rector of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Under her leadership, outreach expanded significantly. Mother Gail also expanded diversity and inclusiveness. A new modern parish hall was erected.
In July 2016, Reverend Canon Victoria Heard became Redeemer’s sixth rector. Canon Victoria continued outreach to the homeless. The COVID pandemic in 2020 affected church attendance. Worship services continued via video. In January 2024, Reverend Leo Loyola became Redeemer’s seventh rector.
Today, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer has three buildings. They carry out the mission of worship discipleship and service. The sanctuary is contemporary in design. It features broken cross beams. They sit between modern stained glass windows. Huge rugged exposed beams recall French Provincial architecture. The bell tower was added later. The result is a cool comfortable feel. It makes the church a wonderful place for worship.
Story Hall houses the Redeemer Montessori School. It also bears touches of French Provincial architecture. Ware Hall is modern in design. It emphasizes light and airiness. A large west window looks out upon the Columbarium and Prayer Garden. The Columbarium and Prayer Garden are a memorial to past parishioners. It is a place for reflection.
Art abounds within the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer and its grounds. The front of the original altar can be found in the east narthex. The Christus Rex hangs above the altar. It was hand carved in Genoa Italy. It was given to the church by Father Joe Hollifield. The reredos was designed and built by Waldo Cecil.
The heart of Redeemer Episcopal Church is in outreach. The church hosts an annual Blessing of the Pets. It partners with W.T. Hanes Elementary. The church also supports Family Promise of Irving. The parish hall provides meeting space for local groups. Irving Cares is the local food bank that they regularly assist.
The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer shares the love of God. It invites and embraces all persons. This is done through worship discipleship and service. It is a community that loves welcomes and serves all.