About Us
WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE AT 11:00 AM
Calvary Episcopal Church in Seaside, Oregon belongs to the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon and takes her place alongside sister parishes and Dioceses throughout the worldwide Anglican communion.
At Calvary, we believe that the first priority of any Christian community is the worship of God. For Christians coming together for the purpose of worshiping our Creator and Redeemer in community is what grounds us for service in the world. Today our red doors announce a place of healing and restoration as well as a space filled with God’s love.
Our doors are open to all. When you enter, may you find peace, comfort, Grace and forgiveness.
Ministry Team
From Left to Right: Reverend Sarah Kitch, Bishop Rev. Diana Akiyama, and Deacon Rev. Diana Higgins
Reverend Sarah Kitch grew up in New York State, born to parents in theatre and television, so it was only natural for her to pursue a theater career that was realized for 33 years. It was there that she met her husband David, and they shared their life together, travelling throughout the world performing.
Upon retiring from the theater, Sarah sought a new direction in the church and was ordained in 2010. Her parish life for 15 years was served in Simi Valley, California. Alongside, she also used her background for children as a School Chaplain and Teacher for an Episcopal School.
Soon another call beckoned her to a change of life and setting and brought her to Seaside, Oregon, where she is blessed to serve Calvary.
Our Deacon, the Rev. Diana Higgins, after a career in teaching and school administration, followed a call to seek discernment for ministry in the Episcopal Church. As a result, she was ordained a deacon on June 13, 2015 and assigned by the Bishop to Calvary Episcopal Church, Seaside, Oregon. She has remained in that a position since, the first deacon at the church.
Deacon Diane has been a member of Calvary for over 30 years. She served as a Youth Minister, Vestry member, Diocesan Council member and deputy to the state convention prior to her ordination. As deacon to the parish, she offers outreach to the community and pastoral care to parish members. She also preaches and leads Morning Prayer.
Our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Diana Akiyama was born in Wheeler, Oregon, and grew up in a Japanese-American community in Hood River. Bishop Akiyama was the first Japanese-American woman ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church in 1989.
She holds a Ph.D. in Religion and Social Ethics from the University of Southern California (2001), an M.Div. from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley (1988). Before returning to Oregon to serve as our 11th bishop, she served as the Vicar at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kapaau, Hawai’i, and as Dean at Waiolaihui’ia School of Formation for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i.
Bishop Akiyama was consecrated on January 30, 2021, at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon.
Vestry
Seven parishioners are elected to staggered three-year terms, minding Calvary’s bylaws, policies, operations and finances. Senior Warden Kaye Lockett, Junior Warden Bob Sampson, Clerk Katie Teeple, Treasurer Robert Fuller, Malinda Austin, Garry Smith and Karen Sarnaker.
History
The first service by an Episcopal priest was in 1894 in local establishments around Seaside. In 1900, the first chapel (above) was built on First Street in Seaside.
In 1920, the new Calvary Church as constructed on Holladay Drive and is still at that location.
Calvary Church was recognized as a diocesan mission in 1938. Calvary is the only one of six missions from Grace Church, Astoria to attain independent status and became a parish on May 28, 1954.
Contact Us
Address:
503 N. Holladay Drive
Seaside, Oregon 97138
Phone:
503.738.5773
Email:
calvaryseaside@outlook.com
rectorcalvary@gmail.com
Gallery
Events
Sundays
9:30 AM
Holy Eucharist
Every Sunday At 9:30AM
503 N Holladay Dr, Seaside, OR 97138
Wednesdays
11:00AM
Healing Service
Every Wednesday At 11:00AM
503 N Holladay Dr, Seaside, OR 97138
First Friday
7:00 PM
WHALE SPIRIT DRUM CIRCLE
Come join the drum circle!
NEW LOCATION: Calvary Episcopal Church, 503 N Holladay Drive, Seaside.
No experience necessary. If you have a drum you can bring it but we also have extra drums and percussion instruments to share.
Every Tuesday
& Thursday