Our Church's Beginnings

In 1974 our congregation started as a holy “coincidence,” when a young woman, Jeanie Lipscomb, had a conversation with Dr. James F. Hopewell, a theology professor at Candler School of Theology. (Both pictured at left.)

Jeanie said she would really like to have an Episcopal church in the Cumming area and Dr. Hopewell, an Episcopal priest, said he would be glad to help her start one. On Pentecost Day 1975, this church was established as a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. The name “Holy Spirit” was chosen to emphasize the empowerment of ministry through the Spirit. Dr. Hopewell served as the founding vicar for five years and the Lipscomb family is still active in this parish.