Our History

Our History

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation was founded in 1959 by The Right Reverend Arnold M. Lewis. Mrs. Alice Agnew, wife of the first Vicar, The Reverend David Agnew, wrote in her memories for the church's twenty-fifth anniversary celebration, "Our three years at The Church of the Incarnation were among our most unique and happiest times. Being new, there were no traditions that are sometimes so hard to break. Bishop Lewis, an Army man, felt the need of a real family church for the people at Schilling. And that it was! I can think of only eight families that were not Air Force, and the majority of them were fairly new to Salina. So, there was a need for concern and belonging. There was a deep feeling of caring and concern for each other that is not always found except in a very superficial way. We prayed, worshiped, studied, worked and had an abundance of fun together. From what we hear this is still true of The Incarnation—may it continue."

Although Schilling Base has since closed, the original family atmosphere of caring continues at The Church of the Incarnation as we approach our fiftieth anniversary in September 2009.

A service to celebrate 45 years was held in the fall of 2004, which was the occasion of homecom for many former parishioners and clergy. Preparations will begin in 2007 for the 2009 celebration.

The first service of the church was held on September 6, 1959 at the Salina South Junior High School. Members met at the Junior High and in their homes until construction was completed on the current building. The Reverend David T. Agnew, a candidate for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church, became the first Vicar. He was ordained priest May 26, 1960 and served the mission as full-time Vicar until August 5, 1962.

He was followed by The Reverend Walter Dettweiler (November 1, 1962 until August 16, 1964); The Reverend Donald Overton (September 6, 1964—May 22, 1966); The Reverend Willys Neustrom (June 5, 1966—March 23, 1973).

The closing of the Air Force Base in 1965 resulted in many of the church's founding members being transferred from the Salina area. From April 1973 to January 1977, the church was served by a regular schedule of supply priests and Lay Readers.

In January 1977, The Reverend Arthur Rathbun began as priest-in-charge and served until July 1979. The Reverend Scott Kirby served from December 1979 until October 1981, and The Reverend Ben Helmer was Vicar from January 1982 until 1987. During his time as Vicar, The Church of the Incarnation's Wicks pipe organ was dedicated. This organ still provides the congregation with beautiful music each week.

The Reverend Don Davidson was Vicar from January 1, 1987 until May 1989. The Reverend Mary Kay Bond served as Bishop's Vicar from September 1, 1991 until December 19, 1992, when she was ordained priest. She continued to serve faithfully as the priest of the congregation until her death on August 20, 2003.

The current priests-in-charge, The Very Reverend Edward Fellhauer and The Reverend Sheila Fellhauer, began serving The Incarnation officially in February 2004, after several months of serving as supply priests.

Ken & Betty Butler

Lavina & Dick Worth

The Church of the Incarnation is blessed to have some of its founding members remain participants in the life of the congregation today.