From the first eucharist celebrated at the North Orange County YMCA in 1963 to the bold hexagonal sanctuary built in 1970 on 3 acres of land purchased by the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Emmanuel Episcopal Church has been an innovative, creative, and loving church community.

In 1963, during the population explosion of the 1950s, Father Paul Edwards was appointed vicar to plant another Episcopal church in Fullerton. He served for 32 years as the first rector of Emmanuel. He was a leader in the Episcopal charismatic movement of the 1970s after a sudden and profound spiritual experience that opened the gifts of the Holy Spirit up to him. In 1983 he was joined in ministry by Father Rob Bethancourt, a young priest, musician, husband and father.

Together, the “Grace Brothers” led the community of Emmanuel in service, community outreach, and vibrant and spirit-filled worship through all of the ups and downs of church life. When Father Paul retired in 1995, Mother Lyn Crow joined Father Rob as associate. She served with him until his retirement in 2017, after 34 years of service.

Mother Lyn, with her gifts of music, prayer, contemplation and compassion, served both as associate to Father Rob and as interim rector while the people of Emmanuel navigated the complexities of calling a new rector.

In 2019 the Reverend Holly Cardone joined Emmanuel Episcopal Church as Emmanuel’s 3rd rector. She encouraged the use of the Emmanuel Community Garden for growing vegetables for local food banks. She navigated the congregation through the challenges of the COVID epidemic, introducing streaming worship through Facebook and Zoom as well as daily prayer and bible studies through Zoom. Later on she introduced the “Parking Lot Pulpit” where services were held in the church’s parking lot with congregants sitting on folding chairs by their cars.

In 2023 the Reverend Bill Garrison joined Emmanuel as Interim Rector. He previously served 10 years as the Rector of St Matthias in Whittier and 6.5 months as Priest in Charge at All Souls’ in San Diego.

We welcome you and want you to know that God loves you.

No exceptions!