Our History

A History of Sierra Anglican Church

July 2006: After months of independent discussions concerning the regression of the Episcopal Church USA, the theological deterioration of local parishes and reviewing information on the Internet, Larry Morris and Alfredo Amezaga were brought together by David Virtue with whom they were both maintaining dialogue through his worldwide information Website (http://www.VirtueOnline.org). Subsequent regular meetings and discussions by these two Reno residents with each other produced the decision to plant an Anglican church in the community, preferably in the South Reno (high growth) area. Discussions were held regarding potential affiliation partners, website development, possible worship locations, advertising methods, etc. This dialogue continued on a regular basis and in early 2008, they actively pursued the move to plant an Anglican church in Reno, Nevada.

In May 2008, Larry and his wife Joanna traveled to Tempe, Arizona to meet with the regional head of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) Lord of the Nations Network, The Rev. Canon Keith Andrews.

The Rev. Canon Keith Andrews

Their goal was to learn as much as possible about AMiA, its organization, mission and requirements for affiliation. During the same period, Alfredo attended sessions of Western Anglicans in Southern California to learn more about that organization. He had discussions with The Rev. Bill Thompson of Long Beach who was the leader of this group of Anglicans in the western United States.

In mid-summer 2008, the name “Sierra Anglican Church” was chosen for the new church plant and was created to reflect the western Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Anglican heritage. A logo was then created which reflected the mountains, sunshine and the biblical symbol of the cross. In September, the Website (http://Sierra-Anglican.org) was completed and two advertisements were placed in the Reno Gazette-Journal announcing that a new Anglican Church was “Now Forming” and inviting interested persons to check out the Website and sign up for additional information.

September 2008 “Now Forming” advertisement

Potential meeting places were then investigated and the first meeting of interested persons was held in November of 2008 in South Reno at the Mountain View Montessori School at765 Zolezzi Lane. Over twenty people were in attendance including the AMIA Network leader, The Rev. Canon Keith Andrews, and two other clergy. The group of both clergy and lay people was enthusiastic and wanted to move forward. It was then decided to hold services every other Saturday afternoon at the school beginning in December.
  

Mountain View Montessori School

Although being assisted by AMiA, the group was also informally affiliated with Western Anglicans and the newly forming Anglican Church of North America (ACNA). An interest also was developed at the same time with the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) and a tremendous amount of start-up support was provided by The Rev. Brian Foos, a member of REC, Headmaster of St. Andrews Academy in Lake Almanor, California (http://standrewsacademy.org), and also rector of Christ the Redeemer Church and St. Thomas Becket Church in the Lake Almanor area. Father Foos conducted the service at Sierra Anglican Church on December 6, 2008 and again celebrated at the Christmas service on December 23, 2008 with over 50 people in attendance.

During this same time period in November and December of 2008, the founders filed for incorporation documents to become a Nevada 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation as well as filing for official affiliation with AMiA. AMIA offered assistance with supply clergy and The Rev. James Obermeyer from Phoenix came to conduct a Eucharistic service for us on January 18, 2009.

The Rev. James Obermeyer and wife Betty

Also in January 2009, the church moved to Sunday services bi-weekly at the school and the initial service on January 4th was attended by The Rev Ronald D. Longero and his wife Mimi. Father Longero is a native of Carson City, Nevada and received his Masters of Divinity degree from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin in 1990. He has served congregations in San Antonio, Alice and Midland, Texas and most recently was the Chaplain at St. John's Military School in Salina, Kansas. Father Longero also served in the United States Marine Corps. He now resides in Carson City with his wife and daughter.

The Rev Ronald D. Longero

As a result of his first visitation and subsequent discussions with the founders, Father Longero offered to assist us as our rector and his offer was gratefully accepted. Father Longero conducted his first service on February 15, 2009. On February 25 the first Ash Wednesday service was held at the school.

The Reno Gazette Journal published the church service schedule on March 15, 2009.

March 15, 2009 service schedule announcement

As a result of a press release developed to announce Father Longero’s position as rector of Sierra Anglican Church, articles appeared in the March 21, 2009 issue of the Nevada Appeal in Carson City. 

Nevada Appeal article March 21, 2009

On March 22, 2009 the Reno Gazette Journal published a substantial article after receiving the press release information as well as interviewing Father Longero and sending a photographer to attend a Sunday service. A related interview was also conducted with The Rt. Rev. Dan Edwards, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.

Reno Gazette-Journal article March 22, 2009
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March 22, 2009 Reno Gazette-Journal article (continued)

During Easter Week in April 2009 the first Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services were held, and beginning on Easter Sunday 2009 services have been held every Sunday morning at the Mountain View Montessori School, originally at 10:30 AM and later changed to 10:00AM. 

Easter 2009 Altar

In early May we were the recipient of a beautiful processional cross donated in memory of The Rev. Eugene A. Combs by his wife, Diane. On Saturday, May 30, 2009, a pot luck dinner and business meeting was held for all church participants. Business issues were discussed as were future plans and goals. On September 20, 2009 an article appeared in the Reno Gazette-Journal announcing the ceremony held in August by the Bishop’s Canon, the Rev. Keith Andrews to officially install Father Longero as a priest in the Anglican community.

September 20, 2009 Reno Gazette-Journal Article

In the summer of 2009, Father Longero and his brother-in-law Chuck Tremain constructed a beautiful oak altar which is also used as storage for altar linens and supplies.

Oak Altar

In addition, a mobile storage cabinet was constructed by another parishioner, Dick Caudill. Several other parish members have contributed their time, talents, and money to enhance our worship by making altar linens and vestments, purchasing banners, linens, a processional cross, altar supplies, etc.

Sierra Anglican Church altar configurations

Forty-five people gathered at Austin’s Restaurant in Reno on November 14, 2009 to celebrate the one year anniversary of Sierra Anglican Church. Food, fellowship and a brief talk by Father Longero highlighted the event.

1st Anniversary Cake

December 27, 2009 was the celebration of Christmas with several in attendance at this special service.

Christmas 2009 Bulletin Cover

In early 2010, Sunday school classes began for elementary aged children.

On February 21 and 22, 2010 The Rev. Canon Keith Andrews visited Reno again on behalf of the Lord of Nations Network of AMiA, and held business related discussions with the leaders of the church. The following week, on Saturday, February 28, a formal parish business meeting was held at the school facility and a Leadership Team was established. In addition to Father Longero and his wife Mimi, the team included Larry and Joanna Morris, Jim and Kathi Brandmueller, Dick and Susie Caudill and Pat and Kathy Garman. As required by Nevada statutes, corporate officers were also elected with Father Longero being elected President, Larry Morris Vice President and Treasurer, and Kathy Garman, Secretary. In addition, Jim Brandmueller and Susie Caudill were elected Directors.

On April 3 and April 17, 2010, advertisements were placed in the Reno Gazette-Journal announcing the visitation of The Rt. Rev. L. Keith Ackerman, Retired Bishop of Quincy (Illinois) at the service scheduled for Sunday, April 18. Following that service, an informal luncheon and discussion period with the Bishop was held.

April 3, 2010 RGJ Advertisement

April 17, 2010 RGJ Advertisement

The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman

On July 11, 2010 the congregation celebrated the 20th anniversary of Father Longero’s ordination to the priesthood with a barbeque and pool party at the home of Dick and Susie Caudill.

Father Ron’s 20 Year ordination celebration party