Established in 1892, Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church has a rich story. Officially named in honor of Saint Augustine of Hippo, it started as a collection of families. These families worshiped together at home. They planned to become a recognized parish community. This was common after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Many families had moved north from Chicago. They brought parish traditions from the city. These included traditions from the Church of the Ascension.
Thomas B. Morris became a leader. He was licensed as a lay leader by the bishop. In 1897 Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church got its first priest. His name was Frank Brandt. In 1898 they broke ground on a new building. A cornerstone was laid. It remains on the Sanctuary building today. The first public worship happened later that summer on July 10, 1898.
Key leaders shaped Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church. Rev. Charles Hubert Carleton arrived in 1919. He brought a strong sense of lay involvement. It remains a defining characteristic. Rev. Rodger McColl oversaw the expansion in 1941. This included the parish hall, kitchen, and initial offices.
Rev. Robert Reister arrived before Christmas in 1954. In 1955, a Möller pipe organ was installed. It had 17 ranks in the chancel. The organ was refurbished and expanded in 1997. It then had 25 ranks. In 1959 Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church moved the altar. It was moved away from the back wall. It was placed in front of the choir below a suspended cross. Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church was the first in the diocese to do this.
Rev. Joseph Howell marched with Martin Luther King in 1966. This was during King’s historic visit to Chicago. Rev. Howell guided the parish through social unrest. He emphasized moral responsibility and social inclusion. The first woman was elected as Senior Warden. The first African-American priest was invited to preach.
In 1968, Rev. Jerry Anderson led the youth group. After leaving Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church, he had a career in AIDS ministry. Rev. Joseph Mazza sponsored the first female candidate in 1976. She was Rev. Janice Gordon. He oversaw the Columbarium’s design and building. He presided over the first interments.
Rev. David Musgrave encouraged lay leadership. He also encouraged diversifying clergy. He also made impactful involvement in community outreach. Rev. Kristin White became the first female rector in 2012. She championed diversity and inclusion. Her message was “Everybody, Everybody, Everybody.” She strengthened the church’s role in the community. In September 2023, she became the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
Rev. Nadia Stefko was called in 2020. She leads with a commitment to discipleship. She offers care, connection, and transformation. She used technology to keep the parish connected. This was during the pandemic. She brought the parish back to in-person worship safely. She encourages Outreach Ministries. Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church connects those in need with programs. These provide a future with hope.
Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church continues its mission. It invites people into the Church. It connects people with God and one another. It equips people as disciples. It shares Christ’s mission of peace and service. Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church supports ministries. It witnesses to the world. It welcomes everyone to receive the gifts of bread and wine. They share them with joy.