The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue May 2007

Good Shepherd Raising Funds to Double Its Downtown Space

By Janae Francis, Standard-Examiner Staff

OGDEN—The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd has announced plans to expand its historic building as part of the downtown Ogden redevelopment program.

A capital campaign to help fund the project was unveiled March 28, with specific details about fundraising plans.

The campaign will ask for community support in raising 10 percent of the $2.7 million price tag for the project. The church already has more than $1.2 million in contributions and pledges from the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, parishioners of Good Shepherd and a number of anonymous donors.

The expansion is designed to add a second chapel to the east of the building and a total of 14,000 square feet to the church, more than doubling its size.

"It's nice to be part of the renovation that's going on in downtown Ogden," said Madeline McDonald, a parishioner at the church. "Now we'll be able to stand out and make a presence."

Located at 2374 Grant Ave., until recently the church was boxed in by tall parking structures that served the former Ogden City Mall.

Officials hope to make the facility more visible as well as a more integral part of the community it serves.

"The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd has been serving the Ogden community since 1874," said the Rev. Adam Linton. "It is one of the oldest continually used churches in the state of Utah and the oldest continually used building in Ogden. We are very proud of our heritage and look forward to continuing to serve Ogden for another 133 years."

McDonald said it was difficult in the past to explain to people exactly where her church was located. "People would say 'Oh, that little church.' "

Lewis Gale, chairman of the church's capital campaign committee, said he's found that many members of the community look upon the church with good feelings and seem willing to help it move forward.

"It's an exciting time to be in Ogden, I can tell you that," Gale said.

Officials plan to break ground for the new construction in two years and hope to have the addition complete in four years.

Planning for the expansion began shortly after the demolition of the Ogden City Mall. At that time, Good Shepherd members began negotiations with the city to purchase a parcel of land directly east of the church.

This agreement was signed several weeks ago, Gale said.

Church members said that city officials were supportive of the idea and have recognized not only the historical significance of Good Shepherd, but also the community services offered by the church and its parishioners.

Outreach is one of the most valued aspects of Good Shepherd's parish life, said church officials.

Youth Impact is an outreach program for youth of diverse religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Several church members are actively involved in the leadership of the organization.

The program is open to all youth of the Ogden area, with a focus on the innercity.

Good Shepherd also supports St. Anne's Center, a homeless shelter in Ogden, with an annual financial contribution. Good Shepherd was one of the center's founding churches.

"We hope with this expansion and update, this jewel will have an even greater positive impact on the community and our parishioners," Linton said.

"We are hoping the citizens of Ogden will see the worthwhile nature of this 'spiritual jewel' in downtown Ogden," said Gale, "and assist us with meeting our goal."

Reprinted with permission for the Ogden Standard Examiner

Return to current issue Table of Contents
Return to Dialogue main page »