History

History

History of the Parish

The Epiphany and Saint Simon is located at the southeastern corner of Avenue M in the Midwood Section of Brooklyn.  As the name suggests, The Epiphany and Saint Simon is the result of the merging of two Parishes, the Church of The Epiphany and the Parish of Saint Simon’s, in 1971.  The history of both Parishes dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century.

The Church of the Epiphany

The Epiphany (East 18 Street and Avenue R)
Organized: February 4, 1906 (as Holy Innocents)
Incorporated and Admitted: January 23, 1923
Closed: October 31, 1971
The parish had two Lay Readers and eleven Pastors from 1906 to 1970. “Holy Innocent’s Mission from which the Church of the Epiphany originated in February 1906. The congregation worshipped in a real estate office, the congregation worshipped in a real estate office, the use of which was allowed on Sundays free. Later the lay reader in charge gave up the use of his parlor, and it was made into a chapel. The folding room into the dining room were opened on Sundays, and the two rooms seated about 30 people” … … … … … … correspondence of Archdeacon Charles Henry Webb, the second Rector (1910-1911)

The Church of the Epiphany, organized on February 4th1906, grew out of the Mission of Holy Innocents. Under the spiritual guidance of the Lay Reader, the congregation worshipped in a real estate office.  Later, the Lay Reader gave up the use of his parlor and converted it into a Chapel. On Sundays, the folding room and dining room were opened allowing 30 persons to be seated for worship.

On January 23rd 1923 the Church of the Epiphany was incorporated and admitted into the Diocese of Long Island.

From 1906 to its closure in 1971 the Church of the Epiphany had eleven Pastors and two Lay Readers as its spiritual leaders. It grew from a two-room real estate/ living room to a Church which seated upwards of 250 members and was equipped with all the necessary artifacts for worship in the Episcopal Church. However, due to financial constraints, a small  congregation, and in keeping with the new direction of the Diocese, it became necessary to close the church. So on the first Sunday of January 1971, the doors of the Epiphany were closed and the congregation processed over and joined Saint Simon’s.

The Church of Saint Simon’s

Saint Simon (2910 Avenue M)
Organized: December 17, 1911
Incorporated: April 13, 1930
Admitted: May 20, 1930
Consecrated: November 1, 1958
Mission: 1911 - 1930; Parish 1930 - 1934; Mission: 1934 - 1946; Aided Parish: 1946 - 1955/58; Parish 1955/58 -1971
The Parish had sixteen Pastors and one Assistant from 1911 to 1971

“The Parish started in a store at 1118 Avenue J, near Coney Island Avenue which it occupied until May 1, 1913. Purchased lots on Avenue K at 12 Street. Purchased portable church building in 1913. Property was sold and a new site purchased for new church at Avenue M and East 29 Street. Service of breaking of ground was held on January 13, 1927. Cornerstone was laid on March 21, 1927. First service was held on June 15, 1927
… Taken from the archives of the Diocese of Long Island.

The Church of Saint Simon’s was organized on December 17th1911, incorporated on April 13th 1930, and admitted into the Diocese of Long Island on May 20th1930.  The Parish started in a store front at 1118 Avenue J near Coney Island Avenue.  During 1913, the Church purchased a lot on Avenue K at 12thStreet, as well as a portable Church building which was transported to this lot. On May 1st1913, the Church moved from its location on Avenue J, to its new location on Avenue K. This site and property were later sold and a new site at Avenue M and East 29thStreet was purchased.

A service of ground breaking was held on January 13th 1927 and commencement of erecting a new Church building, Meeting Hall and Rectory began.  The Meeting Hall was the first building constructed. The corner stone to this building was laid on March 21st1927. By June of 1927 this building was completed allowing the first service to be held there on June 15th1927.

It is during this period that the effects of the Great Depression began to be felt in the community. Hence, the start of erecting the Church building was temporarily postponed and services were held in the new meeting hall.

The continued desire of the church membership to erect a Church Building on the vacant lot to the west of the meeting hall (The Church Lawn), led to the meeting hall not being consecrated as the church until 1958.  The decision not to build was linked to the economic fortunes of the period.

As the history of the Parish indicates, Saint Simon’s status in the Diocese changed regularly.  It was deemed a Mission from 1911 to 1930, when it was given all rights as a Parish.  This new status however, only lasted four years before it was returned to its original status as a mission.   Saint Simon’s remained a mission until 1946 then an aided Parish until 1955/58. In 1955 / 58 it regained its status as a Parish.

From the time of its organization in 1911 to January 1971, Saint Simon’s had sixteen Pastors and one Assistant Pastor. Worship at Saint Simon’s had followed a “Roman” tradition with uses of Incense and even had a confessional.

The Church of Epiphany and Saint Simon’s

The Church of Epiphany and Saint Simon’s is made up of family units from a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity however does not mirror the ethnic make up of the community since the majority of members come from adjoining communities and neighborhoods. For this community of faithful, Epiphany and Saint Simon’s does not only provide the means for spiritual growth but is also a locale for cross cultural appreciation and unification.

When the parishes merged in 1971, the Reverend Gregg D. Wood was called as the first Rector of the merged churches and served until October of 1977. He was succeeded by the Reverend John H. Gill, who served as Rector from June 15th 1977 to June 30th 1993. The Reverend Donovan I. Leys was welcomed as the 3rd Rector of the merged Parishes on January 1st1995, and served as rector until November 30, of 2007.

From 2008 to our present time three priests were appointed, two as Priest in Charge, and one as Interim priest. The Reverend Cannon Ernest Katahweire, from February of 2007 to the time of his death in July of 2010. The Reverend Cheryl Fox, from October 2010 to April 2013; and the Reverend Dr Allen SW George from July 2013 to present.

The merging of the two parishes coincided with the period of Liturgical experimentation in the Episcopal Church.  Over the past decade we have seen the Church of the Epiphany and Saint Simon move from a parish which prided itself in a steeped Anglican “Low Church” tradition with the use of the 1940 hymnal and Rite I for its major services to a more modern Anglo–Catholic service, the introduction of the 1982 Hymnal and use of incense for festivals and special occasions.  Except for special occasions, and during the summer months, Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 8:00 and 10:00 AM using Rite II in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), singing all the ordinary of the mass excluding the Creed, and the use of Lift Every Voice and Sing.  Rite I however, is still used during the season of Lent. During the summer months Mass is said with the singing of Hymns.

 The Midwood Community

As the 2000 Census indicates, Midwood is a residential neighborhood of upper and middle income families, living in single family dwellings.  This description accurately captures the location of Epiphany and Saint Simon. The homeowners in the immediate neighborhood are primarily Roman Catholic of Irish, and Italian Ancestry, and Orthodox Jewish families.  Inherent in this ethnic make up of the community, is the underlying weaknesses of the church community. The fact that the members have to commute to the church local for all activities places considerable strain on the type, timing and frequency of events.

Church Plant

The Church of Epiphany and Saint Simon is located at the corner of Avenue M and East 29thStreet.  Nostrand Avenue is a main artery with regular bus service and connection to the Flatbush Avenue /Seventh Avenue subway line which terminates at the ‘Junction’ of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues.

The Q Train stops at Avenue M and East 16th street about 13 blocks from the church, and also at King’s Highway stop with connection to the local bus route with stops that are close to the Church.

The Church fabric consists of two stories and a basement, and a Rectory which is located on East 26thstreet about a five minute walk from the church.

The Church Building

a) The Upper Level

The upper level of the Church originally housed the Rector.  This level has six rooms including a full bathroom.  Since the upper level no longer houses the rector only half of the full bath is now used.  The bath section has been converted into a storage room.  The other rooms are used as an office also known as the McLean Room, the Church School Room also called Bishop Martin’s Room, the Rector’s Office, and a vacant room with access to the fire escape.

b) The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is located approximately four feet above street level, and has twenty pews which can seat approximately 140 parishioners in its current configuration.  In keeping with current liturgical practice the altar is located in the center of the Sanctuary with the Celebrant facing the congregation. Directly behind and above the Altar is a hand carved Christus Rex. The Organ and Choir are located in the nave of the church. The Organ was purchased in September of 2011.  Three pews in the nave of the church were turned perpendicular to the other pews in the church.  These pews are reserved for the choir and give them a visual link with the organist.  

 There are six stained Tiffany glass windows, currently located above the windows in the church. The windows were obtained from the Church of the Epiphany when the Churches merged and were framed and formatted by Lam studios to match the windows which existed. The pictures depict scenes in the life of our Savior- Scenes from the Epiphany with the three Kings bearing gifts, Christ the King, Mary the Christ mother, Saint Peter and the other disciples.

 A seven piece drum set, two steel pans, an electric guitar are among the other instruments used to enhance music in the church.

A ten Member Choir leads the main service on Sundays with the singing of Hymns, Psalms, responses and Anthems.     

c)The Basement Level- Sherman Room

 The Sherman Room

The Basement level also known as the Sherman Room, provides a meeting place for fellowship, meetings and coffee hour. It is an open area of approximately 2100 square feet plus bathrooms and a kitchen with modern conveniences. The Sherman Room was recently renovated and is currently fully handicapped accessible with stair lifts and bathrooms for the handicapped.

The Sherman Room, prior to its renovation was also used as a meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and Catholic Daughters and other charitable groups.  AA is once more using the Sherman room as a meeting place on Tuesdays and Sundays.

This room is currently available for rental for various functions.  As an auditorium it can comfortably seat 140 persons.  As a banquet hall 12 tables and chairs can be arranged within the hall.

The Epiphany And Saint Simon
Merged: January 19, 1971
Rectors: Gregg D. Wood: 01/19/1971 - 10/15/1977
John H. Gill: 06/15/1978 - 06/30/1993
D. Ivanhoe Leys: 01/01/1995 - 11/30/2006

Priest-in-Charge :Canon Ernest Katahweire 02/11/2007-July 2010.

Interim Priest: Mother Cheryl Fox. October 2010- April 2013.

 Priest-in-Charge Reverend Doctor Allen SW George July 15 2013- Present.