CHURCH WILL GREET HISTORY WHEN CAPSULE IS OPENED UP.

Byline: Holly J. Andres Daily News Staff Writer

A mystery will be solved Sunday at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church as a time capsule hidden away in a cornerstone is pulled out for examination.

As part of the ceremonies marking the Canoga Park church's 50th anniversary, the congregation will have the opportunity to see what the founding members tucked away in 1949.

``We don't know what's inside,'' said Florence Krejci, who led preparations for the yearlong golden anniversary celebration. ``There are two things that we've never been able to locate: the founders' book and the first register. I'm hoping that they're in there. But beyond those, we have no idea what was put in the time capsule.''

St. Martin-in-the-Fields, named after an Episcopal parish church in London, met for the first time March 13, 1949. The founding rector, the Rev. James A. Murphy, conducted the first service at what was then called the West Valley Mission at the Praiswater Funeral Home in Canoga Park.

The newborn church also met at other Valley locations, including the chapel at Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth and a Canoga Park women's club building that was located on Winnetka Avenue. Two lots were purchased on Winnetka Avenue adjacent to Sherman Way in late 1949, and a chapel was moved onto the property.

The congregation was officially recognized as St. Martin-in-the-Fields in 1950. It became a full-fledged parish in 1957.

Although exposing 50-year-old mementos will lend novelty to the day, what's not a mystery is the excitement surrounding the visit of the Rt. Rev. Chester L. Talton, the suffragan, or assistant bishop, of the Los Angeles diocese, at the 10 a.m. Sunday service.

``There are at least 147 Episcopal churches in the L.A. diocese,'' said the Rev. Ronald Culmer, rector of St. Martin church since 1997. ``The bishops aren't able to visit all these churches regularly because of the size of the diocese, so it's exciting for us to have him participate in our celebration.''

Besides the honor of Talton's visit, the church is hoping that former members will make a return visit to reunite and worship with old friends.

Esther Nelson jokingly recalled that when her family joined in 1961, ``the church was definitely `in the fields.' '' The distance to her home at that time plus the reputation of the day school were two of the attractions for her family.

``This church has always been a family oriented church. However, when the boom of aerospace jobs left the Valley, that hurt church membership. But we look forward to growing again in membership. Rev. Ron is a big attraction. He's young, very progressive - and the kids in the school and the church love him. He's also a wonderful singer,'' said Nelson, who is the senior warden of the vestry.

Along with the reminiscing about times past by old friends reunited, one of the highlights of the service will come when Talton will present a parishioner with a handmade silver cross in the shape of a lily, one of the symbols of the parish's patron saint, Martin of Tours.

Culmer said that this first St. Martin's cross would be given to a long-time member who has served the church in many ways and is a model of Christian faith. As a reminder of this presentation, the church also will display a plaque with the recipient's name.

After the service, the congregation will move to the front of the church, where the time capsule contents will be revealed. A brunch will follow in the church's social hall.

There's no secret with regard to the spirit within St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church.

``We are a joyous church. We are a hallelujah church. People who come for the first time say that they can tell that the spirit of God is here,'' Culmer said.

CAPTION(S):

photo

PHOTO The Rev. Ronald Culmer, left, Florence Krejci and Esther Nelson look forward to celebrating St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church's 50th anniversary during services Sunday.

Tom Mendoza/Daily News