Architectural Design Our buildings are colonial/neo-Georgian in architecture, honoring the request of the Norris family who donated the land. They requested that the construction be compatible with what was then Delnor Hospital across the street. There are many Episcopal churches in the East, particularly in the former southern colonies, that were built in this style. |  |
 | As you enter the sanctuary, you pass through the small narthex, or
foyer. Copies of Sunday service leaflets and the lessons for the day are
available. There are also newcomer materials in the rack on the wall, and
activity bags for children who may not wish to be in the Nursery. Ushersgreet worshipers as they arrive and there is a guest book which visitors
are invited to sign. In the holder of each pew are cards which can be placed
in the alms basin or given to an usher. |
| The church has a very fine Howell pipe organ dedicated on Christmas 1984. The organist and choiroccupy the area to the right of the entrance, where they can be a full part of the congregation and support its singing. |  |
 | To the left of the door
is the baptismal font.On
the right side of the altar is a lectern which we use during the Liturgy of the Word portion of the Eucharist. On it rests a large Bible. The lectern and Bible
symbolize the importance of the Word of God in our worship. The altar is the focus for the Liturgy of the Table portion of the Eucharist. Behind it are various seasonal decorations and hangings. These, and the vestments, reflect the differing colors of the seasons of the Christian Year: blue in Advent, white or gold in Christmas and Easter, violet or an unbleached "Lenten array" during Lent and Holy Week, red at Pentecost, and green during the seasons after Epiphany and Pentecost. |
| Styles of Worship You will find a variety of styles of piety among our parishioners and you are encouraged to follow whatever is most helpful to you. Some people cross themselves and genuflect (bend the right knee); some bow; some stand to receive Communion and some kneel. This may be confusing for newcomers, but no one is looking at you here to see if you "do it right," so just relax! |
| The Sacristy & Aumbry The door to the north of the sanctuary, where the altar is, leads to the sacristy, where the ministers of the liturgy vest and vessels and vestments are kept. On the back wall of the sanctuary, to one side, is the aumbry, where the Sacrament is reserved for the sick and other occasions. A hanging lamp keeps vigil by the aumbry, to remind us of Christ's Sacramental Presence. |  |
| Ludtke Hall The side door on the south of the sanctuary leads into Ludtke Hall, named in honor of our first Rector. The two rooms in Ludtke Hall are heavily used on Sundays and throughout the week for hospitality, education and community groups. On the north wall is the Welcome Table with information and sign-up sheets for various activities and programs, along with our Intercession Board, where parishioners can ask for prayers for any person or cause and list thanksgivings as well. To the east is our excellently equipped, although crowded, kitchen. |
| Offices Opening off the south room of Ludtke Hall is the parish office. Leading off of the south room to the west is a corridor that passes the library and goes to the offices of the Director of Youth & Children's Formation, the Director of Music, and the Rector. By the library door are mailboxes for Vestry members, staff and various parish organizations. It's the best way to get messages to people and the staff. Stairs to the lower level are located at the east and west ends of the south building. There are restrooms at the west end of the lower level and off the corridor from the parking lot. |  |
 | The Lower Level On the lower level are the atriums, the rooms used by the Little Community, our church school, as well as our youth rooms. Take a look in them some time when Little Community is in session. You will discover what a rich, inviting, loving and beautiful environment they provide for our children. |
| Columbarium and Memorial Garden The buildings form a courtyard to the west, which includes our Columbarium and Memorial Garden completed in June 1986. The three walls - Center, South and North - provide space for 103 niches, to be used for the interment of human ash remains. As of December 2004, we still have 32 spaces available. The ashes interred are deposited in a container with a cast bronze cover on which is inscribed the name of the decedent, the dates of his or her birth and death. Any present or former member of the parish or immediate family member is entitled to be buried in the columbarium. Other burials are subject to Vestry approval. Spaces may be reserved for $100. Columbarium costs are presently $550 per burial. No person will be denied committal because of financial need. If you are interested in a columbarium, inquire in the parish office. |  |
 | The Labyrinth Since Pentecost, 1995, people have been coming to the Labyrinth of St. Charles for walking and meditation. Located east of the parking lot behind Ludtke Hall, you will find our Labyrinth in the shade of wonderful old maple tree, with box containing a guide pamphlet and a bench for those who prefer their meditation in a more sedentary form. The Labyrinth is a medieval tool for centering and meditation, and ours is a 13 circuit Labyrinth similar to the one in Chartres Cathedral, France, and Grace (Episcopal) Cathedral, San Francisco. |
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We are located at 994 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174-1227. Driving directions are available at Yahoo!Maps. There are two parking lots behind the buildings, accessible from Allen Lane. Additional parking is available on the street (south side of Allen Lane only), in the circle in front of the building (the elderly and handicapped, please), and in the parking lots of the doctors' offices to the south. |