St. Stephen’s, Oak Ridge, dedicated a new addition as part of the Tools for Tomorrow project. Coming back to dedicate the new space was a former member of the church, and now bishop of the Diocese of Idaho, the Rt. Rev. Harry Bainbridge III. It was a grand celebration bringing the entire congregation together for one service on Sunday, September 16.

The service was preceded with a special commemoration for the victims of the recent attack in New York and Washington, D.C. The rector, the Rev. Craig M. Kallio, made a short statement in which he placed the service in the context of the nation’s tragedy. The morning’s liturgy was dedicated to the memory of the victims, and in honor of the rescue workers. It was also dedicated to the honor of the many people who played a role in the building addition at St. Stephen’s, that, in the words of Kallio, “What we celebrate today might be a foreshadowing of the rebuilding that has already begun in our nation and in the hearts and souls of its citizens.” The congregation then sang, “God Bless America.”

Bishop Bainbridge, using the role of baptism as his focus, shared how St. Stephen’s nurtured him along the way in his own faith journey, starting from his own baptism as a young boy. He thanked the parish for its role in caring for others. The bishop, after blessing the new font, then led the congregation in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, after which he sprinkled everyone with holy water.

The new addition, conceived three years ago, includes a new elevator, a new parlor/library, research and reference room which houses the Dr. William Pollard archives, a large hospitality center at the new entrance on the south end of the building, and a new office wing for the clergy and support staff. In addition, many of the older rooms were painted and refurbished, including space for the junior high, and an enlarged space for the senior high. All are truly “tools for tomorrow” which will enable St. Stephen’s to better minister to the community.

St. Stephen's Website: www.ststephensor.com