CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Est. 1899
803 Church Ave - Mena, AR 479-216-2645
is married to Angie Evans Benham, a clinical psychologist, and they are the parents of three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
CHURCH HISTORY
Christ Episcopal Church of Mena was organized as a mission in 1899 and was admitted We strive to reflect God’s love in a non-judgmental to the Diocese of Arkansas in 1900. The Right Reverend William R. Brown, Bishop of Arkansas, service to our families and neighbors. made a pledge of two hundred dollars to the St. Agnes Guild (later changed to St. Mary’s Guild) SERVICES to assist with construction of the church. The 9:30 AM Bible Study 10:30 AM Fellowship congregation and the women of the Guild raised 11:00 AM Morning Prayer/Holy Communion *Subject the remaining money needed to build the church to change in Visiting Priest’s schedule and provide altar linens, choir and clergy vestments, and carpeting. CLERGY The corner stone of the first church building David D. Benham was laid on January 19, 1899. The number of was ordained to registered parishioners listed in 1900 was 48; the priesthood at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Little number of families 12. Rock, Arkansas. Soon, he was assigned to St. The original building, a frame structure was Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Rogers, Arkansas, destroyed by fire on March 8, 1967. Services were were he served as Priest-in-Charge for five years. held in the parish house until the new church During his retirement, he has served as celebrant could be completed. The church was rebuilt and for churches while they were seeking a permanent dedicated on November 19, 1969 by the Right priest. Among these are St. Bartholomew’s Rev. Robert R. Brown, Bishop of Arkansas. Most Episcopal Church, Fort Smith, Arkansas, All Saints of the furnishings from the original church were in Bentonville, All Saints in Russellville and St. saved from the fire are incorporated into the Theodore’s in Bella Vista. present building. During his earliest years, Rev. Benham resided in Ten percent of our annual budget is designated the home of his grandfather, Tonemah, who was one for community outreach. In addition, we are of the first converts to Christianity among the joined as a companion congregation with the Kiowa Indians in southwest Oklahoma, near Rosebud Episcopal Mission in South Dakota which present-day Fort Sill. He attended public schools in ministers to the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Oklahoma and Arkansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas, FayetteALTAR GUILD ville; Masters in Religious Education from SouthMembers are encouraged to participate. western Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Training is provided. This group of parishiners are Texas; and Doctorate of Ministry from Golden Gate responsible for the dressing of the altar and pulpit Theological Seminary, San Fransisco, California. He for different church seasons.
OUR MISSION
HOLY COMMUNION
We welcome to Christ’s Table those who have been admitted to the Holy Communion within their own church and who wish to participate in this Eucharistic offering. Morning Prayer/Holy Communion observed *Sunday at the 11:00 AM service. *Subject to visiting Priest’s schedule.
CHURCH WOMEN
The Guild was founded in 1899 and has been an important part of the life of the church ever since. The Guild holds a rummage sale in spring and a bazaar in the fall. Funds raised by these activities go exclusively to support community out reach. In December the Guild participates in the Swaddling Clothes Project which supplies warm clothing for newborns, food items, mittens and gloves for adults and children and other requested items to Rosebud Missions. GUILD MEETINGS 3rd Thursday of each month.
MONTHLY OUTINGS
Once a month our congregation enjoys an outing such as outdoor adventures, trips in Arkansas, picnics, game nights, Ouachita Little Theater productions, and other local events.
BULLETINS
If you are interested in receiving a copy of our calendarplease contact: jillcombs@sbcglobal.net We also have a Facebook page for you to view and like at //Christ Episcopal Church, Mena, AR . It is here you can find news of our various activities, upcoming events, and postings on the church family.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You
We invite you to come and worship with us. We believe you will leave refreshed in the Spirit. We look forward to seeing you and your family at one of our services soon.