Our History

St. Bartholomew’s was founded in 1973 by The Rev. Hoppy Hopkins and a group of friends who wanted to offer a different model of “being the church” within the Episcopal tradition. This parish was founded to be a place where:

worship is less formal and is open to liturgical grow and experimentation; “Church” is defined as the community gathered in worship, not the building; music is an integral part of church life; the priest is seen as a teacher and encourager of the life of the community, and leadership is collaborative; children are valued and understood to be an integral part of the life of the church and its worship; the community lives the values it holds, being a place that is inclusive in its membership and expansive in it outreach to the world. This parish community joyfully and prayerfully lives into that vision, becoming the people we are called to be, offering a slightly different model from more traditional Episcopal churches.  Our worship is straight-forward, easy to follow (and join in with), and often experimental (we are currently authorized by our Bishop to be a place of liturgical creativity).

Our priests from the 1980's to present (pictured together at right at a recent St Bart's event)  have continued Rev. Hopkins vision and have been strong guides, helping us to find not only our inner paths, but also our outward ministries.
​


Historical videos
Click here to view events from 1987:  Field day" service; groundbreaking at Gilman Road with the Bishop; Christmas Eve service;  and Easter.

​Click here to view the last service held at our church location on Rte 1 in Yarmouth (now Clayton's) and our move to our current location in 1988. 

---