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Church History
The Church of the Epiphany was founded as an Episcopal mission in 1958. The first services were held on
January 26, 1958 at the Wilbraham United Church. The Rev. Daniel B. Kunhardt was
soon called as the church's first full-time vicar.
In 1961, the Epiphany congregation decided to build their own church on a twenty-acre
site at the end of Highland Avenue. After walking the beautiful woodland site
and discovering "The Great Oak," members agreed that, while off the beaten path,
the Highland Avenue site was the perfect place to build their church. The quietness
and relationship to God's creation is a great blessing for all who worship here.
The first church building, what is now Sackett and Stevens Halls, was completed
in November 1962. The present nave, sanctuary, and offices were completed and
consecrated on May 17, 1970. The buildings form a semi-circle around the over
300 year-old Great Oak. Epiphany became a parish on November 6, 1971.
In the 1980s, the parish purchased 11 additional acres with money borrowed from
parishioners. After selling off three acres to pay back the loan, the parish
netted 8 acres.
Today, Epiphany is a community of inclusion and outreach, nurturing to all ages,
rooted in celebration of the sacraments. We pray that we, like the Great Oak,
may become more deeply rooted in our common life in Christ to serve our Lord in
the world He loves.
Priests who have served at the Church of the Epiphany
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1958-1966 |
The Rev. Daniel B. Kunhardt, vicar |
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1967-1971 |
The Rev. Richard L. Fenn, vicar |
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1971-1976 |
The Rev. Richard L. Fenn, rector |
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1976-1980 |
The Rev. Geoffrey W. Lennan, rector |
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1981-2004 |
The Rev. Kenneth S. B. Campbell, rector |
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2005-2006 |
The Rev. Alan L. Kittelson, interim rector |
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The Rev. John G. Talk, rector |
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