History Timeline
History Timeline
Timeline
Founded
In 1952, the Rev. J. Thomas Bagby DD founded St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. One hundred twenty-five people attended the first service at a home belonging to the Hollyfield family on Post Oak Road.
Founders’ Hall
St. Martin’s purchased four acres of land on Sage Road in 1954 and constructed the first Church building, now known as Founders’ Hall.
Old Church
In 1959, St. Martin’s completed a large expansion with a Chapel, parlor, classrooms and Church, now known as Old Church.
First Decade
By the 10th anniversary in 1962, St. Martin’s had grown to 2,791 baptized members.
The Wayside Chapel
St. Martin’s dedicated The Wayside Chapel for All People in 1977.
The Rev. Claude Payne
In 1983, the Rev. Bagby retired and the Rev. Claude Payne, DD became the second rector.
New Buildings
St. Martin’s added the Payne Education Center, Library and Choir Hall in 1984 and the Activity Center in 1986.
The Rev. Laurence Gipson
The Rev. Payne was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese in 1993; the Rev. Laurence Gipson became the third rector of St. Martin’s the following year.
The Church
St. Martin’s opened a new worship space, known as The Church, with the Easter service on April 4, 2004.
The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson
The Rev. Gipson announced his retirement in 2006; The Rector search committee called
The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. as St. Martin’s new Rector the following year.
New Buildings
In 2012, St. Martin’s dedicated three new buildings: The Island, The Scout Center, and the Hope and Healing Center & Institute.
Building for the Ages
In 2018, St. Martin’s launched the Building for the Ages capital campaign to expand ministries through the new Parish Life Center, Children’s Life Center, Christ Chapel, Pastoral Care Center, The Music Center, and Maintenance and Central Plant.
Online and Virtual
In 2020, St. Martin’s added online sermons and virtual learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. St. Martin’s membership grew to more than 9,500.
Homecoming Weekend
St. Martin’s celebrated Building for the Ages in August 2021 with Homecoming Weekend. Events included dedication and worship in new Campus spaces, as well as a Parish Picnic and spectacular fireworks display.
