Our History - The beginnings
A small group of men and women gathered in the Pilgrim House Chapel in Brunswick, Maine in June of 2001 following the ordination to the deaconate of † David Christopher Bellville. David was ordained through the Evangelical-Anglican Church in America (EACA) at its cathedral church in Tulsa, OK. Weekly Eucharist began at 5:00 p.m. every Sunday, and afternoon worship has continued since. We are men and women together -- old and young, gay and straight.
What is the EACA?
The Evangelical Anglican Church in America began in the early 1990's by a group of people from various denominations who wanted to start a denomination that was Anglican in nature, and inclusive in its ministry. Its history of ministry to the gay and lesbian community is impressive.
How Did the Name of the Church Get Chosen?
Possible names for the church were solicited from those involved with the church. From a list of about 25 names, the church went on retreat and got involved in discernment for a name. The name "Church of the Good Samaritan" was suggested on the retreat (it was not part of the original list). It seemed to express the mission of the church — which was to reach out to those at the side of the road; those that had been rejected by others. The church has had a special outreach to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community from its beginnings.
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