| Ladd Avenue is the pathway to one of Salem’s
more aesthetically pleasing churches, St. Timothy’s Episcopal
Church. There you will find (on most days) Father Rick Campbell
about the business of being its rector.
St. Timothy’s has a history that goes back to April,
1956. It was then that a small group of parishioners from
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church set out and formed the nucleus
of what St. Timothy’s is today. St. Timothy's was named
after that saint because he was the trusted companion and
official representative of St Paul the Apostle.
Their first location was the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall
at 630 Hood St. NE. The next location was a brief stay at
the Women’s Club in downtown Salem. St. Timothy’s
became a diocesan mission in these years. Because of its growth,
the Church moved to Hoover school auditorium. This stay was
abbreviated by a fire, so they returned once again to the
Women’s Club.
Around 1960, plans were made to buy the present land they
now own. The men of the church erected the parish hall. In
1968, the present sanctuary was built. And, in 1997, the office
and educational wing were added. Completed for now, this is
what the church is today.
Father Rick Campbell, pastor of the St. Timothy’s answered
the following questions:
How many parishioners are now worshiping here today?
Father Rick Campbell: Seventy families, 250 people.
How long have you personally been here at St. Timothy’s?
FRC: About 24 years.
What is the most important thing to know about St. Timothy’s?
FRC: St. Timothy’s emphasis is on the faith and
practice of the Catholic tradition within the Episcopal Church,
emphasizing worship, spirituality, and community. The Episcopal
Church contains within itself the best of the Reform tradition
and the Catholic tradition, and this acts as a bridge between
them. The Episcopal Church emphasizes grace, not law. It is
pastoral and centers in worship.
What is the significance of Lambeth Palace in London?
FRC: This is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury
and contains the Administration of the Anglican Communion
(worldwide). It would also include that of the Church of England
and the diocese of Canterbury. In addition, a retreat house
for pilgrims and a school are there. Every 10 years, all the
Bishops of the Anglican Church meet to deliberate on the life
and mission of the Anglican Communion. To be an Anglican,
you must be in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury
who is the spiritual head of the Church.
Written by William Glennen
Bibliography:
Interview with Father Rick Campbell, St. Timothy’s Episcopal
Church, 12/18/2002
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