HISTORY
On a late October Thursday in the Year of our Lord 1909, the Reverend Frederick William Crook, Bachelor of Divinity, eased himself into the chair at his desk in the cozy redwood Guild Hall and thumbed open a large leather-bound green book.
In its pages he had recorded the thirty-six baptisms, forty confirmations, five burials and three marriages at which he had presided or assisted locally during the past eight years. On its title page he had entered in ornate, outsize script” “Diocese of Sacramento” and “St. Michaels and All Angels, Fort Bragg.” And in the index that followed he had listed the names of each of the thirty-seven communicants he had welcomed to the St. Michael flock in that span.
But he realized there was one element missing from his summation of a long and arduous mission—the vital connective tissue, the human narrative, that the Canonical Church Register would not otherwise convey when he proffered it into the safekeeping of his successor within the next few weeks.
Father Crook dipped the nib of his pen into the bottle of black ink he’d unstoppered and, in the large looping hand he’d learned in his native England, inscribed on the blank inside front cover: “History.”
He paused to underline the word Twice. Then he continued: “The history of his parish begins with a visit of Bishop Moreland to Ukiah…”
- Accustomed to Hope The Episcopal Church on the Mendocino Coast, David Ollier Weber
Accustomed to Hope: The Episcopal Church on the Mendocino
History Since 2000
Submitted by: Kathe Charters
ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS’ – 2000-2022
More history of St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church after the book “Accustomed to Hope” by David Ollier Weber. Here are some ups and downs from the past 20+ years:
2000
Priest: from end of 1998 – 2003: James Knutsen
Associate priests: Fr. Max Nye; Rev. Canon Bart Kendrick
Christine Leigh-Taylor became part of the ministerial team (she and husband, David Weber maintained a home in Mendocino) while she was a postulant for Holy Orders
Sr. Warden: Elizabeth Shoemaker Jr. Warden: Tom Allen
The Townsend Fund was established (Betsy Townsend passed 6/14/98 and left about $500K to the parish)
The Northside property was purchased
2001
Priest: James Knutsen
Associate priests: Fr. Max Nye (in Sept. moved to So. Ca.); Rev. Canon Bart Kendrick
Christine Leigh-Taylor ordained to the diaconate at Grace Cathedral (Dec. 2001)
Sr. Warden: Elizabeth Shoemaker Jr. Warden: Scott Dabel
2002 – Centennial Year
Priest: James Knutsen
Associate priest: Rev. Canon Bart Kendrick (honored as Rector Emeritus at Centennial Mass Sept. 7)
Christine Leigh-Taylor ordained to the priesthood at Grace Cathedral (June 1, 2002) – her last Sunday with us was July 28 as she took a call as Associate Minister for Youth Ministry at St. Ambrose Church in Foster City.
Sr. Warden: Elizabeth Shoemaker Jr. Warden: Scott Dabel
Capital Stewardship Campaign, 2002-2005, “Building for Ministry”
Music: the Steinway piano came to Larsen Hall; placed by the Fort Bragg Center for the Arts)
2003
Priest: James Knutsen – left at end of year to explore a vocation to the religious life with the Society of St. John the Evangelist, in Massachusetts.
Rector Emeritus: Rev. Canon Bart Kendrick
Blake Leighton applied for Holy Orders. St. Michael and All Angels sponsored him.
Sr. Warden: Teresa Magana Jr. Warden: Scott Dabel
Building for Ministry: a new roof for Larsen Hall was completed.
On September 28, St. Michael’s Day, the ground-creaking of one of the largest BFM projects, Townsend Hall
2004
Priest: Fr. Leo Joseph O.S.F. started as in interim Priest-in-charge.
Rector Emeritus: Rev. Canon Bart Kendrick (relocated to Chico, CA July 11)
Parish Administrator (since 2000): Blake Leighton
Sr. Warden: Frank Engelhardt Jr. Warden: Madeleine Melo (from June 2004)
Building for Ministry:
On Trinity Sunday, June 6, blessed the new facade of Larsen Hall.
Kitchen was rebuilt to a commercial kitchen
Christian education building – Townsend Hall was blessed
Parish Life: Sept. 11 a requiem mass for Charles Stevenson – renowned local artist who designed the outstanding stained glass windows
Music: the organ was moved to the Bell Tower (former priest’s office) from the balcony
2005
Priest: Fr. Leo Joseph O.S.F. (to the end of the year)
Parish Administrator & Organist: Blake Leighton
Sr. Warden: Sandi Smith Jr. Warden: Madeleine Melo
Building for Ministry: in July celebrated the completion of the 3-year BFM program
Parish Life: July 17 said good-bye to Winfield and Elizabeth Shoemaker, 30+ years vary active parishioners. They moved to McKinleyville.
We were guests at the 2nd combined Thanksgiving service with Trinity Lutheran Church.
The monthly St. Michael Herald went “on line”, thanks to Chris Little who edits and formats it.
Music: an Allen organ was gifted to St. Michael’s from Steven Gray, of Mendocino Presbyterian in May
2006
Priest: Fr. Bill Osborne (started April 1). We also welcomed his wife, Margaret, and his four children: Eliza, Krista, Esther, and Ross.
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman joined the parish
Sr. Warden: Sandi Smith (to July), Frank Engelhardt; Jr. Warden: ?
Parish Life:
Church picnic: 4 years at Swales Camp
Education for Ministry class started in Oct.
Godly Play Sunday School started with Advent (Dec.)
Bible Study and small prayer groups active
2007
Priest: Fr. Bill Osborne
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Annie Dickson Jr. Warden: ?
Buildings: A leak in the Sacristy roof resulted in major repairs to the Sacristy and west end of Larsen Hall.
Outreach: An after school program, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters at St. Michael’s (art activities were led by Karen McDonell, cooking class led by Sandy Savidge).
Parish Life:
Church picnic at Swales Camp
We inaugurated the St. Michael and All Angels Archangel Society of parish elders. We installed: Brian Fairlee, Tom & Pat Britton, Don & Barbara Thomas, Dorothy Friberg, and Karen-Ita McNeel.
Music: on St. Michael’s Day we held a concert by Abigail Rowland, playing the new baby grand piano donated by Kate Lee.
2008
Priest: Fr. Bill Osborne
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Parish Commission on Ministry (PCOM): Accepted Blake Leighton as a postulant for Holy Orders
Sr. Warden: Dave Turner Jr. Warden: Scott Dabel
Outreach: After school program, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters at St. Michael’s (art activities were led by Karen McDonell, cooking class led by Sandy Savidge) continued.
Parish Life:
Education for Ministry continued (2nd & 3rd years of a 4-year course)
Godly Play continued on Sundays
Church picnic at Swales Camp
Newly inducted into the St. Michael and All Angels Archangel Society of parish elders: Frank & Beverly Engelhardt, Julia Angelo, Gloria Blanton, and Marilyn Ward.
Divine Diners established: Small group dinners were held in member’s homes or at church. There were 6 groups?
Mardi Gras Dinner and Auction – the 3rd annual. Don Thomas made his wonderful gumbo.
2009
Priest: Fr. Bill Osborne (3/4 time – 9.5 months, due to financial shortfall) – while Fr. Bill was salmon fishing in Alaska our guest preachers were the Rev. Laura Toepfer and the Rev. Tansy Chapman.
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Dave Turner Jr. Warden: Scott Dabel
Outreach:
The Que Onda after school program continued. Last year of funding.
We became more involved in “Love in Action”, coastal services for the poor & homeless. This group sponsored the Extreme Winter Shelter in the beginning. Meetings were at St. Michael’s.
Parish Life:
Generous bequest of Barbara Barnard allowed us to hire a part-time Church Secretary/Administrative Asst.
Church picnic at Swales Camp
Divine Diner groups continued to meet for food, fun, and fellowship.
2010
Priest: Fr. Bill Osborne (3/4 time due to financial shortfall) – Fr. Bill again fished salmon during the summer.
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Carol Ann Falk Jr. Warden: Sandi Smith
Building: The columbarium was completed. Lee Josephs designed and built the redwood niches. Tom Charters installed them in the summer.
Outreach:
Involvement in “Love in Action”, coastal services for the poor & homeless continued.
Parish Life:
Held forums following Sunday services on spiritual as well as informational topics.
Two Divine Diner groups continued to meet.
It was the 14th year of Sacred Circle dancing
2011
Priest: Fr. Bill Osborne ended his time with us in February. Accepted a calling to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Spokane, WA.
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Supply priests: remainder of the year, but blessed to have Fr. Leo Joseph and Rev. Tansy Chapman for special services.
Sr. Warden: Frank Engelhardt Jr. Warden: Sandi Smith
Buildings: We celebrated 100 years of our sanctuary; Palm Sunday, April 9, 1911
Outreach:
Involvement in “Love in Action”, coastal services for the poor & homeless continued.
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
Parish Life:
Blake Leighton was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on October 21, at St. Michael’s
Held forums following Sunday services on spiritual as well as informational topics.
Sacred Circle dance continued monthly, first Fridays.
First to be committed to the Columbarium were two long time, well-loved parishioners: Pat Britton & Barbara Thomas (both were St. Michael and All Angels Archangel Society parish elders).
2012
Priest: We had visiting clergy during the year. Annie Dickson scheduled them. Bev. Blake Leighton served the 1st Sunday of the month starting in May.
Associate Priests: Rev. Tansy Chapman; Rev. Blake Leighton after ordination
Sr. Warden: Rick Bondor Jr. Warden: Sandi Smith
Music: The organ & the sound system continued to have problems. Money was spent to temporarily repair.
Ordination: Blake Leighton was ordained to the priesthood April 13, 2012, at St. Michael’s.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
Involvement in “Love in Action”, coastal services for the poor & homeless continued.
We continue to have 12 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities
Parish Life:
Blake Leighton also served at Trinity Lutheran after their pastor departed
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday
2013
Priest: We had visiting clergy during the year. Pat Karch assumed scheduling them. Rev. Blake Leighton often took the 1st Sunday of the month, and Rev. Tansy Chapman the last Sunday of the month.
Associate Priests: Rev. Tansy Chapman, Rev. Blake Leighton
Sr. Warden: Frank Engelhardt Jr. Warden: Charla Thorbecke
Shared Ministry: A resolution was passed at our Annual Parish meeting: “St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church of Fort Bragg direct the 2013 Vestry to explore the possibilities of sharing a priest/pastor with Trinity Lutheran Church of Fort Bragg. In addition, activities and worship services with Trinity Lutheran should be planned and encouraged.” Thus, a Shared Ministry Committee was established. Regular meetings were held, often monthly.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
Involvement in “Love in Action”, coastal services for the poor & homeless continued.
We continue to have 10 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities.
Parish Life:
Annual picnic held August 24 at Charla & Erik Thorbecke’s
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday.
Beloved parishioners who passed away: Gloria Blanton, Tom Britton, and Joyce Taylor
2014
Priest: We had visiting clergy during the year. Pat Karch scheduled them. Rev. Blake Leighton often took the 1st Sunday of the month, and Rev. Tansy Chapman the last Sunday of the month.
Associate Priests: Rev. Tansy Chapman, Rev. Blake Leighton
Sr. Warden: Kathe Charters Jr. Warden: Sandi Smith
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events. Each month found us sharing, from Lenten Soup Suppers and Services at Trinity Lutheran, to a joint Thanksgiving Service, and Christmas Caroling.
Parish Life: As Canon Britt Olson encouraged us at the Annual Parish meeting in January: “God has a plan. Keep the doors open.”
2015
Priest-in-Charge: We had visiting clergy until September. Then Pastor Randy Knutson joined us, along with his wife, Robin, and son, Jonas.
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Kathe Charters Jr. Warden: Sandi Smith
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events throughout the year.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
We have 9 groups, (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings.
Parish Life:
November 21, 2015, Bishop Barry Beisner led a Celebration of New Ministry to officially welcome Rev. Randy Knutson to St. Michael and All Angels, and to Trinity Lutheran. Trinity’s choir sang and Dean Pamela Schaefer represented the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America).
With great sadness, we acknowledged the passing of Rev. Blake Leighton, and Cordelia Shampenier
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday. A new group, Moving Into Stillness, was started by Anne Blanton. They meet the third Friday of each month.
2016
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Annie Dickson Jr. Warden: Sandi Smith
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events throughout the year: Sack Lunch Ministry every Monday; Lenten Soup Supper and Services at Trinity; Holy Week services; Bible Study on Thursday mornings; Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran; joint Parish Picnic held at the Thorbecke’s; Blessing of the Animals Service at St. Michaels; Thanksgiving service (this year held at St. Michael’s) with a pie social afterwards; Christmas Caroling.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
We have 9 groups, (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings.
We hosted the Extreme Winter Shelter for 2 weeks during winter.
We participated in the Sunday of Service project at Safe Passage in September, together with Trinity Lutheran.
Parish Life:
With great sadness, we acknowledged the passing of long-time parishioner Dave Smith.
In additional to regular Sunday services, Pr. Randy led prayer Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30, and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday. And Moving Into Stillness, continued. They meet the third Friday of each month.
2017
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Annie Dickson Jr. Warden: Rick Bondor
Buildings: refinished the floors in St. Veronica’s Hall.
Music: A new piano, a Yamaha, was purchased in February, in honor of Cordelia Shampanier. We are so thankful for her bequest, and appreciative of her time spent with us an organist and member of the singing group, Sisters of the Holy Coast.
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events throughout the year.
Sack Lunch Ministry, every Monday at Trinity Lutheran.
Epiphany Service in early January, the first in many years
Ashes to Go on the streets of Fort Bragg, on Ash Wednesday.
Annual Picnic and service, held at the Thorbecke’s property.
We participated in a shared Bible Study.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
We have 9 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings.
Parish Life:
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday. And Moving Into Stillness, continued. They meet the third Friday of each month.
2018
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Liz Rantala Jr. Warden: Rick Bondor
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events throughout the year.
Sack Lunch Ministry, every Monday at Trinity Lutheran
Epiphany Service in early January
Ashes to Go on the streets of Fort Bragg, on Ash Wednesday.
Annual Picnic and service, held at the Thorbecke’s property.
We participated in a shared Bible Study.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
We have 9 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings.
Provided Larsen Hall for Emergency Winter Shelter for two weeks during the winter. Provided food (hot meal or sack lunch).
Parish Life:
In June, we celebrated the life of Frank Engelhardt; he contributed so much to the life of our parish.
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday. And Moving Into Stillness, continued. They meet the third Friday of each month.
2019
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California: a new bishop, Rev. Megan Traquair, was elected in February, and consecrated in June.
Sr. Warden: Kathe Charters Jr. Warden: Liz Rantala
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events throughout the year.
Sack Lunch Ministry, every Monday at Trinity Lutheran
Epiphany Service in early January
Ashes to Go on the streets of Fort Bragg, on Ash Wednesday.
Annual Picnic and service, held at the Thorbecke’s property.
Joint 5th Sunday Services held in alternating sanctuaries.
We participated in a shared Bible Study.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton led 2nd Sunday of the month services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
We have 11 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings.
Provided Larsen Hall for Extreme Winter Shelter for two weeks during the winter. Provided food (hot meal or sack lunch).
Parish Life:
In November, we celebrated the lives of Ann Reynolds and Bryan Fairlee; they both contributed so much to the life of our parish, each for 40+ years.
Sacred Circle Dance continued monthly, first Friday. And Moving Into Stillness, continued. They meet the third Friday of each month.
2020
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Kathe Charters Jr. Warden: Liz Rantala
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events until the Covid-19 pandemic drastically limited our activities.
Sack Lunch Ministry, every Monday a group of 4-6 people prepared sack lunches for the homeless and those needing additional food, at Trinity Lutheran.
Epiphany Service in early January.
Limited indoor services were held until indoor services were no longer allowed. Then we switched to services recorded on Facebook Live and later posted on YouTube.
In October we held an outdoor Blessing of the Animals service at St. Michael’s.
We participated in a shared Bible Study, a mixture of on-site and Zoom attendance.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton were unable to lead services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center, effective March.
We have 9 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings. They were unable to do so for most of the 2020 year.
Parish Life:
Don Thomas passed at the end of the year; he contributed so much to the life of our parish.
2021
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Sandi Smith/Kathe Charters Jr. Warden: Jon Thorbecke
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events until the Covid-19 pandemic drastically limited our activities.
Sack Lunch Ministry, every Monday a group of 4-6 people prepared sack lunches for the homeless and those needing additional food, at Trinity Lutheran.
Epiphany Service in early January.
We began the year with NO indoor services allowed. We used our Sanctuary and Trinity Lutherans to alternate as the place where services were transmitted live on Facebook Live and later posted on YouTube.
This continued until, using Mendocino County Guideline, as directed by our Diocese, we started indoor services, with masking and sanitizing, between services in early March. We were then able to celebrate Holy Week and Easter in our building.
In October we held an outdoor Blessing of the Animals service at St. Michael’s.
We participated in a shared Bible Study, a mixture of on-site and Zoom attendance.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton were still unable to lead services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center.
We have 7 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings. They were unable to do so for most of the 2021 year.
Parish Life:
Sandi Smith fulfilled a dream of bringing her siblings closer together and she moved to Prescott, AZ in the summer of 2021.
Christopher Crawford passed away on August 28 of this year
Sandra Savidge, a long time member, passed on October of this year
2022
Priest-in-Charge: Pastor Randy Knutson
Associate Priest: Rev. Tansy Chapman
Sr. Warden: Kathe Charters Jr. Warden: Jon Thorbecke
Shared Ministry: We jointly participated in special, and regular, worship services and other special events until the Covid-19 pandemic drastically limited our activities.
Sack Lunch Ministry, every Monday a group of 4-6 people prepared sack lunches for the homeless and those needing additional food, at Trinity Lutheran.
Epiphany Service in early January at St. Michaels for both congregations
We participated in a 5 week Lenten Series at different church sites in Fort Bragg nd Mendocino; Pastor Randy preached at St. Anthony’s in Mendocino, representing our Shared Minister. Trinity hosted the fourth of these services.
We continued careful indoor services with masks becoming encouraged by not required in the spring. We continue to send out our services on Facebook Live and later posted on YouTube.
In October we held an outdoor Blessing of the Animals service at St. Michael’s.
We participated in a shared Bible Study, a mixture of on-site and Zoom attendance.
Outreach:
Rev. Tansy Chapman, Jim & Anne Blanton were unable to lead services at Sherwood Oaks Convalescent Center. Perhaps later this year.
We have 9 groups (12-step and others) use our facilities for their regular meetings. They have mostly returned, with some groups still meeting with masks required.
Parish Life: