St Augustine’s Episcopal Church

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, located in North Oakland, on Telegraph Ave at 29^th St., is housed in a beautiful building of wood construction built in 1920, painted red, with a tall steeple. The mixed congregation — reflecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of Oakland, but predominantly African American – is truly a warm community, where you will very quickly feel most at home and surrounded by family. The rector, Father Monrelle Williams, leads inspiring worship in the Anglican/​Episcopal liturgical tradition, shares God’s Word, and delivers well crafted sermons. In short, great people, a superb rector, a beautiful church, the feeling of being part of a big family, and spiritual nourishment – all can be found here at St. Augustine’s.

When my then fianc and I first came to St. Aug we had actually just left another church very disappointed. We happen to drive over a hill and see a cute little red church with a steeple, just what my architectural desires wanted!
We attended service the following week and were warmly welcomed into the family. Not your typical Episcopal church, yes they sing many of the same hymns, yes the order of service is also typical, but when the Sunday School Students paraded in to their own song and educated the us on what they had learned we knew we were in a different kind Episcopal church. All of the same values and more… We have since been married and are very active; It is awesome to be able to serve and worship in God’s little red house!

this is my home church. the congregation is my extended family. the building is beautiful, historic, and a rare gem. the members are warm and welcoming. it isn’t a typical, stuffy anglican/​episcopal service… it’s a little more casual. for parents, they can attend service while their children attend sunday school (at the 10:30 am sunday service). also, you don’t have to worry about keeping the baby quiet… no one will give you sour looks. :-)