Our History
St. Augustine's Episcopal Church is a community of faithful people who have been gathering for almost 100 years and was the first Episcopal church in the city dedicated to serving Black parishioners. Our story is one of deep roots in our local community, commitment to the Beloved Community and spreading the love of God throughout the world. Worship is at the heart of our faith, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where all are invited to experience the transformative power of God's love. Join us on this journey of faith and discovery, and to become a part of our story today.
Our People
Our Priest-in-Charge is Father Rob Crow, joining us on May 1, 2024.
Also guiding the congregation through services are Eucharistic Minister Hazel Allen, Acolyte Theresa Martin and Deacon Mack Bauknight.
St. Augustine's Vestry guides the congregation through business decisions complicated and simple, matters great and small. Current members are: Hazel Hudson-Allen (Senior Warden), Yate' Cutliff (Junior Warden), Shirley Bauknight, Paul Brechue, Elizabeth Congo, Peggy Crawford and Deborah Davis.
Our Music
St. Augustine's is enriched by incorporation of music from diverse traditions. Services feature the1982 Episcopal Hymnal along with Lift Every Voice and Sing, a collection of Black spirituals. Uniquely, Joyous Jazz is also featured, merging spiritual and secular music.
Instrumental support comes from a trio of musicians, including pianist and Director Paul Brechue, woodwind artist Laura Montgomery and percussionists Andrew Walker or Paul Congo.
We sing about love and love is in our singing. Everyone joins in with the choir. For The Lord's Prayer, we take hands as we raise our voices and sing, As you leave a service at St. Augustine's, the rousing energy of the recessional htmn inspires our expression of Christ's love in the week to come.
Benison Farm:
Our Land
St. Augustine's has always been a community of gardeners. In this tradition, we are proud to host Benison Farm, working with crosstown neighbor St. Thomas' Episcopal Church and many community volunteers.
The Farm suits our culture. St. Augustine's stands on rich soil, near Lake Maggiore and adjoining Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Before being a church, St. Augustine's property was a nursery.
Volunteers work every week tending the plots and harvesting the bounty. Vegetables are donated to groups like Operation Attack and given away directly to those in need.