In 1884 Rev. Charles Holt started St. James Chapel in what was then called the Mt. Hope area of the Bronx. In 1887 he purchased a building on Morris Avenue, the land is where the present church is built. In 1889 St James Chapel's name was changed to St Edmund’s Church. The first minister of St Edmund’s church was Rev Walter Bentley in 1900. In 1901 Rev Smiley was installed as vicar. In 1907 the corner stone for our new church was laid. There have been three versions due to fires on the site. On Easter Sunday 1911, the first service was held at St. Edmund’s Church. On Easter Sunday 2011 we became 100 years. To God be the Glory!!!
Community Outreach and Service are the cornerstones on which our history is built!
!!! HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR HISTORY!!!
A NEW CHURCH
1901- 1931 Rev. John Smiley first vicar loved to write to the N.Y. Times about the events and happening at his young parish. He shared hardships as well as successes. Copies of his published articles are in the church's archives. In 1901 he wrote," St. Edmund's the oldest mission in the Bronx has a new church partly completed, It will take $5,000 to complete the edifice". He also served as chaplain in the city prisons.
"A USO Chapter and care for SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN."
1931- 1958 Rev. Brett Langstaff continued to write to the N.Y. Times and urged the US to feed war victims. He started the first USO Chapter in the Parish Hall. He noted that thousands of service men and women were entertained by volunteers. He said that for many of the soldiers, this was the first time they had been in a church. The parish hall was used for drills and rallies. After each service, he would lead the procession of service men and women with the church's banner to the subway on their way to camp. Rev. Langstaff noted that gallons of blood was donated by community residents. He was aware of the changes that would take place in his parish, when the small homes were replaced by large apartment buildings. People began moving away because they could not afford the rents. In one of his letters he noted that St. Edmund's had "A Unique Influence", in a non-Christian neighborhood that was growing in vast proportions.
A NEW CHURCH
1901- 1931 Rev. John Smiley first vicar loved to write to the N.Y. Times about the events and happening at his young parish. He shared hardships as well as successes. Copies of his published articles are in the church's archives. In 1901 he wrote," St. Edmund's the oldest mission in the Bronx has a new church partly completed, It will take $5,000 to complete the edifice". He also served as chaplain in the city prisons.
"A USO Chapter and care for SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN."
1931- 1958 Rev. Brett Langstaff continued to write to the N.Y. Times and urged the US to feed war victims. He started the first USO Chapter in the Parish Hall. He noted that thousands of service men and women were entertained by volunteers. He said that for many of the soldiers, this was the first time they had been in a church. The parish hall was used for drills and rallies. After each service, he would lead the procession of service men and women with the church's banner to the subway on their way to camp. Rev. Langstaff noted that gallons of blood was donated by community residents. He was aware of the changes that would take place in his parish, when the small homes were replaced by large apartment buildings. People began moving away because they could not afford the rents. In one of his letters he noted that St. Edmund's had "A Unique Influence", in a non-Christian neighborhood that was growing in vast proportions.
1958-72 Several short term and supply priests kept the church doors open; Rev. Sass, Rev. David Wayne, to name a few.
"RENOVATION OF HOUSING, COMMUNITY POLICING TO STOP DRUGS, BUILD PLAYGROUND & NEW HEALTH CENTER. FOOD BANK, AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP".
1973-2000 Rev. Lloyd Springer was called as rector. Fires plagued the Bronx, and St. Edmund's was not spared. A blaze destroyed the parish hall and gave Rev. Springer an incentive to rebuild. The space was given to "Trabajamos HeadStart an independent Hispanic Community group to serve four year old children and their parents. Rev. Springer also joined forces with the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition to fight against the poor and abandoned housing and a drug epidemic that plagued the Bronx. The Mt. Hope Housing company was started as the priest shared his office space with a community organizer. Countless meetings were held with city leaders to renovate housing and bring community policing in our parish hall.. The church began an After School and Summer Camp program, which is still functioning today. We petitioned for constructive use of vacant lots. Thus, the Walton Family Health Center was born. The church then focused on the next problem that had begun to show its face. People coming to the church to beg for food. Our Food Pantry grew out of this need and today with help from CITY HARVEST, FOOD BANK, EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM the church serves approximately 3000 families monthly. Grants from Episcopal Charities and Board of Managers Funds from the diocese help offset costs.
1973-2000 Rev. Lloyd Springer was called as rector. Fires plagued the Bronx, and St. Edmund's was not spared. A blaze destroyed the parish hall and gave Rev. Springer an incentive to rebuild. The space was given to "Trabajamos HeadStart an independent Hispanic Community group to serve four year old children and their parents. Rev. Springer also joined forces with the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition to fight against the poor and abandoned housing and a drug epidemic that plagued the Bronx. The Mt. Hope Housing company was started as the priest shared his office space with a community organizer. Countless meetings were held with city leaders to renovate housing and bring community policing in our parish hall.. The church began an After School and Summer Camp program, which is still functioning today. We petitioned for constructive use of vacant lots. Thus, the Walton Family Health Center was born. The church then focused on the next problem that had begun to show its face. People coming to the church to beg for food. Our Food Pantry grew out of this need and today with help from CITY HARVEST, FOOD BANK, EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM the church serves approximately 3000 families monthly. Grants from Episcopal Charities and Board of Managers Funds from the diocese help offset costs.
2001 -2013 REV. CANON HARDING, REV. SIMEON JOHNSON, REV. CANON BRATHWAITE SERVED AS SHORT TERM PRIESTS.
St. Edmunds today stands strong and proud. Although the years may have passed the building stays steadfast with it's roots deeply connected to the community and the individuals that inhabit it. The parish space is a common area for many to enjoy in fellowship with one another; whether it be through religious, social, educational, or political connection.
YOU CAN, TRUST US!!!Saint Edmund's Church is in compliance with the Episcopal
Diocese Safe Church programs. All St. Edmund's staff, volunteers, and parishioners have been educated and trained in the regulations of the Safe Church curriculum against both sexual harassment and abuse. St. Edmund's updates all of their workers yearly on newly revised policies set by the Episcopal Diocese. With this certification, all those who come to St. Edmund's in search of both religious support and personal help can rest assured that no one in our facility would try to harm them; whether man, women, or child. No harm whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, nor sexual or verbal will they have to experience. We only hope to service our community to the best of our abilities and in the name of GOD. When can we expect you at, ST. EDMUND'S our CHURCH! Remember all are always welcomed and all are respected. |
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