Editor's Note:  The following article, written by our senior warden, Linda Hank, appeared in the ReadingChronicle. We thought folks who don't subscribe might like to see the piece, as well as some photographs taken by our own Warren Poor.  Many thanks to Linda for writing such a terrific article.  Linda and Rev. Scottie want to acknowledge the tireless work of our long-time parish historian, Dick Curtis, whose recent loss we feel so keenly, and whose research was invaluable in writing the article.  

Anyone travelling Woburn Street in the past few months has probably noticed lots of activity at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.  In celebration of its Centennial, Good Shepherd has run a successful Capital Campaign, allowing for the completion of major projects and contributions to many ongoing outreach efforts locally and through the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

Good Shepherd was originally part of the Emmanuel Church of Wakefield.  In May 1913 a group of Reading parishioners began meeting at a Reading home located on Linden Street and owned by Mr. and Mrs. George Nowell.  The services were led by The Rev. James Cogan, who shared duties with the Wakefield parish.  In the fall of that year, as attendance increased, they began meeting in Enterprise Hall in the Oddfellows Building on Woburn Street in Reading where they met until 1924.

Under the leadership of its first full-time rector, The Rev. Charles Lancaster, a building committee was formed to construct a permanent church at its current location on property purchased from Mrs. Winthrop in 1920.  Parishioner and architect George Sidebottom designed the building, and in June 1925, the first services were held at this site.  The building has grown from its original size, with two additions in 1951 and 1962 with The Rev. Herbert Jerauld as Rector.  These additions provided for extra church school classes, a larger parish hall, and an extension towards Chute Street.

Subsequent Rectors have been Rev. Charles Gardiner, 1967-1971; Rev. Fred Emrich, 1971-1982; Interim Rector William Opel, 1982-1983; Rev. Harold Garbarino 1983-2006; and Priest-in-Charge Deborah Woodward 2007-2010.  In 2010, Rev. Mary Scott (Scottie) Wagner was selected as the current Rector of Good Shepherd.    

As was done when the church was originally founded, the construction of the church and the centennial restorations have been paid for, in full, by the generous donations of parishioners who love one another and love the church family.  This year's Capital Campaign Committee Chairman Ben Sands reported that "serving on this committee, meeting with old and new friends in parish and seeing the enthusiasm of contributors has been the best experience I have had."  Funds were raised allowing for the completion of much needed roof work, including repairs to the cross; walkway and masonry repair; and church school renovations.  Projects still to be completed are the restoration and repair of the organ, renovation of offices and parlor areas and additional boiler enhancements.

Good Shepherd gives thanks to many parish members, too many to name, who have worked tirelessly to make these projects happen.  Junior Warden Joseph Landry wishes to commend local companies who have done the projects, including but not limited to Classic Construction, Viking Tree, Pruski Painting, GF Sprague Roofing, Goddard Corp. Painting, and Boston Cleaning Company.

In celebration of the past 100 years and the success of the Capital Campaign, a centennial celebration dinner is to be held, catered by Horseshoe Grille.  With 100 years of photos and other memorabilia, it is sure to be a special night. Celebration Chairperson Susan Buckley was heartfelt in taking on this project, saying "Twenty-five years ago after a personal tragedy, Good Shepherd fed my family.  I am honored to have the opportunity to repay and feed my Good Shepherd family." 

Senior Warden Linda Hank wishes to express her thanks to all involved in the church, not only during this highly active and memorable year, but each and every day.  "We are blessed to have so many people who love and care for our church and communities, and show it every day in their readiness to help in any way.  The original dedication, contributions and hard work of our founding fathers, 100 years ago, has continued and I believe Mr. and Mrs. Nowell, Rev. Cogan, Rev. Lancaster, Mrs. Winthrop and George Sidebottom would be pleased with how their dream of Good Shepherd has continued for a century." 

To commemorate our Centennial we would like to make a gift of a scholarship for a week of summer camp at the Barbara C. Harris Camp, for a child who would otherwise be unable to attend. Donations of all amounts are welcome!  You may bring your check to the dinner or to the church office, or leave it in the plate this Sunday.

Parking can be at a premium at Good Shepherd since we do not have a parking lot and rely on the goodwill of our neighbors for street parking.  During church services, we are allowed to park all along Chute and Woburn Streets, and to use the commuter rail parking spaces as well as town parking spaces.  During the week, parking is forbidden on the side of Chute Street opposite the church, but that rule is not enforced on Sundays during services.  We have two designated handicapped spots on Chute Street.  We ask that folks who do not have difficulty walking consider parking a bit further from the church building even if spaces are available out front, in order to free spaces for folks who might find walking challenging.  You'll get a bit of extra exercise while helping out friends who might need to park close to the church.

On the night of our Centennial Celebration, October 19, we will be allowed to use the commuter and town spaces, and we will be allowed to park on both sides of Chute Street during the party.  Thank you to Susan Buckley for coordinating with Town Hall and for working with them to ensure that we will all be able to attend the celebration!

The 228th annual convention of the Diocese of Massachusetts will consider three resolutions on November 2:  climate change, environmentally responsible financial investment, and a request to continue the antiviolence campaign it began a year ago.  Clergy and delegates will also vote on an $8.2-million budget for 2014 and elect deputies to send to the Episcopal Church's triennial General Convention in 2015.  

Our delegates are Linda Hank and Ray Luddy, who along with Rev. Scottie will represent us at the convention.  Ray has posted the detail of the three resolutions on the bulletin board by the front door.  A summary can also be found here.  Please contact any of our representatives with questions or comments.

Christine Camper, Kevin Cellucci, George Chace, Alec Dingee, Betty Fraser, Bernice Herrick, Tony Lopes, Lynn McDonald, Rheta McKinley, Elsie Saunders, Eleanor Schott, Bishop Thomas Shaw, Kevin Smith, Jake Torrisi, Ralph Ventola, Stephen Wagner and Charles Weaver.