History
St. Raphael Episcopal Church was organized in response to the needs of a group of Episcopalians to have their own church in the very new, fast growing community of Security, Colorado. This thriving town was springing up on the southern edge of Colorado Springs to provide housing for nearby Ft. Carson Army Base, and the church was dedicated to St. Raphael the Archangel of Healing. When the first vicar, The Rev. Halliwell Duell, was called in late 1959, he found an eager congregation meeting in a small rented house. These crowded quarters were augmented by “storefront” offices in the town shopping center. From the first worship, music and discipline at St. Raphael were all of an Anglo-Catholic nature, and this soon attracted people from other parts of the bordering city of Colorado Springs.
Ground was soon broken for a “real” church in 1960. This building has served well over the intervening years, first as the only facility for church and all other activities, then later as the Parish Hall when the present church building was constructed in 1967. The two buildings, both of contemporary design, are connected by a breezeway. Nearby stands the bell tower from which rings the fine old Santa Fe Railroad bell, reminding us as it rings out of the early history of this western state.
As you enter the church through the west doors, a feeling of openness and simplicity is most apparent. Eyes are drawn forward to the mosaic in back of the altar, directly above which hangs the large carving of The Resurrected Christ. Many other memorials are incorporated into the building: modern stained glass panels, needlepoint kneelers, a simple Mary altar, and a Mary shrine with votive candles and Madonna. A stone from the Bell Harry Tower in Canterbury Cathedral in England reminds us of our strong links to our Anglican heritage. Around the walls are the Stations of the Cross, executed in southwestern style bultos, or paintings on wood.
The original organ at St. Raphael was replaced in 1984 by a wonderful historic pipe organ that plays a big part in encouraging lively congregational singing - a joyful noise indeed.
Downstairs are many individual rooms plus the inviting Duell Memorial Library. The Parish Hall has a large administrative office, a room for our Food Shelf ministry, a sound-proofed Rector’s study, and a sizable kitchen used for the many gatherings held in the main room.
The grounds surrounding the two buildings are fully landscaped with memorial trees and a labyrinth incorporated within the flagstone patio between the buildings. In 1993 a lovely Columbarium was built into the side of a rise on the church property. Each Memorial Day American flags surround the Columbarium paying tribute to the many veterans buried there. Our parish family has been pleasantly surprised at how comforting it is to know that even in death they will remain a part of their beloved church.
We were fortunate to have been given a sizable piece of land when St. Raphael was first organized upon which we can offer ample off-street parking. It is a truly beautiful location in a residential part of town with splendid views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range off to the west.
After 15 years of organizing and building this new church, Fr. Duell left in 1974. He was succeeded immediately by The Rev. Larry Donoghue. It was during Father Donoghue’s years at St. Raphael that the mission became a parish. A joyful observance of this significant milestone in the church’s history occurred on April 16, 1978 when both Father Duell and Father Donoghue con-celebrated mass with Colorado Bishop William Fry for the new Parish.
The following priests have faithfully served St. Raphael as follows:
Rev. Halliwell L Duell 1959-1974
Rev. Larry Donoghue 1974-1981
Rev. Gerald Cover 1982-1986
Rev. Richard Lawler 1987-1995
Rev. Kenneth Burton 1995
Rev. Mark Bigley 1995-1997
Rev. Sandy Boyd 1998-2000
Rev. David Koskela 2000-2012
Rev. Christopher Johnson 2013-2017
Rev. Twyla Zittle (2006-2009 Curate) (2009-2017 Assistant) 2017-2021 interim
This picture of the congregation was taken August 29, 2021, Rev. Twyla's last day as our Interim Rector.