Back in 1892, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church parishioners, confident the time was right to build a permanent church home, collected $650 at the Easter service for the construction of what is now the 79 Denton Road church. Two years later on November 30, 1894 the first service was held in the newly completed sanctuary. The congregation had come a long way from its early years when it met in various locations, first in the upper story of a wheelwright shop that stood opposite Wellesley Town Hall and then in the Town Hall itself.

St. Andrew's Church, Wellesley, Rev. Adrian Robbins-Cole — St. Andrew’s Church Rev. Adrian Robbins-Cole raises a glass at the 125th anniversary celebration at the Wellesley Country Club. Photo credit: John Mottern

“All this is a legacy given to us by previous generations of parishioners, to build up the spiritual life of the community and fill it more with the spirit of Christ,” noted current St. Andrew’s Rev. Andrian Robbins-Cole.

Amen to that, said today’s parishioners of the 300-family church, now let’s party. To commemorate the 125-year anniversary of the bricks-and-mortar location, party they did at a gala at the Wellesley Country Club earlier this month.

St. Andrew's Church, Wellesley, Parishioners — St. Andrew’s parishioners celebrate the generations of members who have maintained, improved, and added to the church building to make it a central spot for worship and the church’s outreach programs. Photo credit: John Mottern

Parishioner Lynda Sperry said, “The Gala was pure celebration of our 125 years. We just wanted to have a good time and enjoy. We’re not done celebrating. On November 24th there will be a big church service for the 125th.”

They’re not tired yet

The 125th celebration follows on the heels of a $2 million capital campaign, which got started early last year and wrapped up in May. Sperry, co-chair of the campaign, said, “The capital campaign was three-fold. To create a property refurbishment fund, to increase our endowment, and to share 10% of the $2 million we raised with our three main outreach partners — El Hogar in Honduras, St. Stephen’s Church in Boston, and Family Promise Metrowest.”

El Hogar’s mission is to transform the lives of children who are crippled by extreme poverty by providing a home and education to children who would otherwise have little hope of a future; St. Stephen’s has long been in partnership with St. Andrew’s; and Family Promise Metrowest works with families with children who are homeless by mobilizing a diverse community to provide shelter, education and comprehensive support.

When I’m 125, I hope someone gives me a facelift

$1.3 million of the funds raised during the capital campaign will go toward property improvements, which will be done over three consecutive summers. Just to paint the interior of the church is no small task. To do so, first the magnificent Juget-Sinclair organ must be wrapped, and all the stained glass must be protected. Also on the punch list for an upgrade: the lighting, restoration of the pews; sanding the hardwood floors; some landscaping; and other projects.

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