INTRODUCTION
St. Mary's is located in a suburban setting on a major thoroughfare in southeast Fresno. Fresno is a city with a population of approximately 500,000 located in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the nation's leading agricultural region. It is a diverse city with an economic mix of agriculture, manufacturing, retail and service industries. Fresno's population includes many racial and ethnic groups. St. Mary's Parish has a membership of about 124 families and is known locally for its caring, enthusiastic people.
HISTORY
St. Mary's was founded in 1958 as Grace Mission. The Rev. Wayne Parker was the first Vicar. In 1959 it was admitted as a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin under the name of St. Mary's
In 1960 six acres of land were purchased at our present location, the corner of Kings Canyon Road and Burgan Avenue (just east of Fowler Avenue) in what is known as the Sunnyside. The current Church building, an all-purpose classroom type, was constructed and dedicated in June of 1963.
The Rev. Richard Henry was appointed the second vicar of St. Mary's in 1965. The Church reached 'self support stage' and was admitted as a parish of the Diocese of San Joaquin the following year. Fr. Henry was appointed first Rector in 1977.
The building and land became free of debt in 1984. Renovation to church and property was completed in 1990 with Bishop John-David Schofield consecrating the renovated sanctuary in 1991.
The Rt. Rev. Victor M. Rivera, DD, retired Bishop of San Joaquin, became Priest in Charge after Fr. Henry retired in 1993. Under the guidance of Bishop Rivera, attendance increased, the grounds were landscaped, a sprinkler system was installed, a new parking area added, and regular Bible study classes commenced.
The Rev. Michael McClenaghan was called as the Rector of St. Mary's in 1996. Attendance doubled from 62 per Sunday in 1995 to 124 in 2000, while the feeling of family remained. Two modular buildings were added to house Sunday School Classes, a Nursery, and Administrative Offices. Renovations included a refurbished Hospitality Rom with covered patio, a fenced children's play area, additional seating in the sanctuary and the installation of a sound system.
In 2001 Fr. McClenaghan was called to a parish in Texas while St. Mary's called a new Rector from Texas, the Rev. Michael Fry. In the past three years we have continued to grow and expand our ministries, especially for our children and young adults. We are a young and active congregation with fully 25% of our members under the age of sixteen.