HistorySt. Augustine's Church began as a missionary outreach of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in 1954. The land on which our church is located is part of the original property donated from St. Martin's School. Our twenty-five charter members, under the leadership of The Rev. John Stone Jenkins and The Rt. Rev. William Farwell, held their first services in the school's gymnasium. As the church grew, school buses were used as Sunday school classrooms. |
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Through our history, we have had the great fortune to have excellent leadership from our six rectors: The Rev. Thomas C. Aycock, the Rev. Albertus L. DeLoach, the Rev. John A. Lawrence, the Rev. Ralph M. Byrd, the Rev. William A. J. Heine, and the Rev. Julia G. Rusling.
Our facilities have grown with us. In March, 1957 ground was broken for our first building - the ground floor of our present parish hall. Our sanctuary was completed in 1961 and the second floor of our parish hall was added in 1964. The building which houses our school, offices, and parlor, the sacristy, gate house and fencing was completed in 1984. In 1999 a very successful capital funds drive made it possible to completely renovate and restore the church - a much needed project after nearly 50 years of use.
Our facilities have grown with us. In March, 1957 ground was broken for our first building - the ground floor of our present parish hall. Our sanctuary was completed in 1961 and the second floor of our parish hall was added in 1964. The building which houses our school, offices, and parlor, the sacristy, gate house and fencing was completed in 1984. In 1999 a very successful capital funds drive made it possible to completely renovate and restore the church - a much needed project after nearly 50 years of use.
THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR ST. AUGUSTINE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, METAIRIE, FEBRUARY 24, 1957
The programs of our parish have grown along with our facilities. St. Augustine's has always had a strong commitment to education - both secular and religious. Our programs for our children, youth and adults are given the highest priority. Our Day School for children 2 1/2 through 4 years of age is professionally staffed and we maintain a strong bond between the church and school.
St. Augustine's is a living, vital place.
Our facilities are constantly in use. Our Altar Guild, Choir, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Acolytes provide opportunities for service and growth within the setting of worship, and our many other groups and outreach projects carry the opportunities for growth and Christian ministry beyond the confines of our buildings. The buildings themselves are also used not only by the church and preschool, but by many outside community groups for their meetings.
We thank God for the opportunities and blessings He has bestowed upon His Church in Metairie.
The Stained Glass Windows
of St. Augustine's
The stained glass windows of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church were created by Ann Pettus Sale from the designs of Waynoka West Manning, with donations from the congregation, 1980 - 1982.
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Burning Bush - Jerusalem Cross In Exodus, the Lord appears to Moses in a burning bush and gives him the law of Israel. The Jerusalem Cross with its four small crosses, representing the four Gospels, overlays the bush. The design symbolizes the displacement of the law by the Gospels. |
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Jesse Tree - Alpha and Omega The Star of David, the ancient emblem of God the Father, is portrayed here as the root of the Jesse tree flowering into the cross of Christ. The symbol is reinforced by the words of Christ in the Gospel of John, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending..." |
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Pentecost: Holy Spirit - Baptism At Christ's baptism, the Holy Ghost descended "like a dove upon him." At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles "in tongues of fire." These two symbols combine to strengthen one another. |
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Anchor and Fish The anchor, one of the earliest signs of the church, is a reference to the words of St. Paul: "which hope we have as anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..." When flanked by fishes, the symbol for Christ, it signifies the cross. |
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Crosier - Patriarchal Cross The crooked pastoral staff, the symbol of authority and jurisdiction carried by bishops, is featured with the Patriarchal cross. They symbolize the succession of bishops from Christ to serve God and the multitudes. |
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The Cross and Orb - Keys The cross resting atop the orb of the earth represents the triumph of Christianity in the world. There are two keys - one to lock the door against the unrepentant and the other to open the door to those who desire forgiveness of sins. |
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The Nativity - Epiphany The torch celebrates the birth of Christ as "the Light of the World." The three crowns of the wise men symbolize Epiphany, when the will of God to welcome all men is revealed in Christ. |
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INRI - Cross INRI stands for the Latin phrase meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" inscribed by Pilate on the cross. The Chi Rho, the first two letters of His name in Greek, signify the triumph of Christ over suffering and death. |
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Crown of Thorns - The Cup The thorns of Christ's crown and the nails of his crucifixion are imposed on the cup representing His prayer at Gethsemane, "O my Father...let this cup pass from me..." Sharing this cup sanctifies the suffering of mankind and gives us strength. |
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Palm - Chi Rho over N The palms waved during Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem are a symbol of victory in a pagan world. They are imposed over the Chi Rho signifying the first two letters in the Greek word for Christ and the letter N, which stands for "Nika," or "conqueror." |
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Fish and Bread in Basket - Ichthys The Greek word for fish, ΙΧΘΥΣ, an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior," forms the framework for this early Eucharistic symbol. It incorporates the fish representing Christ himself with a basket of bread and a glass of wine outlined by the hidden Greek letters. |
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Wheat and Grapes The wheat and grapes from God's bounty are the source of the bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist. |
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The Rose Window
The window above the altar represents the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It was a gift from Patricia Florey Smith in memory of her husband, Derrell.
The window above the altar represents the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It was a gift from Patricia Florey Smith in memory of her husband, Derrell.
