A Profile of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
A COMMUNITY OF FAITH, LOVE AND HERITAGE
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1890 Rutland Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207
(513) 531-4337 Office
(513) 531-4318 Fax
www.standrewscincinnati.org
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CONTENTS
Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………3
What We Seek In a Rector……………………………………………………………….4
Who We Are……………………………………………………………………………………5-8
The Vestry Perspective……………………..…………………………………………….9
Facilities………………………………………………………………………………………..10
St. Andrew’s 2012 Budget…………………………………………………………… 11
History………………………………………………………………………………………… .12-14
Our Community…………………………………………………………………………….15
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WELCOME TO ST. ANDREW’S
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Cincinnati, welcomes you. If an historically
African-American congregation could paint a portrait of it’s congregational life,
the image would be a study in contrasts: vibrant and colorful, supportive and
comforting, dynamic and exciting, deeply caring and committed, faithful yet
searching as children of God. Our parish family is a warmly hospitable and
genuinely devoted community of children, families, young, elderly, middle-age,
working class, professional, retired, civic-minded, socially just, racially and
economically diverse Christians.
This portrait of our faith in the word of the Lord and our belief in God’s plan
in our lives is the reason that St. Andrew’s has more than a 100-year old history in
the Cincinnati makes us an endearing and attractive parish.
We invite you to take a closer look at this portrait and seek your place
within the family of our Christian life. We hope you will want to be a part of the
picture.
-The Members of the Search Committee
Mission & Vision
To communicate the message of Jesus Christ such that all who hear it feel
compelled to follow him, are equipped to serve him, and drawn to invite
those without a spiritual home into ours. We seek to be formed and
renewed in Christ through the fullness of the Holy Spirit. As Christians we
will serve the pastoral needs of our members, our community and the
world we encounter in our lives, especially the isolated and vulnerable, to
the glory of God in Christ.
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What We Seek In A Rector:
As a parish, we have a desire for a rector who is a strong, spiritual leader and who
relates well to young people and youth. We hope our new rector will appeal to
people of all ages. Although our parish is slightly aged, we need young spirits to
revive us! Our people prefer theologically and Biblically based sermons that
relate to everyday living: Show us how to live the life of God! We seek a rector
who models good stewardship and encourages us to do the same. This person
will complement the ministries we have in place and encourage new ministries.
Some members of St. Andrew’s love the historical tradition of this congregation.
Others have expressed a desire to see a multi-cultural, vibrant, and relevant
ministry. It is time for us to build the tradition and not just rest upon it.
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Who We Are:
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, situated in the urban center of Cincinnati (in
the neighborhood of Evanston) has a rich history of more than 100-years of
community service, outreach, music, and worship. This warm, hospitable, and
inviting church is racially, culturally, and economically diverse. The spirit of the
parish is captured in the worship services which blend traditional as well as
“gospel” music. We have 103 active parishioners. Average Sunday attendance is
82. The average age of our parish is 59 years old, and the percentage of women
and men are 70% and 30% respectively.
St. Andrew’s is a Eucharistic centered, Rite II parish, with two services on
Sunday: 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Full sermons are preached at both services. The
10:30 service has music from the Chancel choir on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th
Sundays. On the 4th Sunday, the Gospel choir leads and inspires. For special
occasions, such as the Bishop’s visitation, the choirs combine. Traditionally there
has been a Wednesday noon Bible study and Eucharist. Special services include
Ash Wednesday (usually two services), Maundy Thursday (which includes an
agape meal) and Good Friday. The organist and the choirs are part of the 10:30
service. Traditionally, special services are held during Holy Week and there has
been a weekly service around noon on Wednesdays. The latter has included Bible
study. Other adult education and Bible study sessions have been between the
two Sunday services.
St. Andrew’s is currently operating with a part-time staff which includes an
interim rector, administrative assistant, music director, Gospel choir director, and
sexton. While the rector has understood the scope of our ministries and
participated as appropriate, volunteers maintain our other programs as follows:
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Parish Programs
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Altar Guild – Mission: The Altar Guild is a service guild of members who work by
providing worship services for the congregation. Services include baptism, weddings,
funerals, and other special services such as Consecration Sunday and picnic worship
services. Altar Guild also maintains vessels, linens, orders flowers, and the bread and
wine for all of our worship services that will glorify God.
The Archives Committee- Mission: Continue to preserve and celebrate our church
history.
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) - Mission: to help support church activities as
requested.
Eucharist Ministry- Currently, we have people who are participating as Eucharistic
ministers. In addition, our youth is starting to read every fifth Sunday. Eucharistic
Ministers, Visitors and Worship Leaders are licensed by the Diocese. Anyone can
participate as a lector (reader) when approved by the priest.
Fundraiser Committee – Mission: to devise and execute events and activities that will
generate funds for our church and in the process help toward balancing the budget. It is
our intent to promote a sense of family and camaraderie among parishioners.
Health & Wellness Ministry and Lay Pastoral Care- Mission: To minister to each other in
our church family and to our neighbors at 1820 Rutland; To provide and share
information from the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association; To
have ongoing relationships with the physically impaired, nursing homes, and
homebound parishioners; To provide resources on healthy living.
Men of St. Andrews’s – Mission: to support all church activities, from meals,
celebrations, luncheons, golf outings, manual labor, and other identified activities.
The Ministry of Outreach- Support identified outreach activities:
a) St. Paul Village-Goal: To provide chaplaincy to residents at St. Paul Village to be in
relationship and bring a wellness of faith to the residents.
b) Vacation Bible School -Provide spiritual growth and development and summer
enrichment to Evanston and St. Andrew’s youth.
c) Evanston Back to School Festival – Donate backpacks and setup St. Andrew’s
information table at the Festival.
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d) Christmas Gift Giving – Work with Evanston Academy and use previous data to
identify Evanston youth to receive Christmas gifts.
Music Department – The Chancel and Gospel choirs have diligently served St. Andrew’s
parish for many years. The church choirs are responsible for singing at all services
except at memorials, funerals, and weddings, unless the request is made by the family
members. The Gospel choir sings every 4th Sunday. The Chancel choir sings on all other
Sundays.
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The Pantry- We provide donations from parishioners and other organizations to people
in need from the Evanston community. Some of the items that are provided are: food;
clothing; and an opportunity to worship.
The Youth Ministry:
a. Vacation Bible School – This program provides an array of activities that engage the
youth in Bible stories and songs. A 6 week comprehensive reading program for
children entering the 4th grade.
b. Sunday School- Sunday school is taught during the 10:30 service by a dedicated,
organized rotation of volunteer St. Andrew’s adults. The youth are split into two
groups: K-6 & 7-12. Our mantra is “Each one, teach one.”
c. Our Sunday school Curriculum – For the 2010-2012 school years, the curriculum
was “Rooted: Growing in God’s Love.” This is an easy to prepare and lead,
downloadable, web-based curriculum that uses key stories of the Bible to help our
youth enter into a relationship with Christ and then in Christ.
d. Youth Sundays – Every 5th Sunday, the youth actively participate in church, serving
as lectors, ushers and greeters, playing musical instruments and sometimes even
giving the sermon or testimonials.
e. Youth Christmas Pageant – In addition to (or in lieu of) acting in a Christmas play, a
select number of youth sometimes perform a chimes rendition of one of the
Christmas carols.
f.
Other Youth Activities: Youth outreach; Ski Trip; Faith weekend at Newport
Aquarium; Youth Bingo; Movie Basket Raffle Fundraiser; King’s Island; Fall Fest.
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Strengths & Opportunities/Challenges
STRENGTHS
Spiritual worship & fellowship
Belief in St. Andrew’s
Belief in our future success
Music
Generational family tradition
Youth program
Proximity of college
Community of Evanston
A place for prayer
Strong history
OPPORTUNITIES/CHALLENGES
Age of our congregation
Building repair issues
Human sexuality issue within church
Music participants
Financial goals
Resistance to change
Being friendlier
Being flexible
Being positive
African-American heritage
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The Vestry Perspective – Leadership
St. Andrew’s vestry has general oversight of our faith community. We
believe that as leaders we are called to focus on the big picture. Our role is
understood to be to encourage and cultivate on-going conversations about what
God is requiring of us both within the church and in the surrounding
neighborhood. We aspire to continue faithful listening to God’s leading within
our changing world. The vestry fulfills its canonical responsibilities of overseeing
the budget and buildings and understands that as spiritual leaders, working with
our clergy as a discernment team, we will make a difference. The standard term
for elected wardens is two years and three years for vestry members.
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Facilities:
A small chapel is located at the rear of the main sanctuary. Just above it is
a loft where additional seating is available. A youth room is also located on the
upper level. The administrative areas of St. Andrew’s Church include the main
office with its separate work area for the parish administrative assistant, finance
office, and rector’s office. The David Berry Memorial Library is adjacent to the
choir room and the nursery. Lasting memorial tributes can be demonstrated by
the stained glass windows, kneelers, benches, pews, hymnals, musical
instruments, and other items. In the lower level of the building, there is a large
reception area, fully-equipped kitchen, partially accessible facilities, and storage
space. To conclude, improvements are an ongoing project to assure the appeal
and accessibility of St. Andrew’s remaining.
The people of St. Andrew’s are deeply committed to each other and to the
parish. Many areas were and are in need of repair including the exterior and
interior walls. Renovations and improvements in a number of areas are needed
including masonary. Windows in the sanctuary have been replaced, a new roof
installed, and restroom facilities updated. The additional lighting improvements
were changed from plug-ins to screw in, allowing energy and cost savings. A lift
chair has been installed which provides access to the undercroft.
STRENGTHS
New Organ
Contributions of parishioners
Environmental equipment
New windows in chancellor
Adequate facilities & meeting space
Adequate parking
Access to public transportation
Handicapped Accessibility –ADA Comp.
OPPORTUNITIES/CHALLENGES
A new Capital Campaign
Applying for community grants
Building renovation
Potential/relocation
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St. Andrew’s 2012 Budget
ST. ANDREW'S
FINANCES
REVENUE
Pledges
Plate Offerings
Other Income
2011
Actual
$ 150,244.91
$ 16,477.52
$ 27,332.81
2012
Budget
$ 150,328.92
$ 16,575.00
$ 25,275.00
2013
Budget
$ 155,000.00
$ 17,025.00
$ 6,050.00
TOTAL REVENUE
$ 194,055.24
$ 192,178.92
$ 198,075.00
Administration
Building & Grounds
Education
Evangelism
Fellowship
Mission Share
Outreach
Rector Salary & Benefits
Salary - Other
Stewardship
Worship & Music
Youth
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
19,050.00
34,735.00
925.00
300.00
585.00
16,025.00
8,775.00
55,030.03
69,404.00
1,700.00
2,625.00
1,375.00
$ 9,325.00
$ 36,000.00
$
950.00
$
300.00
$
600.00
$ 17,195.00
$
9,040.00
$ 54,758.00
$ 71,500.00
$
1,750.00
$
2,700.00
$
1,420.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 164,567.57
$ 210,529.03
$ 205,538.00
GAIN/LOSS
$ 29,487.67
$ (18,350.11)
$ ( 7,463.00)
8,691.83
33,056.23
885.12
86.21
13,074.00
6,973.42
27,749.29
65,387.02
1,611.77
6,142.90
909.78
2013 Rector’s Salary & Benefits
Base Salary/Housing
$35,000
SECA
$ 2,678
Pension
$ 6,300
Health & Dental insurance
$ 9,780
Continuing Education
$ 1,000
Total
$54,758
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History of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church:
During the spring of 1894, a small group, who were members of St. Paul’s
Cathedral, met in the home of Mrs. Katie Easton on Kenyon Avenue to discuss the
possibility of organizing a Mission for black people. After several meetings, the
Venerable George Edwards, then Archdeacon met with this group and gave
assistance in the formation of St. Andrew’s Mission. St. Andrew’s was admitted
into the union with the Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio on February
8, 1895. Under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Boyd Vincent, Bishop of Southern
Ohio; the Rev. George Alexander McGuire was called to be the first Minister-inCharge of St. Andrew’s Mission, arriving October 11, 1895. The acquisition of a
place of worship was the greatest problem confronting this new venture.
The first home was in the Chapel of the Mason’s Hall at George and John Streets.
The Rev. McGuire tendered his resignation January 30, 1899, to become the
rector of St. Phillips, Richmond, Virginia. As the months passed, the Rev. George
Bundy was appointed Priest-in-Charge, and a permanent home for the
congregation was secured on the northeast corner of Eighth and Mound Streets.
The Rev. Bundy remained until 1908. On August 1, 1908, the Rev. Roger C. James
became Priest-in-Charge, and remained until 1910. In October 1912, the Rev.
Edmund H. Oxley, became the new Priest-in-Charge and remained at St. Andrew’s
until his retirement in 1956. Under his leadership, a new church building was
erected. Under his leadership, a new church building was erected. On
Whitsunday 1915, the cornerstone was laid for the semi-gothic structure
accommodating 550 people.
In 1937, St. Andrew’s was admitted as a parish into union with the Convention of
the diocese of Southern Ohio, and the Rev. Edmund H. Oxley became its first
Rector. Father Oxley’s words described our parish as “schooled in our
churchmanship and loyal to Christ, dispassionate, calm…reformative without
being revolutionary (aiming for) constant enlightenment and understanding, a
ceaseless challenge to the Church.”
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In January 1958, the Rev. St. Julian A Simpkins became the second Rector of St.
Andrew’s. He came during a period of transition when the church relocated due
to the City’s urban renewal and expressway program.
The parish with Diocesan guidance purchased the present building from the
Evanston Baptist Church where we moved in the fall of 1960. On October 21,
1963 the building was dedicated to the service of God. In June 1964, St. Andrew’s
rector resigned to become Canon for Inner City Work in the Diocese of Rochester.
On December 1, 1964, the Rev. Richard L. Hicks, Jr. became the Rector and
remained until May 1967, at which time he resigned to become the Rector of St.
Phillips, San Antonio, Texas. The Rev. Charles Miller became the new Rector of St.
Andrew’s Parish on January 1, 1968, and resigned in September 1970, to become
a full-time Chaplain at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati. He continued to serve as a
Supply Priest until January 1973. On February 1, 1973, the Rev. Wilson H. Willard,
Jr. became the fifth Rector of St. Andrew’s. He served until September 1991,
when he was appointed Canon for Ministry of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The
Rev. Andrew MacAoidh Jergens was called to be Interim Rector and served until
September 1993. We owe much to these men for their stability, integrity and
continuity they brought to our parish.
On December 15, 1993, the Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr. became the sixth Rector of
St. Andrew’s. His leadership conserved, informed and sustained – through
worship, organization and social action – our special heritage as custodians and
interpreters of the Black experience in the Episcopal Church. In October 1999, the
people of the Diocese of Michigan recognized the dynamic potential of Rev. Gibbs
and elected him to become their tenth bishop. In 1999, the Rev. Thomas Shaver
served as Interim Rector. In 2000, the Rev. Brian A. Jemmott served as supply
priest until 2002 when the Rev. Stephen Applegate served as Interim Rector. In
October 2003, Rev. Applegate resigned to become Rector of St. Luke’s in
Granville, OH.
In October 2003, the Rev. Gerald S. Collins became the seventh Rector of St.
Andrew’s until his resignation in February 2005. Supply priests served St.
Andrew’s until August 2005 when the Rev. Stockton Wulsin became Interim
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Rector. In December 2006, the Rev. Stockton Wulsin became the eighth Rector of
St. Andrew’s and served until September 2010. Supply priests served St.
Andrew’s until July 2011 when the Rev. Angelo Puopolo became Interim Rector.
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Our Community:
St. Andrew’s is part of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, home to nearly 20,000
Episcopalians.
St. Andrew’s is located in the Greater Cincinnati area. Located along the Ohio
River, the city and its 2.1 million people are at the intersection of three states,
Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The region is known for its rolling hills, wooded
suburbs, thriving urban core, revitalized downtown and riverfront, and a first tier
professional sports town. Cincinnati is home to an internationally renowned arts,
cultural, and entertainment scene in addition to over a dozen universities. The
Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is located just across
the river.
St. Andrew’s is situated in the community of Evanston. Evanston over the last few
years has attained an urban character with a strong sense of community and
access to the substantial transportation and educational benefits of the
immediate area. It borders the City of Norwood, the second most populous city
in Hamilton County, Ohio, and the communities of Hyde Park and Walnut Hills.
Specifically, St. Andrew’s has within very close proximity Strayler University,
Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information, please check the following links on the internet:
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church www.standrewscincinnati.org
Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio www.episcopal-dso.org
City of Cincinnati www.cincinnati-oh.gov
Xavier University www.xavier.edu
Strayer University www.strayer.edu/campus/cincinnati
City of Evanston www.cityofevanston.org
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