Church Chronology
St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
The following chronology was began from the brief chronology written, by Willett C. Magruder in April 1992 and from some additional text written by Patrick Blythe in March 2006. It has been extensively expanded upon by George Reeves after much research into archive documents collected under the History Project.
If you know of errors or omissions please E-mail the webmaster.
1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985,1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
1063
In England a young sixteen year old girl lived at the Court of Edward, The Confessor. She was the daughter of Edward, The Exile, and had been born in Hungary. Her name was Margaret which is derived from the Greek word, margaron, which translates as "pearl."
1963
Nine hundred years later and a quarter of the way around the world in the evening of
February 23 a meeting was held in the home of John M. Connell in Palm Desert, California with Dean Dan Bacot, Howard Cuyler, J. D. Tinklepaugh, Malcolm Davis, and Mrs. Robert Ricciardi. The subject was the possible formation of an Episcopal Preaching Station. A few weeks later the name of St. Margaret's was chosen from a list which included St. David and St. Thomas and echoing the name from 900 years and some 700 since she was sainted.
Bishop Bloy appointed for the Preaching Station:
John M. Connell - Bishop's Warden<
Malcolm Davis-Clerk<
Howard Cuyler-Special Gifts<
Robert Ricciardi - Chairman Every Member Canvas
George Berkey - Bishop's
Committee
April 8: At the second meeting it was announced that 41 pledges had been received for $12,304 toward meeting the $12,776 which had been designated as the amount required by the Bishop before he could give his approval for the formation of the new Mission. A building program was discussed and Robert Ricciardi retained as Mission Architect.
May: A proposal was received from Messrs Ahmanson, Childs, et al offering to sell three acres at $7000 per acre. Sandpiper Builders agreed to donate two acres.
Jeremiah Coon carried mail to the church during this year.
November - Bishop Bloy was asked to call the Rev. R. P. Brownlee as head of the Mission. He became Vicar on December 30.
The Rev. Peter Joseph Brownlee was born October 12, 1905 in Rathwel, Manitoba, Canada, the son of The Rev. George Edward Brownlee and Agnes Reid MacFarlane. He was raised in Saskatchewan and graduated, cum laude, from seminary in 1937, the year he married Kathleen Boyle. He served as Chaplain in the Canadian Royal Bomber Group in both Canada and England. Father Brownlee and Kay came to the U.S. in 1949 and now live in Redlands, CA.
The year 1963 recalls several events: Winston Churchill became an Honorary Citizen of the U.S., Kennedy was assassinated, Nicklaus won his first Masters, Dr. DeBakey first used an artificial heart to take over circulation during heart surgery, the Dodgers beat New York 4-0.
1964
January 9: - An article in the Desert Post, reported the first worship services held by St. Margaret's Episcopal Church "when an overflow of more than 70 persons" attended "the 11 A.M. services in the improvised facilities of the Fairway Cafe were conducted by Father Peter J. Brownlee."
Mrs. Cass Smith was retained as Organist on an instrument donated by the church at Corona Del Mar.
The first Directress of the Altar Guild was Mrs. Gertrude Davis.
The first baptisms were Dana Marie Ricciardi and Christopher Gale Lowe.
February 18: - Adrian Schwilck, President of Silver Spur Properties offered the Recreation Hall for Sunday services at $50.00 per month. The Vicar reported the cost of mailing as 4 cents per piece. A decision was made to continue at that rate.
April 11: - It was announced that Leonard Firestone and W.A. Montcrief intended to donate $21,000 to the Building Fund.
The Building Committee was composed of Chairman George Holstein, Connell, Tinklepaugh, Cuyler, Berkey, Hirschi, Davis, Rawitzer and Mrs. Henry Ackerman. Jennings Hardware of Indio promised to donate plumbing material, paint, bolts, water heater, toilets and some electrical materials at cost.
1965
February 15: - Ground breaking for the new building with Father Barnhill present. The new church building was consecrated by Bishop Rusack of Los Angeles. The master plan developed at that time showed a large church building just about where the current sanctuary is now located.
A Moller organ was installed in
September.
The ECW was organized with the following officers:
President - Mrs. Eugene Field
Engler
Vice President - Mrs, Charles P. Wilson
Treasurer - Mrs. Howard Cuyler
Secretary - Mrs. Robert Ricciardi
October: - A special meeting in October with The Rev. Brownlee and Canon Hause who began his assistance in April and 118 members present a petition was voted to ask the Bishop to allow St. Margaret's to become a parish.
November: - T.G.A. Cook was elected Treasurer and Floyd Olsen Assistant.
T.G.A. Cook was a Scotsman born near Edinburgh. His father was Gardener on a Duke's estate and was later employed as Head Gardener at Sandringham in Norfolk. At the same time Tom's uncle was Head Gardener at Windsor Castle. Incidentally, the position at Sandringham is more important than that at Windsor because Sandringham grew all the table vegetables for the Royal table as well as caring for the grounds. Tom grew up and played with the children of George V and Queen Mary. He was an Officer in the British Army and a graduate chemist, and managed a refinery in Colombia for Texaco. Mary, his wife, was Librarian in Palm Desert when the library was a mere fledgling. Tom and Mary were always very active in St. Margaret's . Both had a delicious sense of humor that matched the twinkle in their eyes. There was no one but those who loved them.
1967
February 13: - The new sanctuary was completed, the congregation moved from Mission to Parish status and the Rectory, now the Karns Administration Building, was completed.
March: - Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California.
Madge Cuyler donated 100 shares of Standard Oil of California stock with the dividends to go to her and the stock eventually to the Endowment Fund.
A final estimate for the building of a new Rectory for $69,432 was accepted with no drapes, landscaping or appliances included.
1968
March 11: - the new Rectory was completed according to schedule and moved into.
1969
May 5: - A Special Meeting considered a proposal by Mr. Rawitzer that a Rector's Retirement Fund be considered.
June 3: - Discussion took place as to possible ways to help the Mission at Needles, AZ.
July 7: - The Assistant Rector, in Upland, CA The Rev.
John D. Harrison, was called to serve as Associate Rector starting October 1 and to succeed Father Brownlee in October 1970. Father Harrison was born in Davenport, IA May 19,1912, the son of Will H. Harrison and Mary Elizabeth Given. He was graduated from Northwestern University and California Divinity School of the Pacific. He married April 18,1942 Elisabeth Cummings Richardson.
He now lives in San Diego where he works calling on the sick. They have two sons and grandchildren.
From Father Harrison's report to the Parish at St. Margaret's tenth Annual Meeting "The present Rector of St. Margaret's was called as assistant in the parish to help establish some new church congregations along the Colorado River across from Needles, California in Arizona. Six months was spent with full time coverage of this area by either Father Harrison or Father Brownlee As a result of the work, three new congregations were established at Bullhead City, Arizona, Lake Havasu City, Arizona and Parker, Arizona."
August 10: - Details were announced for the Rector's Retirement Fund and the plan put into operation. Several months later some $35,000 was raised and set aside with the income to go to Father Brownlee and Mrs. Brownlee for their lifetime.
1970
July 6: - Father Brownlee submitted his resignation to be effective October 16 and on July 13th, at the Vestry meeting, was elected Rector Emeritus.
The statue which stood for years in front of the church and now is in the Court Yard is the sculpture of Miss Frances Rich. From a column in the local newspaper May 12,1970 by Dorothy Watson "The Firestones saw the statue in Miss Rich's retrospective exhibit in Palm Springs last fall.
They wanted to buy it and place it where many people could enjoy it.
'Not for sale', said miss Rich. 'I keep it near my studio in the mountains.'
'Do many people see it there?' asked Mr. Firestone. 'No, not many.'
'Then isn't it rather selfish of you?' asked Mr. Firestone.
Miss Rich laughed and the deal was made.
The sculptor did the bronze in 1951 in Rome."
It was dedicated December 5,1970 by Bishop Bloy.
August: - Plans were presented for possible additions to the Parish Hall.
October 12: Father Harrison was unanimous elected Rector of St. Margaret's by the full Vestry.
November 16: The Vestry and parish passed a resolution to support the dividing of the Los Angeles Diocese and the formation of the Diocese of San Diego. It was further resolved that St. Margaret's would belong to the Diocese of San Diego.
1971
March 15: The Vestry heard the building committee plans for additions and improvements to St. Margaret's physical plant. This is composed of enlarging the present church building and the building to the west of the present church, making that a parish hall. Mr. Ricciardi revise the master plan of St. Margaret's which calls for the construction ultimately of a church structure on the north end of our property and utilizing the present structure for a parish hall only. After much discussion the Vestry accepted the recommendation of the building committee to enlarge and improve the present structures, which hopefully would serve our needs for the next 10 to 20 years adequately.
May 11: The working capital fund for the new diocese was to be $10 per communicant. St. Margaret's pledge was to be $1740 to be paid quarterly to the San Diego Diocesan Fund over a two year period.
June 3: The Vestry accepted the bid for the new work from Mr. W. Colglazier, of $78,000 including performance bond.
July 12: The Vestry authorized Fr. Harrison to order church furnishings requiring up to $3,000 down payment. Fr. Harrison is authorized to offer Colorado River Ministry our Alter, Alter rail, credence table. layreaders seat and other furnishings not needed after alterations of our church are completed.
September 13: Hours of service were changed from 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 to only two services 8:00 and 10:00. Coffee hour will be only after the 10:00 service.
October 17: Fist broadcast of the church service in connection with the Coachella Valley 'church Alliance program.
November: All but $2,000 worth of notes had been sold, the church had $65,000 in notes and pledges, the church will not have to borrow money.
Additions to the church building and erection of the Parish Hall were completed. The sanctuary area was improved by the addition of two sacristies, one for clergy and one for Altar Guild. Seating in pews, increased about 50% to 197. Choir stalls at the rear of the church were enclosed and the seating capacity of the nave increased. New organ developed by Frank Own (formerly at St. Paul's Cathedral, Los Angeles) were added at this time. Connell Hall was dedicated in late 1971.
A Needle Work Guild was started with Mrs. Moulton Moise serving as Directress and members Mesdames Irving Smith,
William W. Cook, Henry B. Clark, A. J. M. Gardner, George Berkey and Allan Rogers. The later was 86 when she retired and had been a member of some Episcopal Altar Guild for a continuous 68 years.
The budget for the coming year was announced as $449,660.
December 13: Vestry meeting was opened with a prayer in the newly completed Parish Hall Guild Room.
1972
March 13: The area outside the patio, memorial, will be know as "Hirschi Garden" and a plaque be mounted there. A Vestry Resolution was generated on March 20, 1972 honoring John Raymond (Ray) Hirschi for his long years of service since the conception of the church.
1973
January 15: Fr. Harrison announced that the church should be proud of what it has accomplished for the Colorado River Project, it is now up to the Diocese to continue the work.
After years of service Bev Sfingi resigned as Church School Superintendent.
February 12: The issue of elevating women to the priesthood was disapproved. Mrs. Bolz donated the cost of covering the cement floor under the church pews.
March 12: Mr. Ricciardis donated a tool shed to be used for the gardener's tools.
April 8: It was reported that the church had bought Fr. Harrison a new station wagon for $4,201. Fr. Harrison sold his old car for $400 at the rummage sale. ( Notice in Vestry notes 'for all members to watch out for the speeding rector')
October 15 : Starting January 1, 1974 all assessments that would normally go to the Los Angles Diocese should now be sent to the Diocese of San Diego.
November 18: - Mr. and Mrs. Tinklepaugh gave a rare altar hanging of lace made in a French Convent.
December 10: Plans are underway to celebrate the church's tenth year anniversary at the Desert Island Country Club. Cost will be $7.50 per person. Mrs. Madge Cuyler would take reservations.
Statistics for the year:
Attendance 11,387
Sunday Services 109
Weekday Services 175
Communions 6,594
Private Communions 104
Baptisms 10
Confirmations 10
Marriages 4
Burials 10
Malcolm Davis died during the year.
1974
The bell which rings before each Sunday service was given as memorial to her husband, Malcolm Davis, by Mrs. Davis. The bell, known as a C bell, was cast in 1908 by the Buckeye Bell Foundry Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Evie Davis found the “right bell” abandoned on a farm in Wisconsin. She had it shipped to Palm Desert
The garden was replanted and improved as a memorial to Ray Hirschi (Jean Anne's father).
From October 1974 until May 1976 many meetings and discussions occurred considering the possible use of the 2 1/2 acres at the north end of the property for the construction of a retirement home. The many complications and lack of semi-promised government financial support caused the cessation of the proposal.
1975
A swimming pool was installed in the court of the Rectory.
1976
February 9: Mr. Le Kim An arrived in Palm Desert with his wife. Later three sons joined them. They were refugees from Vietnam having barely escaped by small boat. He had been a Police Inspector in South Vietnam for some 25 years and Police Chief in Da Nang. Parishioners privately subsidized the family with only several hundred dollars. It was amazing to see how thankful they were for so little and how they asked for so little. The three teen aged boys defeated anyone who would play table tennis. The boys attended school here and later UCSD when they moved to San Diego. At least two of the boys have graduated, one in Engineering. Many parishioners learned from them.
April 14: - President Ford attended 10:00 A.M. service.
The Annual Rummage Sale was discontinued and the Cellar Door opened.
Father Rodda assisted Father Harrison with preaching and hospital calls before returning to his home in Texas with his ill wife.
October 18: - The end of the hurricane in late summer which submerged parts of Palm Desert in mud missed damaging the church and its buildings.
1977
February 14: - Joan Bauer announced the opening of The Cellar Door.
February: - Organist, Frank Owen, traveled to England to an international meeting of the Royal Society of Church Music for which he played and of which he was member.
Mr. Owen wrote the music for Hymn #207, Second Tune, "Come, Risen Lord" in the 1940 Hymnal. He was born in Manchester, England in 1902 and wrote "A Choirboy's Handbook."
May 9: - The Society of St. Paul moved into their new monastery on San Pablo in Palm Desert.
December 12: - Father Harrison announced his retirement as of June 30,1978.
1978
The Rev. Geddis MacGregor conducted Lenten studies.
July 14: - The Rev. Robert Burton was offered the position as Rector which he accepted and assumed the position in January.
July 25: - A farewell dinner in honor of the Harrisons was well attended at the Shadow Mountain Club.
The Rev. Robert Burton was born April 17,1949 in Eugene, OR: the son of The Rev. H. R. Burton and Phyllis A. Iseman. He attended Albion College and CDSP and married Nancy. They have one son and one daughter.
1979
January 30: - Father Burton announced the institution of an annual custom to recognize one individual in the parish for outstanding achievement for the year. Evelyn Coon became the first, she was also presented with a lovely cross.
February 10: - Susan Ford, daughter of the President, and Charles Vance were married by Father Burton.
The Rev. David Clemons served as Assistant Rector for nearly a year.
1980
January 15: - An offer by the Armenian Apostolic Church to buy the north 70 ft. of land was rejected.
April 22: - A farewell dinner was given for Julie Rogers who was moving to her original home in Ohio.
March: - Courtney Shucker became Organist at St. Margaret's Mr. Shucker is a graduate in Music of University of Redlands in 1964.
June 15: - The Community Church made an offer to purchase .62 acres of land at the north end of the church property for $50,000. After a number of conferences over several months an agreement was reached where the area was leased for their use as a parking lot for $1.00 per year. They agreed to pave the area and return it to St. Margaret's after ten years or at a pro rata cost if we needed it before. At the beginning of our Building Program in 1986 the Community Church returned the area at no charge and made a substantial contribution.
September: - Tillie Muto, Church Secretary for many years resigned and a month later Emily Bonette replaced her.
October 10: - Tom and Mary Cook were bid farewell at a dinner for their retirement.
Vernon Barton unveiled his portrait of Father Harrison which now hangs in the hallway next to Firestone Chapel.
1981
January 21: Fr. Burton announced that the "Passing of the Peace" be put back into the service.
September: Fr. Burton announced that we were going to a "computer mailing system".
December: The cross on the hill first appeared at Christmas time. It was so well received by the community that a group was formed to help keep it there. Mark Stembler a COD student and friends put the cross up. It blew down several times, lights were shot out, and so on. Finally, Ralston "Cal" Calvert came to Fr. Burton (1987) and asked if we could take it over — and we did.
December 27: Luncheon given Fr. David Clemons and Kaye to say farewell and wish them good luck in the future and appreciation for his fine work in the ministry for the parish.
1982
February 7: At the Annual meeting the Rector's Award of Merit was given to Jean Smith. By-Laws Articles III, VI, VII, and IX were revised and approved.
February 18: The Vestry approved sick pay and vacation pay for the church secretary.
March 31: Official resignation date for Fr. David Clemons.
April 22: The church was spending $156 per year on an Oxygen tank in the church and it had never been used. It was moved and seconded to remove same and rely on the nearby Para-medics.
September 23: Bob Ricciardi (Junior Warden) reported that a spot had been selected to erect the fountain statuary for the memorial for Evalyn Davis.
December 23: The Community Church wants to lease an additional 80 running feet of land at the same fee of $1.00 per year.
1983
January 30: Annual meeting: Willett Magruder was presented with the Rector's Annual Award of Merit.
February 23: Jeremiah Coon suggested a plan of greeting parishioners at the door before services. Fr. Burton asked the Vestry to be a pilot group.
March 23: The Vestry made the decision to build the fountain where the sundial stands. The sundial will be relocated.
May 29: - The fountain in the courtyard was dedicated as a memorial to Evalyn Davis.
October 5: - Father Burton tended his resignation as of December 31. A Search Committee was formed consisting of Willett Magruder, Chairman, Vernon Barton, Evelyn Coon, Duke Muto, Hovak Najarian, Jean Smith and Bonnie Wade.
1984
March: Courtney Shucker (choirmaster & organist) was allowed to move into the Rectory to keep an eye on things while it was unoccupied.
April 17, 1984: Willett Magruder resigned from the office of treasurer. Mel Goldmann was appointed to take his place.
Fr. Vern Suter served as interim priest in charge while a search was made for a new Rector
September 10: - The Rev. G. Bradford Hall assumed the responsibilities of Rector after a call by the Vestry and approval of Bishop Morton.
The Rev. G. Bradford Hall, Jr. was born in Somerville, MA March 1,1934, son of Gordon B. Hall and Mary Agnes Dodge. He graduated from University of North Carolina with a BA in Mathematics in 1957, Naval Post Graduate School in 1969 with a MS and Cranfield Institute of Technology in 1965 with DCAe. He and Carol Jean Suther were married October 18,1958. He served in the Navy as Aviator from 1957 until 1977, retiring as Commander. He served on the Board of CDSP from 1980 to 1991 and as Chairman the last seven of those years. He is a widely heard lecturer and particularly on business ethics.
September 27: Fr. Brad dictated the requirements for marriages to be performed at our church to be: (1) The parties should be Episcopalians; (2) One of the parties should be a member of our church; (3) Have thirty days' time for banns.
December: Fr. Brad gives small metal crosses to hospitalized parishioners. These crosses are obtained from "Cross in My Pocket Ministry".
1985
July 29: - A demographic study of the area and St. Margaret's "Sphere of Influence" almost demanded that a larger church building be provided.
1986
April 29: - A Building Committee was organized with Mr. Leonard Firestone Chairman.
June: - Father Brad was in Jerusalem as Visiting Professor at St. George's College.
Some 1.8 acres to the south of the Rectory were purchased for $106,500.
A design contest was held with 5 architectural firms submitting drawings. Mr. Milt Chambers was chosen as architect.
November: - Evening Services at 5 P.M. were started.
1987
May 10: - Mothers' Day was also Ground Breaking Day for the new sanctuary with many local dignitaries present along with one-time President and Mrs. Ford, Ambassador and Mrs. Leonard Firestone. Dean Miller, minister of the Community Church directly to St. Margaret's north noted that there were probably no two churches in America adjacent to each other at which each had ground broken by Presidents of the U. S. i.e. Eisenhower and Ford.
The swimming pool to the west of the former Rectory was filled in as a safety precaution. The Halls had purchased a home several blocks from the church and the old Rectory was being used as offices.
November: - George P. Berkey resigned as Chairman of the Architectural Committee and was replaced by Alan Williams.
December: - The electrically illuminated cross on the mountain west of the church which had been under supervision of a local citizens' group was given $10,000 and its supervision turned over to St. Margaret's .
1988
February 16: - (Ash Wednesday) - Construction started on the new building.
March: - "Fishes and Loaves," a cookbook containing recipes by members was published with proceeds scheduled for the Building Fund.
1989
January 19: - Duane Peterson was wished well on his entry into seminary and promised financial aid from St. Margaret's and the ECW.
March 26: - Easter Day-Over 1400 attended the Saturday and Sunday services.
April 25: - Alfred Hastings was appointed chairman of a committee to study long range planning.
September 17: The Rev. Brian J. Thom began as Assistant Rector with primary duties on youth and Christian education programs.
November 19: - Dedication and Consecration of the new Sanctuary by the Right Reverend Bishop C. Brinkley Morton with pipers, music written for Psalm 84 by Norman Cory, parishioner and choir member, blessing of the Altar donated by the Hastings.
Attending among many, many others were:
The Honorable and Mrs. Leonard K. Firestone
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer J. Nordstrom
David Cunningham CDSP
The Rev, and Mrs. Douglas Trout
Milton Chambers, Architect
Michael Fincher and T. W. Dayton, Contractors
Roy Wilson, Mayor of Palm Desert and Richard Oliphant, Mayor of Indian Wells
The Rev. Brian Thom, Master of Ceremonies
The two church buildings so-called "old" and "new" contrast in styles and atmosphere, both correct. The "old" one was of dark wood interior and seemed to provide a shaded spot for rest from the desert heat. The "new" one is light and airy and echoes inside the outside desert.
The St. Francis of Assisi was moved from the old church to the North terrace of the New Church where it now looks over the entire valley
1990
May: - CDSP conferred a Doctorate on Leonard Firestone.
November 18: - The Firestone Chapel modeled after the St. Margaret's Chapel at the Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland and the Nordstrom Library were dedicated. The Rev. Charlie Robertson, Chaplain of the Queen's Chapel in Edinburgh preached and presented St. Margaret's with a copy of very limited edition of St. Margaret's Gospel. It is a beautifully illuminated copy of the original which Queen Margaret held in her lap while interviewing and helping her subjects with their problems. It is on display in the Chapel.
Also in the Chapel is a sculpture of Queen Margaret seated with the Gospel in her lap. It was done by Frances Rich.
On display outside the Chapel is a basalt rock given to St. Margaret's by the officials of the Castle and taken from the rock on which the Chapel stands. At the entrance to the Sanctuary just inside the entrance doors and embedded in the floor are two smaller pieces of the same basalt. There is a St. Margaret's Guild composed of women with the name of Margaret which cares for the Chapel and in comparable to that in Edinburgh.
November Newsletter: The November newsletter became the first of the monthly publications. The "goings-on" at St. Margaret's has overfilled the Sunday bulletins. Less will be going into the Sunday Bulletins and more into the new monthly newsletter.
1991
January: Bruce Norman takes over primary responsibility for our Youth Group and Wednesday School programs.
St. Margaret's Newsletter becomes "The View" using the magnificent West window as the emblem of the newsletter.
January 27: The Annual meeting had a By-Law Amendment with approval. " The Rector may, with the approval of 2/3 of the Vestry, appoint a past Senior Warden for three years as Senior Warden Emeritus."
Willett C. Magruder appointed Senior Warden Emeritus.
June: - President and Mrs. Bush attended services here. The "old" church building was converted into a Parish Hall with stage, kitchen and large hall through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Karns and named "Karns Hall".
Summer: The new music room in the Undercroft was completed during the Summer, thanks to a special gift by Nancy Belcher Watson.
September: The Rev. Brian Thom leaves to become a rector of a parish.
November 17: - Former Connell Hall which had been the Parish Hall was subdivided into class rooms and renamed John O. Lee Education Building by Mr. and Mrs. Lee. This was dedicated by The Most Rev. John Allin.
Two bathrooms were added at the northwest corner of Lee Education Building.
Also at this time the new chapel lectern, patterned after the one in St. Margaret's Chapel in Endinburgh was dedicated. The lectern is a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Don Seyferth and it holds the facsimile copy of the ST. Margaret's Gospel book, which was presented to us in November 1990.
1992
January 28: The five candidates for Bishop visit St. Margaret's, the Bishop search committee was chaired by Fr. Brad Hall. The Rev. Gethin B. Hughes was eventually called.
Feb. 1992 – Line Dancing starts - sponsored by the Outreach Commission. Meets every Monday evening.
F.I.N.D. (Food In Need of Distribution) was started.
September: Fr. Brad Hall lead 42 of St. Margaret's parishioners thought Jerusalem, Galilee, and the Greek Isles, studding the roots of our faith.
November: Fr. Woody Peabody accepts the call to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina, Washinton. Lynne Longo joins staff as new church secretary.
1993
January: Fr. Dan Rondeau joined the staff of St. Margaret's .
Outreach plans to buy three additional vans for F.I.N.D.
Joan Linn gives the choir “choir bells” she has been a member of the choir since it began in 1969
Parish School Planned
by Al Hastings, Senior Warden
A feasibility committee of interested parishioners has met this spring to check out the possibility of opening a parish day school. The committee (consisting of Al Hastings, Chair, Betty Lee, Louisa Martin, Joan McKay and Ken Edwards) submitted a recommendation to Vestry for a formal decision on June 7. With vestry approval, a new Parish Day School Committee has been formed with Peggy Nelson as Chair. Our hope is to open the school in September 1994.
February: Advanced Country and Western Dancing (Line Dancing) added to Monday agenda.
April 25: – The Very Reverend John Peterson, dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem paid a visit. He will teach a two-week course for St. Margaret's parishioners next Feb. 1994.
April: - Lovelace McNelly of St. Margaret's is forming a Breast Cancer Support Group of women
May: – Nellie Hennigan was honored at “Senior Citizen Interfaith” luncheon. Nellie was the originator of StM’s Cellar Door Thrift and Gift Shop.
May 1: – St. Margaret's Sexton Ramiro Jauregui and Nica Chavez were married
May: – Courtney Shucker – Music director leaves after 14 years at St. Margaret's to become a student at The Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley
May Letter from Frances Smith St. Margaret's first organist:
Aug. – Sept.: - Fr. Brad leads a group with a focus on “The Children of Abraham”
Aug.: - St. Margaret's Mourns Our First Rector .
St. Margaret's first Rector, The Rev Peter Brownlee, died in August. Fr. Brownlee, along with many of our Palm Desert families, founded St. Margaret's as an outreach mission from St. Paul's in Palm Springs during the summer of 1964. Worship services were held in Young's Cafeteria on Highway 111 and later at the Silver Spur Ranch (at the end of Haystack Road). The original church and parish hall were constructed in 1965. Fr. Brownlee continued to minister at St. Margaret's until his retirement in 1970.
Our Diocesan Bishop, Gethin Hughes, presided at the Memorial Eucharist. Vernon Barton and Lee Barrett, who were also in attendance at the original groundbreaking with Fr. Brownlee in 1965, served as layreader and crucifer (respectively). Fr. Brownlee is survived by his wife, Kay, and children, Donald and Carole (Mrs. Charles Johnson).
Sept.: - Alan and Carol Williams moved to Phoenix Arizona. Alan was former Junior Warden, Vice-Chair of the Building Committee, layreader, and substitute organist.
Oct.: - Michael Brittenback is new Minister of Music
THURSDAY EVENING CHOIR REHEARSAL TO RESUME
Nov.: – Line Dancing has become so popular that it is being split into two classes again.
Peter Brennan accepted the challenge to lead the Stewardship Campaign
Dec.: – Angel Tree project chaired by Barbara and John Brandt, delivered presents to 100 Coachella Valley children at Christmas
1994
Jan. 30. 1994: - Parish Annual Meeting
The budget was balanced for 1993 and will be so in 1994 as well.
Approximately 75 percent of the people attending the meeting were recognized as active volunteers.
Among the statistics released at the annual meeting:
Church membership includes 962 households, with a total of 1,735 individuals.
Church attendance on Jan. 30 was 817.
250 new members were welcomed in 1993.
50 persons were baptized. 9 St. Margaret's held 30 weddings and performed 19 burial services.
From the different reports, it was evident that St. Margaret's community activity is growing. The ECW reported that fund raising activities and the income from the Cellar Door Gift & Thrift Shop reached $42,500. The Outreach Commission reported on its staffing and operation of a food distribution site on behalf of F.I.N.D. for needy families of Rancho Mirage. The project serves about 200 people a week In addition, 300 Mecca families received 600 pounds each of beans and rice as well as clothing, toys, canned goods and blankets. Last year, St. Margaret's raised $10,000 to purchase three vans for F.I.N.D.
Parishioners have also been involved in preparing and serving lunches at Martha's Kitchen in Indio. Newly organized programs included country line dancing and a cancer support group for women.
Feb. 4-5 1994: - Diocesan Convention was held at St. Margaret's for the first time.
On Feb. 4 and 5, St. Margaret's hosted delegates of the Diocesan Convention Committee. Many thanks to those who helped by volunteering their time, energies and talents. Especially noted for their efforts are the members of the Diocesan Convention Committee. Beverly Armstrong, Ann & Grant Bakewell, Ellie Bingham (who got the tangelos donated), Nancy Bliss, Gloria Burch, Jean & Art Daman, Suzanne & Nixon Elliott, Joanna Hayes, Doris Henryson, Betty Howard (who made the "Welcome Delegates" sign), Randi Hunter (who made the floral arrangements), Jackie & Steve Jones, Barbara Knutson, Chairman Betty Lee & John Lee, Shirley & Lei Moore, Jean O'Brien, Maureen Pollock, Jane Reinhold, June Rose Rolens, Linda Thibault, Margie & Russ Thorp, and Edit & Warren Thoreson.
Following the event, St. Margaret's received the following letter from Cindy Shamel, Laurie Oakland, Alex Crosby, Joan Gunderson and The Rev. Robert Richard, who summed up the thanks that flowed for St. Margaret's hospitality:
"The delegation from Trinity Church, Escondido, sends a thousand thank you's for hosting such a wonderful meeting. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived and appreciated the hosts, tour guides and refreshments that greeted us. You clearly outdid your-selves in preparing the church and meeting rooms, and we all enjoyed the food provided at lunch and breaks."
"We appreciated your hospitality, and thank God for His people at St. Margaret's ."
Feb.: - Through mid-February, over 300 families had pledged more than $450,000 to support St. Margaret's 1994 ministry. This compares with $424,000 for all of 1993.
A record 67,102 meals were served to the Valley’s homeless and hungry folks in 1993. (That includes 31,869 families who were abe to eat at the free noon meal served Monday through Friday.) 1,435 people received eyeglasses and 73 childre were given medical appointments.
Significantly, the average 1994 pledge of $1,498 is $265 above last year's.
In his Jan. 30 "State of the Church Report" Father Brad Hall announced that the church is now debt free. He then said, "Now is the time to take a deep breath and move on."
His exciting vision of a broader and deeper ministry for St. Margaret's can become a reality with your gifts of time, talent and treasure.
If you haven't yet made your financial pledge for 1994, please do so soon. Pledge cards are on the Narthex table or can be mailed to you from the church office. Well even arrange home delivery!
March 13, 1994
St. Margaret's hosted its second Desert Sunset Concert. The music was presented by the Choir and Orchestra of St. Margaret's under the direction of Minister of Music W. Michael Brittenback.
March 20, 1994
Bishop Gethin Hughes confirmed 33 adults and youth into the Episcopal Church. This was the largest class ever here at St. Margaret's .
May - In Memoriam - The Rev. John Harrison, rector of this parish from 1970-1978, died on May 15 after a long illness. A memorial service was held May 18 in the St. Margaret's Chapel. Fr. Harrison and his wife, Betty, were key figures in the growth of this parish. He is also remembered as a wonderful pastor and priest. After his retirement, the Harrisons returned to the San Diego area where Fr. John continued to serve by visiting those in the hospitals and nursing homes. His dedication is a wonderful example of truly living the Love of God.
July 15, the Rev. Julia W. Christian joined St. Margaret's as Curate.
Sep 6, 1994 - First St. Margaret's School Parent Oreintation
Sep 8, 1994 - Doors open at St. Margaret's Episcopal School
On Thursday, Sept. 8,16 happy kindergartners and 10 excited first graders arrived for their first day of school — also the first day for St. Margaret's Episcopal School, a long-held dream of this parish.
The opening was highlighted by a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Chamber of Commerce presented a plaque; Administrator Jane Lundeen cut the ribbon.
Church vestry member Don McNelley and school board member Al Hastings gave brief remarks. Fr. Dan Rondeau led a prayer of dedication and the school children cheered. Excitement filled the air!
Thanks to all those church members and friends who gave financial and prayerful. support, St. Margaret's has prepared a beautiful school environment coupled with a creative curriculum where all students can become successful learners.
The job of combining a strong academic education with Christian teaching is the goal of St. Margaret's new staff. Along with Jane Lundeen, teachers Louisa Martin and Elizabeth Borson are credentialed teachers who possess natural abilities of relating to the various levels at which children learn. The school also offers an after-school program for working parents.
The laughter of happy children now fills our court yard. Fr. Brad has been a powerful force in the establishment of St. Margaret's School. His guiding spirit and caring direction have enabled both church members and school families to come together with mutual Christian love and respect. With the ribbon cutting at St. Margaret's Episcopal School, a long-held dream of Fr. Brad's has begun.
Oct 7 1994: - Taizé Services Begin This Month at St. Margaret's
Beginning Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 PM, St. Margaret's will offer a prayer and song service in the Sanctuary. This will continue on the first Friday of every month.
Taizé is a beautiful meditative service that began more than 20 years ago in the monastery of Taizé in France. It combines prayer and simple repetitive hymns to create a serene and worshipful meditation. This moving and powerful service will become a very important part of your worship. Mark this date on your calendar and join us for Taizé services at St. Margaret's .
Dec. F.I.N.D. Hunger cannot be adequately described by numbers. But "numbers" tell the story of FIND's 1994 services to the needy families of eastern Riverside County:
Families served weekly: 7,200 (75 percent of the families have monthly incomes of less than $800) Volunteers: 465
Annual Volunteer hours: 85,000
Value of volunteer hours at minimum wage: $404,009 St. Margaret's contribution
of $10,000 (and hundreds of
volunteer hours) purchased
$161,500 worth of food.
1995
January: - St. Margaret's Breaks Ground for Katharine J. Nordstrom Campus
It was a beautiful, sunny morning as the congregation followed the choir to the site of the new Nordstrom Campus, St. Margaret's Episcopal School. Present with shovels and hard hats for the groundbreaking were
Katharine J. Nordstrom, Building Committee honorary chair;
James Nordstrom; The Hon. Leonard K
Firestone, Building Committee chair emeritus;
Lee Karns, Building Committee chair; Alfred
Hastings, School Board chair;
Nancy Watson, Vestry senior warden;
Father Brad Hall; Jane Lundeen, school administrator;
Stephen Jones, vestryman/builder; and Palm Desert Mayor Buford Crites.
Jan 14, 1995: - The Ordination of a Priest
There was hardly a dry eye when Julia Wadsworth Christian took her vows to be an ordained priest on Saturday, Jan. 14 at St. Margaret's. The beautiful service was presided over by the Right Rev. Gethin B. Hughes. Her presenters were The Rev. Brad Hall, The Rev. Dan Rondeau, Alvern D. Christian, James W. Christian, Nancy Brennan, Peter Brennan, Mel Carr, Jane Curtis, John Curtis, Bruce Norman, Debbie Reber, Alice Sleight, Jean Smith and Nancy Watson.
The Rev. Julie will continue as curate at St. Margaret's with ongoing work in outreach, pastoral care, hospital and home calling.
Jan 29: - Announced at the Annual Meeting
that a home is being built for our Sexton Ramiro Jauregui, under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity.
Feb.: - Seminarian Visits - Courtney Shucker
Feb. View 1995: - Parishioner Profile: Karen Jones
March 12: - Several years ago, (April 1990) two women, Gloria Gomez & Claudia Torres, saw a need and acted. Faced with growing numbers of hungry people, they began Martha's Kitchen in Indio. Their ministry grew & expanded to provide clothing (Martha's Closet) and emergency shelter in local motels. Community leaders, business people, and doctors have joined to assist by offering services to help those who are down on their luck.
Hazel Wells, a member of both St. Margaret's Outreach Commission & Martha's Ministries Board of Directors, presented a "previously owned" van to Gloria & Claudia during the 10am service on Sunday, March 12th. This new van will assist in collecting donations of food and supplies that enable this ministry to serve over 80,000 meals to hungry families each year. Martha's Ministries is one of several organizations that your Outreach Commission supports. For more information or to volunteer your time at the Kitchen, contact Hazel Wells. For other Outreach activities, contact Alice Sleight
March 23: - A gift (donor unknown) of a mobile home was received designated for the Music Program.
May 19, 1995: - President and Mrs. Ford Visit Our Students
Friday, May 19: The students of St. Margaret's Episcopal School welcomed President and Mrs. Gerald Ford during their lunchtime. Warm greetings were extended and mementos of the day were presented to the Fords This was very exciting event for the children and perfect opportunity for President and Mrs. Ford to visit the current classrooms and take a quick tour of the new Nordstrom Campus of St. Margaret's Episcopal School. Staff, parents and students were all extremely proud to welcome the Fords to their new campus due for completion this September.
Nov. 16 1995: - Men of St. Margaret's Launch New Fellowship Program
Dedicated to fellowship, service, study, and prayer, a new men's; group will hold its first meeting on Thursday Nov. 16, in Karns Hall at 7:30 a.m. Eye-openers (juice, rolls, and coffee) will be provided. According to the group's organizer Bob Leo, the meeting will feature motivational speaker Gary Lockwood. Stick a reminder on your refrigerator door; come hear what we're about -- and how we can serve you.
Nov.19: - Grand Opening Nordstrom Campus of St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Fall is truly here when the children have returned to school. The same old routine has been made sharply NEW at. St. Margaret's Episcopal School this year.
The beautiful new Nordstrom Campus opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday, Sept; 13, welcoming 105 excited and (for the most part) smiling youngsters. The staff of 11 talented teachers and Mrs. Lundeen, head of the school, spent many hours creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere
Each weekday from now until June 13, St. Margaret's students will find busy activities designed to their lives.
On St. Margaret's Day the Nordstrom Campus of St. Margaret's Episcopal School was dedicated with great ceremony and celebration. Among the dignitaries were Mrs. Kitty Nordstrom whose generous gift made the building possible, President and Mrs. Ford, and Mr. Leonard Firestone. The Nordstrom Campus of St. Margaret's Episcopal School opened in September 1995 with over 100 students in grades Kindergarten through Five.
Dec 1995: - St. Margaret's goes on-line. Information, sermons and more are available by computer modem and “Web Browser” at http://users.aol.com/StMargretEC/ourchurch/therock.htm (Replaced by our present Web Site)
Dec.: - Letter from Courtney Shucker, he moves on to Nevada
Summer 1995: - FAREWELL TO...Willett and Katy Magruder
1996
Fr. Brad asked Frank Trane if he would design and build a cross 30 feet high, 16 feet across, with 6 inch square aluminum that would withstand 100 knot winds. The cross also had to have 39 fluorescent lights, the number of lashes Jesus received on the cross! Frank had a mast builder in Newport Beach make the cross preassembled.
1997
Buy-A-Pipe and Buy-A-Stop Program started to finance the purchase of the Quimby organ.
July: - Fr. Brad Hall died, and Fr. Dan Rondeau began to serve as the Interim Priest in Charge. The Rev. Lois Hart joined the staff.
November: - The Rectory, which had served as Office for the Church, was remodeled completely. The new Karns Administration Center was dedicated.
1998
Early in 1998, the Rev. Lois Hart was ordained a priest at St. Margaret's .
April 5, 1998: The Journey Home...Make It a Good One began distribution, it is a mini-best seller as over 600 copies were on reserve by March 25. By June the sales had topped 1,200. The book contains 81 of Fr. Brad Hall's sparkling and thoughtful sermon.
May 31: - The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain was called to be Rector of St. Margaret's . He celebrated his first Service of Holy Communion on Pentecost Day.
Also joining the staff in 1998 was The Rev. Sean Cox.
November: - Bishop Hughes welcomed Father Certain officially.
November 15, St. Margaret's Day: The new Quimby Pipe Organ was completed, dedicated and blessed. The Rev. Courtney Shucker played the first hymn on the new organ.
In addition, the Brad Hall Memorial Chancel was blessed and celebrated at both the 8 & 10 o'clock services.
1999
Jane Lundeen retires as head of school. Dr. Marcia Slater became Head of School.
Mr. Michael Brittenback, our Organist and Choirmaster, left our staff in 1999 as his partner accepted an endowed chair in Social Work at the University of Michigan.
Mr. John Wright was hired and began work as our Organist and Choirmaster in April 1999.
2000
St. Margaret's Episcopal School expanded, adding a Sixth Grade. Subsequently a grade a year was added until in the 2002-2003 School Year St. Margaret's School provided education for Kindergarten through Grade 8.
The parish purchased land in the eastern end of the Coachella Valley as part of a Capital Fund Campaign.
Kate Reeves RNC, MA, CHPN, became the volunteer Parish Nurse and instituted the Parish Nurse program with help from Joan Minnick RN and Rose Rhodes RN.
January: International concert organist TODD WILSON was here for several days recording a new CD of the Quimby pipe organ and to play a recital here. The CD will be available this fall and can be had through the music department of St. Margaret's Church. The CD features the complete works of Frank Bridge with several pieces by other composers and will be given for a donation of seventeen dollars to the music department. Call ext. 109 for information.
April View: First appearance of a monthly article entitled "Nurse's Notes"
May: St. Margaret's announced the gift of large bronze "Stations of the Cross". A memorial to Collis Chandler made by Patti Chandler and others who contributed to the memorial fund.
June 16: The Lee building remodel commenced and is on schedule to be. completed for our 6th grade classrooms this fall. All of St. Margaret's staff and parents are thrilled that the long-awaited dream to include a middle school is moving quickly toward realization. St. Margaret's Episcopal School will expand into capacity to include sixth grade this year, adding 7th and 8th in the subsequent years.
The Lee building is being re-designed to include two classrooms and a Library which will also serve as an administration office for the first year. Mike Kirk is our contractor, working from the design of John Vuksic of Prest-Vuksic Architects. The classrooms will feature state-of-the-art computer stations which will be networked into the system at the Nordstrom campus.
Much excitement and anticipation accompanies this construction and realization of a middle school expansion. The project is being completed with a most generous donation from John and Betty Lee and The Fulfill the Vision Campaign.
July: Bill Harris is our new Parish Administrator.
Summer: Boy Scout Troop 131 helps out this summer by constructing and painting a fence at St Margaret's school.
Brian Bishop gave a votive candle stand to the chapel.
Through the generosity of Bill Griffin the chapel has a beautiful della Robbia Madonna.
Marty Thompson, who was Altar Guild directress last year, donated a hand-some and most useful cart for use in the Sacristy.
August: Ben Phillips joined the staff and parish as Minister for Children and Youth.
November: ST. MARGARET'S PURCHASES LAND FOR
NEW PARISH
2001
January: Construction begins on the Labyrinth.
Dr. Betty Baxter became Head of School. The Rev. Al Murray joined our Staff as Fr. Sean Cox moved to Temecula to become Vicar of St. Thomas.
April: The Labyrinth was blessed and consecrated for use here.
Mr. Fred Swann became our Organ Artist-in-Residence in the Fall of 2001.
2002
February marked the beginning of the process of converting the storage room under the Karns Administration Office (commonly known as "the cave") into a youth room.
March 22: St. Margaret's All-American Gala Honoring Pres. & Mrs. Gerald Ford held at Marriott Rancho Las Palmas Resort. Proceeds of the gala will benefit the academic enrichment of the students of St. Margaret's Episcopal School.
Early in the year Fr. Al was called to be Rector of St. Andrew's Church in Cleveland, OH. During the summer of 2002, Barbara Gibson became Head of School.
June 22: B. Lee Karns passed away.
July: Ben Phillips led a team of St. Margaret's parishioners to Mexico and with the help of a total of thirty four people from the Diocese of San Diego they built two homes for needy families in Tijuana.
July: Barbara Gibson assumed the role of Head of School. This assignment was made permanent October first.
Summer: The church began using E-mail to get important notices and updates to the parish quickly.
August: Boy Scout Troop 131 (sponsored by St. Margaret's) added 18 new scouts in May. Four scouts, Justin McBride, Scott Howard, Andrew Granite and Thomas Johnson have earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. Less than 1% of boys who join the scouts ever make Eagle Scout.
November: After 14 years of being located at St. Margaret's Church the Cellar Door opened at its new location in the Las Sombras Center. The Cellar Door had donated over $500,000 to the Outreach programs. The store is five times larger then the present location.
2003
January: - Fr. Dan is honored for his ten years of faithful ministry at St. Margaret's. Fr. Dan will be on sabbatical from May to August.
February: - Margaret H. Watson joined the staff as Director of Christian Education and Spiritual Formation
March: - Ben Phillips left for seminary, our Youth Minister, became an aspirant for Holy Orders sponsored by this parish. The Rev. Roger Bower joined the staff.
April: - Margaret Watson was ordained a deacon in her home parish in Oregon
May: - The Rt. Rev. Charles Burgreen and his wife Helen relocate to Medford Oregon.
September: - St. Margaret's Episcopal School added Pre-K classes, expanding our service to families and their children.
October: - Bishop Hughes asked Fr. Roger to help begin a new congregation in the eastern end of the Coachella Valley using the land (purchased in 2000) and a generous gift for the building of a new church. In December 2003 Fr. Roger accepted a call to become Rector of a church in Denver, CO.
November 15: - Margaret Watson was ordained a priest at St. Margaret's on St. Margaret's Day. Along with The Rev. Mary Certain Vano, daughter of Fr. Robert and Robbie Certain, and a seminarian for the Diocese of San Diego sponsored by this parish. Mary is currently serving St. David's Parish in Austin, TX.
2004
January: - Mr. Chet Hecht joined our Staff to coordinate family events and activities.
In the spring, Cherry Remboldt, our parishioner was approved to begin studies leading to her ordination as a deacon in the Episcopal Church.
March: Nancy Watson died.
Spring: - St. Margaret's Episcopal School became fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
As gifts became available "finishing touches" and "flourishes" were added to the Quimby Organ.
George Reeves took over the St. Margaret's web site as Webmaster.
Fall: - St. Margaret's Church received a plaque of Thanks from the Cub Scouts of America, naming us as the "Charter Organization of the Year."
2005
March: - Mr. Patrick Blythe joined our Staff as Stewardship and Development Officer.
April: - City of Palm Desert recognizes Cub Scout Pack 131 chartered at St. Margaret's Church. This was in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Cub Scouting. The city also planted a tree in the north parking lot. Proclamation signed by Buford A. Crites, Mayor of Palm Desert.
June: - Ms. Shivaun Nelson joined our Staff as Youth Minister after her graduation from UC Berkley.
November: - The Rev. Margaret Watson accepted a call to be Rector of St. Margaret's ark's Parish in Richmond, VA and left St. Margaret's .
Mrs. Barbara Gibson, Head of School, announced her retirement.
2006
March: - Dr. Kim Marshall, a retired school administrator, accepted the invitation of the Rector and School Board to become Head of School beginning in June, 2006.
December: - After 30 years in parish ministry, The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain announces his retirement. Ceremonies are planned for January 2007.
Beloved parishioner and former President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, dies. National mourning and ceremonies of state begin at St. Margaret's (moving to the National Cathedral, and ultimately to Grand Rapids, MI).
2007
January: - The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain retires as rector of St. Margaret's . Fr. Dan Rondeau appointed "Priest In Charge".
May: - The Rev. Dr. Roger Douglas appointed "Interim Rector" until a permanent rector accepts the call.
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