In 1951, a diocesan master plan called for a ring of mission churches in Atlanta’s outer suburbs, and a new parish was born. Named after the home parish of state founder Gen. James Oglethorpe—and initially holding services at nearby Oglethorpe University—St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church set down roots on seven acres along Ashford Dunwoody Road.
Now 75 years later, St. Martin in the Fields celebrated its diamond jubilee with a festival service featuring the Right Rev. Robert C. Wright. The anniversary offered a look back with gratitude and look forward with anticipation, while acknowledging St. Martin’s current focus of equipping itself for generations to come.
“The milestone marks a juncture in the life of the church where we’ve been preparing the way for the future of the church, even as we give thanks for its history,” said the Rev. Monica Mainwaring, who serves as rector.
A Legacy Across Generations
For parishioner Mary Carr Bendeck, the May 3 jubilee was more than a church milestone; it was a touchstone for four generations.
“I grew up attending school and church at St. Martin’s, along with my parents, sister, and my grandmother,” Bendeck recalled. “We were always on campus, and I remember being young and following my parents around as they volunteered a great deal of their time… My grandmother also volunteered a great deal of her time at the Budget Helper Shop—a thrift store that was housed off campus and served those in need—which was one of the first ministries of the Suthers Center for Christian Outreach.”
The Suthers Center, part of St. Martin’s, provides a weekly drive-through food pantry and emergency financial assistance on Saturday mornings.
Having served as an acolyte in her youth, Bendeck now watches two of her three daughters serve at the altar. Returning with her husband in 2021 to raise their children, she felt drawn to lay leadership on the vestry.
“The most memorable part of the 75-year service was seeing my daughter get confirmed!” Bendeck shared. “I am excited to see another generation (the fourth in our family) be a part of the Episcopal faith.”
For cradle parishioner Beth Holland, whose family joined St. Martin’s in October 1953 when she was an infant, the 75th anniversary signifies a lifetime of passages. Holland has served in roles spanning every stage of parish life—from guarding the doors for toddlers at Wonder Church to leading the altar guild and tending to the deceased in the columbarium.
“If you look at the roles and positions I’ve held, you will see how I’ve been changed,” Holland said. “Looking forward to the next 75 years, my hope is for continued strong leadership in the various ministries and growth of our parishioners, especially the young children because they are the future of our church.”
Alpha and Omega
Nancy Easterlin Smith recounted a similar legacy. Her parents Bill, a Baptist, and Linda, a Methodist, married in December 1956 and soon joined St. Martin’s. “They found the Episcopal church to be a great ‘landing place,’” she said.
Easterlin Smith and her brothers Edward and Lynn were baptized, confirmed and attended kindergarten at St. Martin’s in the 1960s. Lynn was also married there. “St. Martin’s was our ‘country club,’ our lives revolved around the church’s activities,” she said.
Easterlin Smith’s twin daughters Emma and Sally joined the church in 1997, participating in choir, Junior Daughters of the King, Rite 13, Journey to Adulthood, and confirmation by Bishop Wright. They also attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School through 8th grade.
“To this day I believe my greatest inheritance from my parents is being a lifelong member of St. Martin in the Fields,” Easterlin Smith said. “My parents are now in the columbarium. When it is my time I will be next to them. St. Martin’s is my alpha and omega.”
A Commissioning, Not a Conclusion
During the anniversary service, the pews were brightened by a sea of festive pink, orange, and red worn by those getting confirmed, received, and reaffirmed. Bishop Wright greeted a packed nave, bringing congratulations on behalf of the diocese’s 120 worshipping communities.
“I’m delighted to celebrate seven and a half decades of faithful work and worship in this place,” Wright said. “Congratulations St. Martin’s on this, your diamond jubilee celebration… 75 years of worship, welcome, prayer, song, and service, 75 years of baptizing, marrying, confirming, receiving, and reaffirming.”
Preaching on John 14:1–14, Bishop Wright addressed the questions and uncertainties that often accompany significant anniversaries. He distinguished between experiencing trouble and allowing one’s heart to be troubled, noting that faith provides internal strength when facing external turmoil.
Reflecting on Jesus’s promise of “many dwelling places,” Wright highlighted God as a “room-maker” who offers abundant grace for everyone. He challenged the parish to move beyond mere attendance or nostalgia. He reminded the congregation that belonging is essential, and discipleship requires becoming more like Jesus through daily action.
“There’s your slogan, by the way, for the next 75 years together: doing greater things with Jesus,” Wright charged them. “This anniversary, this glorious celebration, it’s not a conclusion—it’s a commissioning.”
The spirit of commitment was visibly manifest as more than 50 individuals were confirmed, received, or reaffirmed in their baptismal vows. Anyone else was invited to step forward and renew their faith, too.
Preparing the Way Forward
The 75th anniversary service is part of a year-long observance across the parish. Brookhaven declared May 3 as “St. Martin’s Day,” and visiting clergy—many raised up by or previously serving at St. Martin’s—are returning monthly to preach and share in fellowship.
The parish recently concluded its “All Are Welcome” Capital Campaign, evidenced by enhancements like upgraded sanctuary HVAC systems, renovated kitchen and meeting spaces, a parish café, and an accessible prayer garden.
Immediately following the anniversary service, clergy and parishioners gathered in the prayer garden as Bishop Wright consecrated a newly renovated section designated for the interment of ashes.
Following the consecration, the celebration moved to Gable Hall and the church grounds for a festive feast. Parishioners of all ages gathered over chicken, waffles, collard greens, and mac and cheese, enjoying fellowship and children’s activities in the newly updated spaces.
Storytelling also plays a role in the diamond jubilee. While a hardback history was published for the 50th anniversary, a parishioner authored a 75-year history of St. Martin’s in comic book form.
“It’s been a joyful way of living into a celebration of good, faithful mission,” Mainwaring said, “and looking ahead to all that God might do in us and through us in the 75 years to come.”