About Us

About Saint Simon of Cyrene:
According to the Gospel of Mark (15:21-22), Matthew (27:32), and Luke (23:26) Simon of Cyrene was compelled by the Romans to carry the cross of Jesus as Jesus was taken to his crucifixion:

"And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross." (Matthew 27:32)

"And they compelled one Simon, a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross." (Mark 15:21)

(In John Jesus carries the cross himself.)

Because his home town of Cyrene in Libya was located in northern Africa, Simon is assumed to be the first African follower of Jesus. Tradition states his sons Rufus and Alexander became missionaries. The inclusion of their names in Mark certainly suggests that they were of some standing in an early Christian community.

About Saint Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church:
St. Simon’s Mission was initiated in 1930, during the great depression. The Episcopal Order of The Transfiguration of Glendale, Ohio, under the leadership of Mother Beatrice, the Superior, responded to the obvious spiritual, economic and social needs that were present in Woodlawn Terrace, currently known as Lincoln Heights.

A small two-story house was purchased on the corner of Independence (Matthews Dr.) and Douglas Streets. This is the site where the current Rectory is located. This house and location served as a center of Mission Out-reach work in the community.

The first religious service was held on Feb 9, 1931. The Rev. Gerald Lewis, Chaplain for The Transfiguration, was the celebrant and Canon Gilbert Symons preached the sermon. The topic of the sermon was “Being St. Simon of Cyrene.” During this service announcements were made about starting a variety of programs and activities.

The Sisters of The Transfiguration provided leadership in Sunday school, sewing, arts and crafts, etc.

Father Arthur Wilson was installed as a full time Priest In charge in 1931. Father Wilson initiated a full program of church services. These included Daily Mass, Confessions, Evensong, Confirmation classes, etc.

The mission grew rapidly and soon created a need for a larger building to hold services. Mrs. Mortimer Matthews of Glendale, Ohio donated the money to build a new church. It was dedicated on February 9,1932.Father Charles England, The first black Priest to serve the Mission, came in January 1933.

The Mission and subsequent Parish have been served by fourteen (14) full time Priests to date.

To whom we are affiliated:
Saint Simon of Cyrene is an Episcopal Church located within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. The Diocese of Southern Ohio is part of the Episcopal Church USA, which in turn is part of the Anglican Communion. We invite you to follow any of the links below to learn more about the wider church of which St. Simon's is a part.

Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio
Episcopal Church USA
Anglican Communion
Union of Black Episcopalians
Black Priests of the Episcopal Church
Office of Black Ministries
Diocese of Barbados
Washington National Cathedral
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Bridgeport CT
God's Yellow Pages
Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
Lincoln Heights Baptist Church (Voices of the Valley)