A History of the Church
Taken from the bulletin printed for the first regular service to be held in the completed church building, Sunday, July 29, 1962
On January 1, 1961, The Rev. Edward Morgan, a Diocesan Missionary, came to take charge of the work in Madison and to establish the church on a permanent basis. All through this time and up until last Sunday, services were held in the Congregational Chapel through the courtesy of the Rev. Franklin Bower and the people of the First Congregational Church. Soon after Mr. Morgan came, a church school was organized and held in the Town Hall
Early in February of 1961, a twelve acre site on Route 79 was purchased as the permanent site of St. Andrew's Church. The site was chosen for it not only provided adequate land for buildings and parking, but is strategically located in the area of town which will experience the greatest growth in the future. Also, the Building Committee was selected and it began its work to find the building that would best meet our needs and be within the ability of the Church to afford. During February of 1961, a Women's Group, a young People's Fellowship, and a Junior Choir became part of St. Andrew's program.
In June of 1961, Bishop Esquirol, Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut, visited St. Andrew's to confirm a class of 22 and announce the Diocese of Connecticut's readiness to assist financially the building program of St. Andrew's, provided at least $50,000 was raised locally. In August of 1961 under the direction of Harry F. Sweitzer, General Chairman, and with the able assistance of members and friends, the needed monies were raised to start work on the Church. Then on November 12th, ground was broken for the Church and late in December the actual construction began. Finally, after what seemed an eternity of waiting, the structure of the Church began to take shape in April 1962. On June 17th, the Rt. Rev. J. Warren Hutchens, Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut, visited St. Andrew's, Madison, for confirmation and in the first service held, laid the cornerstone of the Church.
A New 50th Anniversary Logo
The Publicity Committee has developed a new logo to be used with 50th Anniversary
activities. Alan Miller and Gordon Lang spearheaded the design which
combines a contemporary feeling with the established St. Andrew's seal.
The red and blue colors are traditional with the Episcopal Church while
the gold background reinforces the 50th Anniversary. The logo will be
a part of all 50th Anniversary activities and materials including a new banner to be hung in the church entryway.
Christmas ornament designed for 50th Anniversary
The Publicity Committee has arranged to produce a beautiful Christmas ornament
honoring our 50th Anniversary. The ornament features St. Andrew's beautiful
stained glass window on the front and a segment of our mission statement
on the reverse: "To Deepen Faith and Transform the World." Ornaments
will be available at the Holiday Fair for $15 each. They are packaged
in a gold color box with royal blue lining and each one has a gold cord
for hanging. An outstanding addition to your Christmas tree decorations or a wonderful keepsake to give as a gift.
Celebrating the first Choir
Fifty years ago, the very first St Andrew's choir was assembled. The first choir was a youth choir. To commemorate this 50th anniversary, we dedicate the month of February to celebrate children and music. The entire month will feature St. Andrew's youth and music. All the anthems this month will either feature our youth or honor them.
This first Sunday, February 6, we have invited the cast of "Andrew, on the Road to Sainthood" to sing "Light of the Word". On the last Sunday, February 27, following the performance of the Cherub Choir, all are invited to share in a birthday celebration at coffee hour.
Please show your appreciation for the continuation of this ministry and all who have contributed to making it a true blessing of the parish.
50th Anniversary Update--February 2012
For the next few months, much of the work of the Committee will be behind the scenes as we focus on the history document and the service in June that will commemorate the laying of the cornerstone and the first "service" in our church building some 50 years ago. The absence of preparing for frequent Sunday morning presentations allows a bit of time to reflect on what we've learned about St. Andrew's since taking on this project.
The St. Andrew's journey has had challenging moments and memorable triumphs. The fortitude of some 50-plus individuals and families who pursued a vision of an Episcopal parish in Madison literally began with a prayer. The physical expansions of the church building as a result of growth were all accompanied by faith that the members of the church would support the necessary changes rather than choose a path of limiting the vision of God's message through reduction of our ministries. Being a founding member of safe and affordable housing in Madison for those with financial and physical limitations, the repeated support of refugee families fleeing war or natural disasters, building homes through Madison Cares or helping our neighbors with home repairs or donations of food, all began with a hope that was turned into a possibility. When visitors enter our doors, we want them to know the depth of our belief that what we have is a blessing and what we do is in thanksgiving for it.
St. Andrew's always has been at its best when we stretch beyond ourselves as individuals and collectively respond to the mission of doing God's work. Thank you to all those who have gone before us and, having taken care of this place, passed it on to us to do the same.
Publicity/Visual Presentation: This committee will deal with developing a logo for the 50th anniversary, as well as developing a tech presentation of our events, past and present. It will also develop publicity opportunities through newspaper, Messenger, Bulletin and website offerings. Terry Sinclair has started a 50th Anniversary Link from our website. Additionally, an attempt can be discussed to contact past members.
Co-Chairs: Alan Miller and Rachel Carfora
Events Committee: This committee will develop a Manpower list and work on developing and coordinating themes of the various events. It will seek out chairs for the various events and monitor the church calendar to avoid conflicts. Additionally it will work with the Publicity committee regarding special events. Any event that includes a liturgical aspect must be approved by the clergy.
Ministry Events: This committee will connect with each ministry leader and co-ordinate any Ministry events each ministry may choose to sponsor which celebrates and recognizes their history and impact on our parish life. It will coordinate with the Events Committee to avoid conflicts in the calendar schedule. Any event that includes a liturgical aspect must be approved by the clergy.
Co-Chairs: Margaret Mason and Susan Miller
Finance Committee: This committee will develop a budget for Vestry approval based upon events being planned in each calendar year. It will also support and keep records for the sale of any commemorative items. It will be in direct communication with the Treasurer regarding any monetary requests or intake from events.
Chair: Charlie Walden
Capital Campaign: This committee will be developed ONLY WITH VESTRY approval if it proves a viable project. It would identify a specific capital/building project goal and seek seed money prior to appealing to the parish as a whole.
| June 1960 | June 2010 |
| Founding members initial meeting | Honored founding member Bea Fortin at parish picnic |
| September 1960 | September 19, 2010 |
| Rev. Fred Hawes arrives as Missionary Priest | Welcoming Sunday |
| January 1961 | January 2011 |
| The Rev. Ed Morgan arrives Church school started |
Church School event |
| February 1961 | February 2011 |
| Young people's Fellowship group started Junior Choir started Land purchased/Building Committee Women's Group started |
Youth Ministry event Committees Choir event |
| June 1961 | June 2011 |
| First Confirmation Capital Campaign |
Confirmation Class |
| November 1961 | November 2011 |
| Groundbreaking | Commemorative event Rededication of Memorial Garden, All St's Day |
| January 1962 | January 2012 |
| Rectory construction | Event to be determined |
| June/July 1962 | June/July 2012 |
| Cornerstone laid First service in church |
Anniversary service to include Bishop, previous St. Andrew's clergy, and clergy from community. Anniversary Celebration Time Capsule |