St. Christopher painted by Gene Coulter, copyright St. Christopher's Episcopal Church

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Our History

St. Christopher's was born out of the need for a church on the east side of town and to satisfy the comfort and needs of men and women then attending Cheyenne's only Episcopal Church.  In the spring of 1946, a group of 108 interested people met with the Rt. Rev. Winfred H. Ziegler in the basement of the Congregational Church.  Out of that meeting a new mission congregation was formed.  The first worship service was held on August 17, 1946, at the YWCA.  The fast growing church was assigned to the Rev. Dr. Raymond Lang as full time priest in February 1947.  In less than a year, due to the faith and diligence of the members, St. Christopher's was admitted by convention as a self-supporting parish of the diocese.

 

The dream of having our own facility was furthered by a variety of creative moneymaking projects such as pence boxes, selling symbolic "building blocks,” and by volunteer labor.  The current parish hall was the first building to go up and the first service was held on Palm Sunday, 1948.  In 10 short years the church increased its confirmed membership from 125 to nearly 450, and its church school from 23 to 221.  Right Rev. J. Wilson Hunter, bishop of Wyoming, presided as the cornerstone of the church was laid in 1957.  The addition doubled the size of St. Christopher's Church building.  St. Christopher’s was dedication on December 18, 1957.

 

Over the years, dedication and service characterized the ministries of the parish.  Women's groups such as Episcopal Church Women, St. Elizabeth's Guild, and the Altar Guild provide leadership and volunteer time to maintain, beautify and add to the facility.  Other groups continue the ministries of the parish such as Daughters of the King, Pastoral Care, Education for Ministry, Circle of Love, and Episcopal Youth Community.

 

The Rev. Robin Chance began her ministry with St. Christopher’s in August 2002.  There is a great spirit of participation and contribution in this Christian community.  Members are not passive consumers of religion; they are pro‑active drivers of ministries that give St. Christopher's its character.  The environment is such that one doesn't feel the need to be invited in, but to take up a piece of the action and become an immediate part of the life and witness of the parish.

 

It is very clear that what people value most about St. Christopher's is its friendly, helpful, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere.  The congregation is very supportive of the fact that ministry is a function of all the people.