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. Father Paul Edwards, appointed vicar in 1963 to plant another Episcopal church in Fullerton during the population explosion of 1950s, served as the first rector of Emmanuel for 32 years. 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. He was joined in ministry in 1983 with 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 while the people of Emmanuel navigated the complexities of calling a new rector.

The Reverend Holly Cardone joined the community of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 2019 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.

The Reverend Bill Garrison joined Emmanuel as interim priest in 2023 after 10 years service as the rector of St Matthias in Whittier.

With God in charge, the Holy Spirit at work, and the example of the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as the road map for living out the gospel in the world, Emmanuel remains the inclusive, loving, and inspiring presence it has always been in Fullerton.

We welcome you and want you to know that God loves you - no exceptions!