Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
St. John's Episcopal church in Worthington, Ohio was organized and founded in 1804, just a few months after the City of Worthington was founded. The original founders migrated from Connecticut to help expand and the civilize the "wild west". We are the oldest Episcopal Church west of the Alleghany Mountains.
What is your primary product or service?
We are a progressive Christian Church that offers worship, pastoral and spiritual care, Christian formation and fellowship - among other things. We are active locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In addition to our own use, our buildings are used by multiple outside groups, including several 12 step groups such as AA, musical and dancing groups and small meeting spaces for non-for-profits. We also have a large, well-established preschool, St. John's Early Education Center, which is physically attached our our administrative and worship buildings.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I am (The Rev.) Father Philip College. I have served as the Rector, or lead pastor, of this congregation since the fall of 2007 . Prior to coming to St. John's, I served in several other Episcopal Churches, all in the central Ohio area. I received my Master's degree in Divinity from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Prior to being ordained I was a physical therapist and hospital manager. I was reared in south eastern Kentucky. My spouse is Edward Lasseigne, Ph..D.. I have two adult children and four grand-children.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are one of the larger Episcopal Churches in the Columbus,OH area and in our diocese. We serve approximately 33 zip codes from all across the Columbus region. We are an open and inclusive congregation, welcoming people from any and all backgrounds. We are more on the progressive side in theology and more traditional in our worship.The parish is very child and family friendly, especially at the 9 a.m. worship service on Sunday's. Our music program is solid and growing. We offer a Musical Concert Series annually. We also have a large preschool, St. John's Early Education Center.Additionally, we have an old, beautifully-maintained cemetery with grave sites going back to the early 1800's.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have just the one campus here at the main intersection of Old Worthington.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Our address is 700 High Street in Worthington, OH. We are located at the south east corner of Old Worthington - at the intersection of High Street (S.R. 23) and Dublin-Granville Road (S.R. 161).
From I-71: Take the Dublin-Granville Road, Worthington exit and drive west about 1 mile.
From S.R. 315; Take the Dublin-Granville Road, Worthingotn exit and drive east about 1 mile.
From I 270: Take the Worthington, S.R. 23 exit and drive south about 1 mile.
What type of payments do you accept?
As a church we are dependent on donations. We accept cash, checks, and electronic transactions. Sorry, at this point we do not accept credit cards!
Which areas do you service?
We have parishioners from throughout Central Ohio. But most of our parishioners live the north side of Columbus and Franklin County or the south side of Delaware County.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
We are an Episcopal Church and part of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, The Episcopal Church and the world-wide Anglican Church.
What are your hours of operation?
Typical Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. and 11;15 a.m. Most of our younger families with children attend the 9 a.m. service. The St. John's Choir usually sings at the 11:15 a.m. service. In-between the two services we have refreshments and Christian Formation programs for adults and children. During weekdays' (M-F), the church office is typically open from 9:15 a.m. until 5:15 (expect for lunch).
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
They want to become a member of our congregation!
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Love God with all your heart and mind and soul. And love your neighbor as much as you love yourself!