Church of the Epiphany Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Feast of the Epiphany represents several milestones in the history of the Diocese of San Joaquin. The Diocese of San Joaquin was established on the Feast of Epiphany – hence the Star as the title and symbol of the diocesan publication. Bishop Sumner Walters was consecrated in 1944 as Bishop of San Joaquin on Epiphany and Bishop Walters celebrated the first Eucharist at Church of the Epiphany in Corcoran on January 6, 1957.
Starting with the first services held at Bledsoe Mortuary Chapel on Waukena Road. Services were held every other Sunday for a year. The mortuary relocated into town, and the services moved with it, although talk of a separate building was well in advanced. The building that now is Church of the Epiphany was begun in July 1958, completed and dedicated in November 15, 1958. Pews were loaned to Epiphany by the Bledsoe Morturary Chapel. For four months these pews were moved over every Saturday night and returned on Sunday, until the present pews were put in.
The Rev. Mr. Edward Shankland, a perpetual Deacon, was sent to serve the mission until June, 1959 when the Rev. Ronald Swanson became Epiphany's first full-time Vicar. During his time the Birthday Thank Offering gave $5,000 toward a classroom wing,named in honor of Bishop Sumner Walters and which now has been dedicated to one of the founders Dorothy McDonald, The Dorothy McDonald Sunday School. Mrs. McDonald is still very active in the Church today 2012.
In 1967, the Estate of Guy and Rose Bliss designated a sizeable sum to the Church of the Epiphany. This was enough to pay off all debts on the building, and the church was formally consecrated by Bishop Walters on the Feast of the Epiphany, 1968. The rest of the Bliss Estate made possible the creation of Bliss Grove on 40 acres at Oakhurst.
Since this time, the Mission has known its triumphs - one of the star Sunday School programs in the Diocese, and about the highest per capita pledging, even though most of the congregation are employed in service-related jobs, or teaching. The Mission has also known its down times as leaders moved from the community, and long periods went by without a resident Vicar.
On Sunday, January 7th 2007, Church of the Epiphany celebrated its 50th Anniversary with Holy Eucharist and confirmations, followed by lunch and fellowship. Bishop John-David Schofield was the celebrant and preacher.
Stain glass windows have been added in memory of each Bob & Marion House, who were also founding members of Epiphany. Another window was made by the Sunday school and another in memory of our long time organist and beloved member Mim Barlett. Our front window is still a work in progress. This window is our Memorial Window, it is in memory of all our loved ones who have passed. A separate fund has been created for donations for just this memorial.
Corcoran is located in Kings County about 18 miles south of Hanford on highway 43 and 13 miles west of Highway 99. It is a farming community with a small amount of industry on the east edge of town along the Santa Fe Railroad line. A geological feature of importance to the whole Central Valley is the "Corcoran Lake claybed," several hundred feet below the surface, which seals the water table below from the chemical polllution above. In ancient times, "Corcoran Lake" covered the floor of the Valley. Church of the Epiphany is at 1001 Dairy Ave. on the corner of Hannah and Dairy, across from the YMCA.
