St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

Ladd Avenue is the pathway to one of Salem’s more aesthetically pleasing churches, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. There you will find (on most days) Father Rick Campbell about the business of being its rector.

St. Timothy’s has a history that goes back to April, 1956. It was then that a small group of parishioners from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church set out and formed the nucleus of what St. Timothy’s is today. St. Timothy’s was named after that saint because he was the trusted companion and official representative of St Paul the Apostle.

Their first location was the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at 630 Hood St. NE. The next location was a brief stay at the Women’s Club in downtown Salem. St. Timothy’s became a diocesan mission in these years. Because of its growth, the Church moved to Hoover school auditorium. This stay was abbreviated by a fire, so they returned once again to the Women’s Club.

Around 1960, plans were made to buy the present land they now own. The men of the church erected the parish hall. In 1968, the present sanctuary was built. And, in 1997, the office and educational wing were added. Completed for now, this is what the church is today.

Father Rick Campbell, pastor of the St. Timothy’s answered the following questions:

How many parishioners are now worshiping here today?

Father Rick Campbell: Seventy families, 250 people.

How long have you personally been here at St. Timothy’s?

FRC: About 24 years.

What is the most important thing to know about St. Timothy’s?

FRC: St. Timothy’s emphasis is on the faith and practice of the Catholic tradition within the Episcopal Church, emphasizing worship, spirituality, and community. The Episcopal Church contains within itself the best of the Reform tradition and the Catholic tradition, and this acts as a bridge between them. The Episcopal Church emphasizes grace, not law. It is pastoral and centers in worship.

What is the significance of Lambeth Palace in London?

FRC: This is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury and contains the Administration of the Anglican Communion (worldwide). It would also include that of the Church of England and the diocese of Canterbury. In addition, a retreat house for pilgrims and a school are there. Every 10 years, all the Bishops of the Anglican Church meet to deliberate on the life and mission of the Anglican Communion. To be an Anglican, you must be in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury who is the spiritual head of the Church.

Written by William Glennen

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Bibliography:

Interview with Father Rick Campbell, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 12/18/2002

This article originally appeared on the original Salem Online History site and has not been updated since 2006.