St. David’s Church was established as one of the earliest Eucharistic-centered parishes in the nation. A commitment was made to for the celebration of the Eucharist to be the focus of the worship service.

Bishop Goodrich Fenner began planning for the new parish in southwest Topeka during the summer of 1951. The city had experienced suburban growth in the area following World War II. Individuals attended an organizational meeting on February 24, 1952, despite a winter storm, and voted unanimously to establish the mission. The name St. David’s was chosen since the first service was held the day after the Feast of St. David. That service, on March 2, 1952, was held in the vacated Seabrook Elementary School at the corner of 19^th and Mission Street. Rev. Carlton Clark, the Bishop’s Chaplain, officiated in the school’s second floor where the larger classroom chairs were located. A small coatroom served as the sacristy.

Father Harry Heeney arrived in April 1952 to serve as the first rector. A farmhouse and acreage was purchased at 17^th and Gage Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony was held July 27, 1952. While the parish hall was under construction, communicants met across the street at Faith Lutheran Church. On December 21, 1952, St. David’s held its first worship service in the new building. Bishop Fenner conducted a dedication ceremony on Epiphany, January 6, 1953. And on April 25, 1955, due to financial independence and growth, St. David’s became a parish.

Continued growth made construction once again necessary. Groundbreaking was held in March 1961 for a new house of worship, featuring a massive freestanding altar that allowed the priest to face the people during the Eucharist. On the wall behind the altar would hang a 300-pound Christus Rex, of bronze and mosaic, created by Kansas artist Lester of Lindsborg. Included in the structure were a pair of stones from the medieval-era cathedrals of St. David’s Cathedral in Wales and St. Paul’s in London.

New stained glass windows were installed in November 1977, during a celebration of the restoration of buildings and furnishings. The windows to the right of the alter represent the law and the Prophets of the old testament, Moses and Ezekiel, and at Moses’ right hand is the patron saint, David of Wales.

In 1979 the church installed a new Hellmuth Wolff Organ under the direction of organist and choirmaster Dr. Robert Danes. A series of mini-concerts were scheduled to feature the new instrument.

St. David’s Episcopal Church today still is a Eucharistic-centered parish of 600 communicants.

Rectors of St. David’s Church

The Rev. Donald F. Davidson	2004 - present
The Rev. J. Wesley Smith	2000 – 2003
The Rev. Robert P. Layne	1989 – 1997
The Rev. James A Hammond	1986 – 1988
The Rev. William E. Crews	1982 – 1986
The Rev. T. James Bethel	1974 – 1981
The Rev. Frank Cohoon	1966 – 1974
The Rev. Henry H. Breul	1957 – 1965
The Rev. Harry R. Heeney	1952 – 1956