Here stands Saint Simon’s Episcopal Church. It is a beacon of faith and service. This church welcomes all who seek God’s love. Saint Simon’s is located in Arlington Heights Illinois.
Saint Simon’s responds to adversity with resilience. This resilience is born of faith. It is nurtured by fellowship. The church’s namesake is Simon of Cyrene. Roman soldiers commanded him to carry Christ’s cross. He was pulled from the crowd at random. Simon likely didn’t know where he was going. He only knew he had a task. He would carry it out.
Originally, Saint Simon’s was a mission church. It was officially named Church of St. Simon the Cyrenian in 1927. The first service was held on Palm Sunday. It took place at the old Lincoln Park School.
The original church building was damaged in 1928. A hurricane destroyed it in 1948. Land on Avenue E was acquired for $200. The present church was completed in 1950. The parish hall was added in 1960. It was expanded in 1974.
By 1984, the church was sustainable. Regular attendees made regular gifts. This enabled the burning of the mortgage. In 1991, Father Joe Rider served as interim priest. Parish status was granted.
In 1992, Father Simeon Eugene Newbold became St. Simon’s first Rector. He was followed by other clergy. Each contributed to the church’s history.
Over time, the church acquired adjacent property. This provided parking and rental apartments. Renovations improved the church and parish house. St. Simon’s became more involved in its community. It became a center for fellowship. People from all walks of life came here.
With Father Joe Rider’s return in 2013, a new chapter began. The church and parish hall were renovated again. New outreach programs launched. Relationships formed with community organizations.
As Father Joe retires, more transitions lie ahead. The story of Saint Simon’s continues. But Saint Simon’s will always move forward in faith. Reflecting God’s love, Saint Simon’s celebrates diversity. The church welcomes the LGBTQIA community. It celebrates ethnicities and cultures. Saint Simon’s strives for justice. It protects the dignity of every human being.
Christmas Eve services here are special. There is a 4 pm Festival Eucharist in English. A Choral Eucharist begins with a prelude at 3:40 pm. Another Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist is at 8 pm. It includes Christmas carols. Prelude music starts at 7:45 pm. Christmas Day Eucharist is at 9:30 am. It features more Christmas carols.
Saint Simon’s offers many organized groups. These include adult faith formation. There are also groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. You can find Boy Scouts and a choir here. Eucharistic Ministers and visitors are active. Lay pastoral care is also available. A men’s group provides fellowship. Saint Simon’s Episcopal Church is more than a building. It is a community. It is a family. It is a place to belong.