L to R: Mark Carroll, Bishop Jim Mathes, Dean James Carroll, Lanita Carroll, and John Carroll. Dean Carroll was honored for his lifetime of service and commitment to the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego by the naming of the bishop’s second-floor office suite as “The Carroll Center.”
By Hannah Wilder
Over 200 people attended an open house at the newly renovated Episcopal Church Center at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, Friday, September 12. Open to the community, the affair mostly drew people from the congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego; pastors from nearby churches and neighbors also attended.
The facilities were renovated as part of the diocesan Build the Serving Church capital campaign, which focused, in part, on creating a new center for the diocese. Working with Platt Whitelaw Architects, Canon Nancy R. Holland remodeled the rooms in order to maximize multi-purpose use. Every effort was made to use earth-friendly materials, and to optimize the free flow of air and light.
Naveen, principal at Platt Whitelaw, stated:
“This project is a good example of maximizing the building’s natural assets while completely reshaping the interior. Our goals were to create welcoming office space, functional service areas and a sacred chapel for prayer and worship.”
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, blessed and dedicated three areas of the facility: the second-floor office suite in honor of the Very Rev. James E. Carroll, dean emeritus of St. Paul’s Cathedral; the first-floor conference and retreat center in honor of Society of St. Paul, a 50-year-old Episcopal monastic order; and the parish hall in honor of the Rt. Rev. and Mrs. Robert M. Wolterstorff, first bishop of this diocese and his much-loved wife.
A string quartet composed of five members of the De la Mott family was the hit of the party. Ranging in age from 8 to 12, the children played pieces from the classical and baroque periods, sacred music and folk songs from America, Ireland, and Eastern Europe.
Volunteers from St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla provided all of the food and beverages, including complimentary beer from Green Flash Brewery, a local favorite. An air of joviality pervaded the open house, as people toured the facilities and played trivia games such as “How Well Do You Know the Episcopal Church Center?” and a photo-matching game. Parishioners at Good Samaritan in UTC and All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Point Loma helped clean up the event.
The Episcopal Church Center exists to serve the community of Ocean Beach. Services to people in need include: hot meals, food giveaways, medical services, a legal clinic, haircuts, veterinary services, job assistance, mail services and prayer.
Volunteers are always welcome; if you would like to volunteer, please contact Facilities Manager Charles Robinson: crobinson@edsd.org or 619-481-5463. More information about the services offered is available here: www.edsd.org/ecc.
Hannah Wilder is the Communications Director of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd in Ocean Beach.
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This is an awesome Article about the Open House. It is great that you used this article to remind all of the great services provided in the center and that volunteers are always welcomed.
Great article and event! The De la Mott family was definitely a big hit at the party!