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Church marks 75 years of faith, family
By ANGELA MILLER-HOOD NEW PORT RICHEY -- When Caroline Harper and her brother attended St. Stephen's Episcopal Church as children in the 1920s, there was no Sunday school for them. They were the only children. Today, 75 years after the church was founded, not only is there children's Sunday school, but kids lead the worship service once a month. "I would never consider changing my religious affiliation. It's just a part of me," said Mrs. Harper, 73, who raised her three children at St. Stephen's. The church that started with about 25 worshipers has grown to about 350, and is reaching out to younger families. To celebrate St. Stephen's 75th anniversary, a Holy Eucharist service is set for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 25, followed by a luncheon. Some of the priests who have served will speak. St. Stephen's began as a mission church in November 1926 and originally was at Missouri Avenue and Jefferson Street. Founders were Mrs. Harper's grandfather, William Critchley, as well as James Becker and James McDowell. The church shared priests with All Saints Episcopal Church in Tarpon Springs. In 1960, the community and St. Stephen's began to grow, so the mission looked for more land and a larger building. The Rev. Charles E. White became the vicar on Sept. 1, 1963, and plans were made to move the parish to its current location on Charles Street. At the convention of the Diocese of South Florida in 1967, St. Stephen's was received as a parish, and White became the first rector. The Rev. Albert E. Rust Jr. became the second rector of the parish in 1968. Under his leadership, the narthex and bell tower were added in 1973. The parish hall was built in 1980. The Rev. Charles E. Canady Jr. was interim priest after Rust's retirement. Then in 1985, the Rev. Paul C. Johansen became the third rector of the parish until he retired in 1995. The Rev. William Magill was interim rector until June 1997, when the Rev. Raymond E. Dage was installed. "This has been the most loving congregation I have ever served. It is a delight to be here," said Dage, an ordained minister of 25 years. Dage is assisted by retired associates the Revs. Richard Mansur, Fredrick Long and William Swatos, and Deacon Rev. Peter Schevola. Dage's daughter, Elizabeth Weber, 30, recently became the church's youth director and teaches the youth Sunday school class. "We get things accomplished because we are having fun," Weber said. The youth have several fundraisers throughout the year for their largest outreach project, "Adopt a Family." They sponsor needy families for Christmas, providing food and gifts. The Episcopal Church Women is the church's largest volunteer and social group. Members hold weekly and monthly events and host several church events. "We are a close-knit group," president Doris Jenkins said. Ninety-percent of the thrift store proceeds are used for the women's outreach projects; the remaining amount is tithed to the church. The group consists of about 40 active women ages 50 to 70. Jenkins said they are making plans to involve younger women. -- Times staff writer Angela Miller-Hood covers religion news in Pasco County and can be reached by calling (352) 521-5757, ext. 29 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6108, then 29.
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