St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Celebrates 50 Years in Borrego Springs

April 25, 2025

Author

Fr. Michael Plekon, Retired – St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

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Saturday, February 22, 2025, the people of St. Barnabas celebrated 50 years of their presence in Borrego.
Over 75 friends and members gathered at the church parish hall and patio for the party. Andy Macuga of Carlee's supplied the food, Steve Hunter, hours of wonderful jazz and popular songs on the keyboard. The Venerable Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, the Rev. Cindy Campos represented diocesan Bishop Susan Brown Snook, bringing greetings from her and the executive council and standing committee.
The Rector, the Rev. Dr. David Madsen, introduced guests and blessed the celebration and meal. Four BS High School students helped with food service as part of their service requirements. The church was open for prayer and visiting. Jan Naragon, Jeanne Plekon and Jane Lilley provided decorations for the anniversary and a box for messages to people at St. Barnabas 50 years from now. 
In 1966, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles established a Preaching Station in Borrego Springs called St. Barnabas. It was reestablished by the San Diego Diocese in 1974 when retired "desert priest, the Rev. Robert E. Lenhard, took up residence in Borrego Springs. By 1975 services were held in private homes of the small congregation. On June 11, St. Barnabas day, the first Eucharist was celebrated at the Community Methodist Church.
In 1976 St. Barnabas became a Mission in the Diocese of San Diego and St. Richard’s Catholic Church invited the congregation to have Sunday services in their church. In the following years by-laws were adopted, outreach programs were started and plans began for a church on property donated by the Methodist Church and DiGiorgio-Burnand-Kuhrts holdings. 1984 saw a groundbreaking ceremony. The Vestry and an architect in the congregation began drawing up plans, with construction started and completed in June 1986. The church office was added at a later date. The first service held in the new church was in September 1986 and the consecration on January 4, 1987.
The first full-time rector was the Rev. Alex Nagy who began in 2001. The Rev. Laura Brecht followed as rector from 2010-2021, with the Rev. David Madsen following in 2022. Retired priests Frs George Keith and Michael Plekon have assisted in the last decade. St. Barnabas members are leaders and important figures in many local organizations, from Rotary and the Water Board to the Film Festival, Art Guild, Community Resource Center and the Borrego Ministers Association, among other groups. St. B's often is the site of community Christmas Cantatas, blessings of animals, Thanksgiving Eve services. 
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