On Wednesday, April 6, the Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia officiated at the ceremonial groundbreaking for Grace Church’s new vicarage. Approximately 40 people from the church and the community participated in the ceremony.

Grace Church is in the process of seeking a new part-time vicar. The vicarage enables the church to offer housing for the vicar and broadens the range of ministries the church can offer the community. Last year the local architectural team of Wardell Architects was hired to develop a design for the project. A Capital Campaign Committee was formed with Fons Wynen, a member of the congregation, as its chair. A fundraising goal of $600,000 was set and just over two-thirds of the funds have already been raised. Many people outside the Grace congregation have donated to the project, recognizing the value of Grace’s presence in the community.

Wednesday’s ceremony took place on the site of the future vicarage, with Bishop Rickel blessing the ground and asking those present to share their vision of what will happen in the new home.

The ceremony was followed by a supper of soup and bread shared by the greater Lopez community. A sung service of Evensong led by the bishop closed the celebration.

Further information about the vicarage and how to support the building fund can be found by contacting Grace Church at 360-468-3477 or online at gracechurchlopez@gmail.com.