Douglas daily dispatch., 1927-07-03
St. STEPHENS
IS A STRONG
CHURCH BODY
Founded When Douglas
Was First Started, 1t
Grows With the City.
SAME PASTOR
Has Fine Parish House,
Beautiful Church Build
ing and RectOry.
REV. 3. W. SIMONSON

The parish of ST. Stephens" Epis-
copal church is one of the strongest
in the state. 1t is now composed of
decidedly representative men of this
community and their families, who do
their duty, both to the local church
and the church at large.
It was founded at the time when
Douglas was founded, and has enjoyed
progressive life since then. One
compliment to this parish rests in the
fact that it has enjoyed an uninter-
rupted rectorShip, in the person OF the
Rev. Ernest w. Simonson, the present
rector, for nearly % years. Irhe best
of harmony has at all times prevailed
and a strong missionary spirit has
characterized all these years of united
service. There are 465 members to
, this congregation.
The church plant consists of the
church, rectory and parish house, all
located together, and together form
ing one of the very attractive fea-
lures of the city in temporal construc-
ton. The congregation has always eX-
pressed great deal of civic pride,
determining upon nothing but that
which is attractive in architecture and
spending laviShly on the parking and
upkeep of their property. The rec
tory is spacious; the church is modest,
well furnished with all essentials, in
cluding a pipe organ. 1t has an at
attractive altar bearing many memor
ialS of brass; some fine glass and
brass lecturn. The parish house has
several rooms in addition to an audi
torium, which will seat 800, and
roomy stage. Probably one of the
finest pieces of art in the state of
Arizona is the Stone-carved fireplace
and mantle over-set in stone with a
presentation of the scene of the AS
cenSion.
Rev. Mr. Simonson in addition to
the office of rector, is at the head of
THE Department of Religious Educa-
ton" of the Episcopal church in Ari-
zona, and is also a member of "Na-
tiOnal Council of Educational Leaders"
The parish is well organized for it's
work. Among the live organizations
may be numbered:
Church school, with home depart
ment.
ST. Cecilia'si Guild, the large work
ing body of the ladies.
Woman's Auxiliary missionary.
Girls Friendly society (of upwards
of 40 members).
Troop of Boy Scouts (Which the
parish sponsors).
G. A. Nichols is leader of the Boy
Scouts
Mrs. H. Klinginsmith is leader of
the Girls Friendly society.
Mrs. Douglas Cooper, president of
the Woman'S Auxiliary.
William Eichbaum, superintendent of
the church school.
Vestry
The vestry of st. Stephens is as
follows:
Wardens-H. j. Bishop, Sr. and r.
G. Arthur, Jr.
VeStrymen- James S. Williams, AL
bert Stacy, DR.. John Newcomer, Will
liam Eichbaum, P. P. Beckett, Charles
A. Nichols and Tom Davies.
"St. Stephens" parish rose from a
supported mission to parish more
quickly than any in the history of the
Episcopal church in the state of Ari-
zona. 1t has supported its budget
in manner which gained for the
parish reputation in this missionary
district. It's policy has been always,
PAY as you go" and it's pccnIe are
today well trained to this method.
The parish has lay representative
on the "Field Department" in the per-
son of Chas A. Nichols, who is like
wise a licensed "Lay Reader" Mr..
Nichols often assists the rector in the
services and, with William EichDaum,
takes leadership in the services during
the rector's absence.
All in all, ST. Stephens is a fine par
ish one in which the community, as
well as the members, take pleasure.
1t has noble history and it is today
ENJOYING its best life.