The Society of St. Paul, a Religious order of the Episcopal Church
Fellowship of St. Paul rule for Associates
Archive of St. Paul Printer magazines 2000-2008
COAROA (religious orders of the Anglican Church in N. America)
On June 28th, 2008, members of the Society of St. Paul celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Order at a special Choral Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral. A long time friend of the community the Very Rev. James Carroll, Dean Emeritus officiated and the Order’s Episcopal Visitor, the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes was preacher. The brothers, as they are known have been a part of the Cathedral’s life since 2001. Both the Rector and Associate Rector of the Society of St. Paul, Barnabas Hunt and Andrew Rank became Honorary Canons here on Cathedral Day in 2000. They are presently resident Canons at the Cathedral.
The Rt. Rev. James Mathes preaching on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of The Society of St. Paul
In keeping with many of the changes in the church and religious life in the 21st Century, the order adopted a new vision. “Reading the signs of profound change in the world and in the Church, we sense a new role for us as pilgrims and prophets that requires a humble way of simplifying corporate life, and that frees us to explore the emerging spirituality and ministry in the 21st Century.”
The Society of St. Paul began July 1, 1958 in Gresham, Oregon when the Rev. Rene Bozarth founded the order. It was the first men's monastic order to gain recognition under the national canons of the Episcopal Church in 1959. Members of the Society dedicate themselves to a life of prayer and ministries of mercy, charity and evangelism. From 1958 to 1985 the order operated as many as three nursing homes in the area between Portland, Oregon and Mt. Hood (The nearest to Mt. Hood is shown in the picture.) The brothers also directed a parochial school there until 1964. In 1959, The Society of St. Paul began "St. Paul's Press," a printing company in Oregon which existed until 1995. Until 2008 The Society of St. Paul published St. Paul’s Printer a quarterly magazine. The Order briefly had a branch house in Namibia (Africa) and for many years raised money and supplies for the Church's ministry in the Middle East, Africa and the Philippines. More recently support is directed to local ministries and the St. John’sEyeHospital in Jerusalem.
In 1977 The Society of St. Paul moved its novitiate to Palm Desert, California. Until 1996 the brothers provided retreat and conference hospitality at the monastery. Several also worked at the BettyFordCenter in Rancho Mirage, Ca. Today, Andrew & Barnabas serve as elected diocesan representatives on the Cathedral Chapter as well as board members of St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services. They are also on the Cathedral’s Dorcas House Committee. Dorcas House is a foster home in Tijuana, Mexico, for up to fifty children whose parents are in prison. The Society of St. Paul has been a member of the Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas since 1970.
When the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Catherine Jeffert Schori made her visitation to the Diocese of San Diego, the brothers had an opportunity to meet briefly with her sharing some of their common roots in Oregon. The community offers a rule of life for Associates and Companions.
The Rev. Canon Barnabas Hunt, Rector
The Society of St. Paul
anbssp@earthlink.net
The Rev. Canon Andrew Rank, Guardian
The Fellowship of St. Paul
anbssp@earthlink.net
