St. Hugh of Lincoln parish celebrates 50th anniversary Sept. 10
It was in July 1967 that the Chicago Diocese agreed to oversee the formation of a new Episcopal church on the 5 acres of land it owned at the southeast corner of Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin.
Founding this new church were 20 members from the nearby Church of the Redeemer who had petitioned the diocese to build on the property.
The name chosen for the new church was St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church. St. Hugh was a Capuchian monk from France who established an abbey in England and became Archbishop of Lincoln during the reign of Richard II.
For two years, this small group of dedicated parishioners met in an area church and school classrooms both prior to and during construction.
First, a rectory was built on the property to house the new vicar and his family and afterward the church was constructed and completed in September 1971.
Over the ensuing years, as the Elgin population grew so did church membership. Through the capable leadership of its vicars and its enthusiastic parishioners, the need for more space became apparent.
In the spring of 1994, groundbreaking ceremonies marked the construction of a 3,000-square-feet addition with space for church offices, a fellowship hall, kitchen, library and nursery.
A pivotal year in the church's history was 2001 when St. Hugh membership reached a level that no longer required financial support from the diocese and elevated the church from mission status to that of a parish.
Helping to achieve growth, both then and now, is the church's ability to attract individuals and families from communities 10-15 miles outside of Elgin who volunteer to serve in the worship services, the music ministry, youth activities, outreach programs, small group studies and more.
This year, as the church celebrates its 50th anniversary, a variety of events have been scheduled and held.
Among the highlights was a July 2nd luncheon at Randall Oaks Golf Club marking the first Sunday service which was held in a classroom at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Three of the original 20 members at that service were honored at the luncheon and remain active members of St. Hugh today.
A second major anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, Sept. 10, with an outdoor Eucharist and picnic to commemorate the first service held inside the new church building in September 1971.
In looking to the future, St. Hugh of Lincoln is establishing a long-range planning committee to examine the church's challenges and opportunities for growth and its mission of service.
Current rector, Rev. Marion Phipps, is excited and optimistic that St. Hugh will continue developing programs that meet the changing needs of its members and the Elgin community.
When asked about the church's mission she said, "As we continue to study the life of Jesus, we strive to be like Him by sharing the Good News of the gospel in worship and in good deeds to help the community around us and the larger world.
"As a parish, we respond through outreach when needs arise and we do our best to stay open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. There is always more work to be done!"
Throughout its history, the congregation always welcomes visitors to the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services and 7 a.m. Tuesday services at the church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. There is wheelchair and elevator access, a nursery staff on site at the 10:30 a.m. service, and coffee and fellowship time to be enjoyed afterward.
At St. Hugh of Lincoln in Elgin … all are welcome! To learn more, visit www.sthugh.net.