History Timeline

History

History Timeline

1952
September 7
Founded
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.

1954
January 1
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.

1959
January 1
Old Church
Old Church

In 1959, St. Martin’s completed a large expansion with a Chapel, parlor, classrooms and Church, now known as Old Church.

1962
January 1
First Decade

By the 10th anniversary in 1962, St. Martin’s had grown to 2,791 baptized members.

1977
January 1
The Wayside Chapel

St. Martin’s dedicated The Wayside Chapel for All People in 1977.

1983
January 1
The Rev. Claude Payne

In 1983, the Rev. Bagby retired and the Rev. Claude Payne, DD became the second rector.

1984
January 1
New Buildings

St. Martin’s added the Payne Education Center, Library and Choir Hall in 1984 and the Activity Center in 1986.

1994
January 1
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.

2004
April 4
The Church

St. Martin’s opened a new worship space, known as The Church, with the Easter service on April 4, 2004.

2007
January 1
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.

2012
January 1
New Buildings

In 2012, St. Martin’s dedicated three new buildings: The Island, The Scout Center, and the Hope and Healing Center & Institute.

2018
January 1
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.

2020
January 1
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.

2021
August 21
Homecoming Weekend
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.

2023
November 12
St. Martin’s is 10,000 Strong

On Nov. 12, 2023, St. Martin’s recognized Aleeta Bureau as its 10,000th member – the only church in North America to reach this significant milestone.

2025
August 1
The Rev. Dane E. Boston

In December 2023, the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. announced his retirement in Spring 2024. The Rev. Dane E. Boston joined St. Martin’s Episcopal Church as Fifth Rector on Aug. 1.