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The Essence of Indian Hill Church

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In the early 1700’s Scots Presbyterians began making

their way to Worcester, Massachusetts. Episcopalians,

however, had already established themselves there

more than a century earlier and were clearly in the

majority. At first, the newcomer Presbyterians worshiped

in their homes, but by 1715, they were able to build

their first church building: a modest, wooden structure,

which would meet their needs. It stood for only two days.

Worcester tore it down!

At the same time, in the mountains of North

Carolina, Presbyterians were in the majority. An Episcopal

priest with evangelistic zeal had courage enough to ride

into the area to convert the Presbyterians. He gathered a

small congregation in a modest structure. During a worship

service some Presbyterians turned two hunting dogs loose

in the church where the dogs began to fight, disrupting

the service. Then the Presbyterians turned the missionary

priest’s horse loose. As the priest ran after it, they closed the

doors behind him, locking him out. But not before they had

brought in two barrels of whiskey for the worshipers.

A Message from our Presbyterian Minister, David Hawley

In March 2010, I will

have served as the Presbyterian

co-pastor of the Indian Hill Church

for seven years. The primary

basis for sensing that I was being

called to this church had to do

with what I perceived to be its

unique ecumenical orientation. People from two distinct

ecclesiastical traditions that had once been at war with

each other in the British Isles and that had had a history

of doing terrible things to each other in our own country

now found themselves worshiping side by side.

What I sensed seven years ago has been

reaffirmed time and time again. The Indian Hill Church

is a remarkable example of the promise that lies within

substantive efforts in the context of ecumenicity. This is a

timely example for a world which all too often and all too

tragically finds itself in the grips of devastating religious

conflict. I could not be in a better place.

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T he Indian Hill Church is an unusual place! It

was founded as a dual-denomination church

and has worked through the dynamics of two

different denominations with two different traditions

in a way that has broadened both. While there are

two denominations, there is only one congregation,

and this congregation is an exciting one.

Indian Hill has a deep commitment to

community outreach, and it is expressed in personal

involvement and dedication as well as in funding.

Our programs for children and youth are strengths

for us and we are proud of our strong youth

group and the excellent curriculum our

children use for their learning. This is a

congregation with strength of intellect

and will, ready to accept a challenge. It is

notable that in the economic downturn of

the last year or so, the level of giving has

remained quite stable, something many

congregations cannot say.

This is a congregation with strength of intellect and will, ready to accept a challenge.

A Message from our Interim Rector, Anne Wrider

This success has not come without

challenges. The journey of this congregation

has not been without difficulty. However, the

leadership of the congregation has worked very

hard to change old patterns and has put new

procedures and policies in place, and those,

combined with the leadership of David Hawley,

our Presbyterian minister, have positioned the

church for a strong future.

As Indian Hill moves into this next phase of

its life as a congregation, it does so with strength

and commitment. A rector with equal strength and

commitment will help this congregation go further

with the mission to which God has called it.

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T he Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church vision is a set of statements describing

what people will see when they visit the church. It was developed from an assessment

of our history, our current strengths and the hopes and dreams of the members of

the church and its leaders. As statements of who we aspire to be, our vision is:

The Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church mission is to

serve God through worship, fellowship and outreach in both

our community and the world.

Vision and Mission of Indian Hill Church

Our Church Mission

Celebrating God’s presence in our lives

Growing spiritually together in an open dialogue;

Living our dual denominational traditions and making new traditions;

Energizing with a variety of dynamic worship services;

Welcoming and including all, and actively involving inter-generational members;

Engaging our youth and growing side-by-side with them;

Leveraging our talents to benefit others.

and we do that through

and

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In the spring of 2008 the

Rev. Anne Wrider came

to the Indian Hill Church

(IHC) as our newly assigned

Interim Rector, who would

offer stability and guidance

to our congregation during

our transition and would most

importantly help us begin

our search for a new rector.

After spending several months

getting to know our church and

its members, the time came

for us to begin our search with

’s help. The first step in this process was to create an

accurate Profile of the IHC. So, the Profile Committee was

formed and began its work.

That work began by gathering a great deal of

information from our congregation, which we felt could

best be achieved through a Congregational Survey and

then followed up with several congregational Focus

Groups. The results from both the survey and the focus

groups were very insightful and encouragingly they were

very consistent with one another. With the information

we needed, our committee could now move forward and

begin to create an accurate Profile of the IHC based upon

what we knew first hand from each of our own unique

experiences within the church as well as the important

and guiding results from the survey and focus groups.

A Message from the Profile Committee...

From all of this we have

learned that we strongly value

our dual denomination ministry,

our children’s and youth

programs, our music ministry,

excellent sermons, and the

charm of our facility to name

just a few. We prefer traditional

forms of worship which are

intellectually challenging. We

appreciate social issues of

our times incorporated into

worship to articulate clearly the

inclusiveness of Christianity. We

are also proud of our involvement in community outreach

and the level of participation generated from our members

with the use of their time, talents and treasures. We have

learned, however, that we want to reclaim part of our

worship services for the growth and inclusiveness of our

young families and especially their children. We also have

a desire for our clergy to develop and maintain stronger

relationships with our youth and young children as well

as offer a personal investment to the activities within our

church community and the personal communities of our

members. We hope to find that unique person who will

embrace and respect the things we value about the IHC

and who at the same time is willing and able to help us

achieve the things our congregation desires in order for

the IHC to grow and prosper.

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Our Journey in FaithWhat We Want From a New Rector

During these past several months we have spent

a great deal of time discussing and identifying

the qualities our church and our members need

and want from our new rector. Many of which we have

offered below.

Because our church is unique in its dual

denomination ministry, we feel whole heartedly that our

church is looking for a rector who will fully support and

respect this type of ministry. It is also very important

that we find someone who shares a sincere passion for

theology and demonstrates a deep

intellectual and emotional maturity

as well as the ability to share

leadership well with a co-pastor

and a very involved laity.

As our church looks to the

future with a new rector, we hope to

find someone who has a passion for

and a strong willingness to minister

to our children and youth as well as

someone who will be active among

our children and youth and their

activities. We are very proud of the

work we do and the programs we

offer through our children’s and

youth programs, and we hope to find a rector who is eager

and willing to help us continue to build and expand upon

our current success. Currently, our church is beginning to

discuss ideas about how to implement a worship service that

appeals to our younger families and offers an opportunity to

“bring our children back to church” this being something we

hope the new rector would support as well as offer his/her

guidance in creating this additional style of worship.

The Indian Hill Church is also a church that shares a

strong sense of mission and community outreach among our

members and is yet another quality

we are looking for in a new rector.

In addition, our members have

also shared other equally important

qualities they hope to find in our

new rector which include enthusiasm

and energy, stimulating and thought

provoking sermons, someone

who offers spiritual and emotional

stability to the rector position,

someone who is open-minded and

willing to think outside the box, and

a rector who has participated in a

growing church.

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The unique story of a unique church began in 1931

with several area families creating a Sunday school

in a private home for neighboring children. A few

years later, this evolved to include regular services at a local

chapel. A decade later of Presbyterians and Episcopalians

worshiping together, this group decided to form the Indian

Hill church.

In April of 1947, two denominational churches were

organized and approved by the Presbytery of Cincinnati and

the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio into one location in

Indian Hill. This is the oldest dual denominational church of

its kind in the country.

The history of ministers over more than an 80 year

span ranges from the Rev. Luther Tucker, an Episcopalian

Priest, who as the first minister, alternated services between

Presbyterian and Episcopalian, to Rev. Paul Long, who in

1967 came as the Presbyterian minister and was loved for

his charisma and addition of a family service as well as

his service to the greater community of Cincinnati, to the Rev. James Metzger in 1973, who was known for his strong

pastoral care of the congregation, to several other shorter

term ministers in recent years.

Some of these recent ministers who served a

shorter time span were not a fit for Indian Hill church.

Our pool of candidates has not always been large. Some

ministers would view a dual denominational church a

challenge and perhaps not a stepping stone for their

career. We have learned that despite this, we will need to

be cautious in selection and also have a good process for

handling difficulties.

Our Journey in FaithOur Church History

“One grows in faith when one reaches out in faith to those in need.”

— The Reverend Paul Long Pastor Emeritus

Continued on next page

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Our Journey in FaithOur Church History Continued

David Hawley, our current Indian Hill Presbyterian

minister for the past 6 years came to Indian Hill church in

March of 2003. He was attracted to our church specifically

because of the dual denominations and saw the unique and

creative nature of the church. He felt it was an example for

a modern world with religious conflict that historically, two

denominations have worshiped together and side by side

for 80 years, mutually benefiting one another. He feels very

Continued from previous page

strongly that the church is positive and has great growth

potential. David is much loved and respected by both

denominations at the church and considered a stable and

effective leader.

As a dual denominational church, we have been

ahead of our time in terms of concept. The faith practices of

those attending the church are those of tolerance. Services

are seamless, meaning Presbyterians and Episcopalians

attend each other’s services without any hesitation.

Presbyterians sit next to Episcopalians in church without

any idea who is practicing what religion. Our heritage at the

church is one of the future. We would like to see ourselves

as an example for acceptance. We look for a minister like

David Hawley that is open minded and can see that the dual

denomination is a strong positive.

“What we have is always enough, if we offer it fully for God’s purposes.”— The Reverend Robert R. Hansel

Former, Interim Minister

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We celebrate both our Episcopal and Presbyterian

heritages, maintaining denominational

identities, traditions and integrity. Indian Hill

Church is truly a dual denomination worship entity with

members of both attending the services. Most members

do not elect to practice their denomination exclusively

by attending only one service type. The order of worship

alternates between Presbyterian and Episcopal services.

Communion is celebrated several Sundays of every month

at the 10:30 service, alternating between Episcopal and

Presbyterian rites. Episcopal communion is also celebrated

at the 8:00 service almost every Sunday and on all high

holidays and special feast days.

The church has a history of practicing a family

style worship service and is working to reestablish this

tradition once again. The congregation feels that more

young people and families would be attracted to a fulfilling

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchWorship

environment where young children are included and

encouraged to learn more about the power of faith and

how a devotion to Jesus Christ can be rewarding and

lead to more security and happiness. A child engaged in

learning how to deepen their faith is as important as an

adult fulfilled by an intellectual sermon. The strong history

of stimulating sermons has helped maintain and stimulate

both denominations for years and is a mainstay and

foundation of the church.

One of the fortunate benefits of the IHC is

the history of a vibrant choir. The Choir is regularly

augmented with soloists from members of the Cincinnati

Conservatory of Music (CCM) and guests from other

venues who grace our services with their outstanding

talent. We also have a talented Adult and Children’s Hand

Bell Choir and a wonderful Junior Choir for children ages

kindergarten through 5th grade.

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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchParticipation

Because the Indian Hill Church is a dual

denomination church, all governance and

activities of the church are shared fully by both

denominations. Once a year the congregation meets

together as Presbyterians and Episcopalians for our

annual congregational meeting. At that time the members

of both congregations act upon any timely matters before

the church, such as the election of incoming Vestry-

Session members as well as current policies or matters

before the Church.

Vestry-SessionThe Vestry-Session is the principal governing body

of the Church and is currently made up of 10 members of

the Episcopal church and 10 members of the Presbyterian

church, and each member serves staggered terms of

3 years each and a term-limit of 6 consectutive years.

This elected body of church members acts as a unit, and

together with the clergy makes decisions on key church

policy and activities. Among its main duties are electing

the Board of Stewards, chairing many of our standing

committees, and calling new clergy.

Board of StewardsFrom the beginning, it was decided that the

property of the cooperating churches should not be

held in common. A separate body, known as the Indian

Hill Church Corporation, was created as a nonprofit

organization to hold and administer all funds and

property on behalf of the two churches, but with no

power over the spiritual concerns of the congregation.

The Vestry-Session elects the Board of Stewards of The

Indian Hill Church Corporation.

The Standing Committees of Indian Hill ChurchIn addition to our various opportunities for

ministry, we have standing committees which are

broadly responsible for our congregational life. Most of

the committees meet monthly, and some are chaired by

members of Vestry-Session.

• Advisory Committee

• Adult Education

• Art Show

• Building and Grounds

• Children’s Christian Education

• Church and Community

• Fellowship

• Finance and Administration

• Long Range Planning

• Membership Development/Fellowship

• Nominating

• Pastoral Care

• Personnel

• Stewardship

• Worship & Music

• Youth Christian Educaion

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Many Sundays we offer an adult educational

hour between the services. It is held

between 9:15-10:15am. These sessions

usually center around community and current events.

The long-range goal of our church is to involve our

children as participating and involved members within

our Church family. The children’s education hour

meets concurrently with the 10:30 worship service.

We teach our children the relevance and principles

of faith as the universal connector to a loving God,

encouraging them to grow in their own faith, providing

them opportunities to serve the church and community

and creating sacred space through worship, prayer,

and simple rituals. Children participate in community

outreach programs in the fall and spring. In addition, they

also participate in the worship service with special music

and at the Christmas Pageant. The Children’s Program also

sponsors Family Fun events throughout the year.

Infants And Toddlers (0-2 years) –

We have an excellent staff who provides childcare

for the youngest within a very warm, accepting

and safe environment. We have Bible stories

available, but share them casually as the

children’s attention allows.

Preschool – Fifth Grade – The Walk With

Me curriculum gives our

children a strong Biblical

foundation allowing for

them to grow in their faith.

The activities we offer allow the children’s own unique

learning style to come through by incorporating drama,

music, story telling and hands on activities. The lessons are

taught in four- week thematic units, and the children have

handouts that they can take home to remind them of the

story of the day.

Sixth Grade – The sixth grade class is offered

many opportunities to express their faith through

worship. They learn all about our own church’s two

denominations and how it works within our church,

and they also learn about the many other religions

including Catholicism, Judaism and Hinduism to name

just a few. During the course of the year, they make

several visits to these various houses of worship. They

complete the year by leading their own worship service

where they offer their reflections and knowledge of what

they have learned about all types of religion throughout the

course of their 6th grade year.

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchEducation

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Our youth programs provide and nurture a safe

faith space for youth in grades 7-12 through

relationships with each other and with God. Our

aim is to help young people meet the challenges of their

lives in a manner that promotes wholeness, authentic

faith, and respect of self and others, through a deeper

understanding of God’s love. Our vision is to model for

the congregation and families just how essential our

youth are to the church of today and tomorrow. Our

hope is to be a catalyst for re-igniting a church that

lives out its faith together with all generations working

and growing together.

During the program year, September through May,

we offer several different opportunities for teens to be

involved in the church throughout their junior high and

high school years and to give our teens opportunities to

deepen their understanding of the Christian faith as they

embark upon and continue in their spiritual journeys.

All of our youth programs strive to build community and

fellowship through educational, spiritual, social, and

outreach activities and provide teens with a safe place

to seek pastoral care.

In addition to Sunday

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchYouth

gatherings, we also plan special activities for fun and

community service.

7th grade Pre-Confirmation ClassMeets on Sunday mornings from 10:30-11:30

in our colorful and lodge-like youth center. We believe

that attending worship is an essential part of 7th grade

Christian education and attend the 10:30 worship service

together as a class 1-2 Sundays a month.

8th Grade ConfirmationOur confirmation program is one of the most

vibrant and thriving programs in our church and one of

the largest and most successful Confirmation programs in

the Diocese. 8th grade youth prepare to be confirmed as

either an Episcopal or Presbyterian, and oftentimes, in the

spirit of our unique dual-denomination church, choose to

be confirmed in both denominations. Students engage in

both small and large group discussions, interactive learning

activities designed to awaken spiritual curiosity and bring

a deeper awareness of Christian principles, and prepare to

Continued on next page

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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchYouth Continued

Continued from previous page

make a statement of faith in May that creatively articulates

their personal and authentic faith experience.

One of the highlights of this program is the deep

commitment that the Confirmation mentors make to

provide students with small group and individual spiritual

mentoring. There are 22 youth in the 2009 Confirmation

class along with 4 High School mentors and 4 adult

mentors. The popularity and success of this program draws

in youth participation from both IHC youth as well as youth

from other congregations, or youth from families who are

interested in exploring membership and participation at

IHC. The class meets September-May on Wednesday nights

from 6:30-8pm and includes dinner together, (provided each

week by a Confirmation family), several service projects,

and two weekend team-building retreats.

Senior High Youth GroupA fun-filled group meets Sunday evenings from 5-7

pm in our youth center. During this time, youth hang out

with our youth director, Michelle VanOudenallen, and other

adult volunteers for fun, friendship, safe discussions of teen

issues, and spiritual growth.

Youth SundayIt has been a long-standing tradition at IHC to

celebrate Youth Sunday, a worship service that is designed

and facilitated in its entirety by our youth. During this

service the youth pick the worship theme, readings, music,

and one youth writes and delivers a sermon. Teens are also

encouraged to participate in worship services as acolytes,

ushers, and lectors throughout the year.

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Throughout our community The Indian Hill Church

(IHC) is known for its long history of outreach

and for its remarkable reputation of helping

others. These efforts are supported by the church’s

vision to “leverage our talents to benefit others.”

Throughout the year every member of our church is

actively encouraged to be involved in sharing their time

and unique talents. This is manifested through both our

enthusiastic volunteerism and our financial commitment

to organizations throughout our community.

IHC has focused its efforts and commitment to

nine outreach ministries in addition to supporting several

other community programs. In these hard economic

times, we have made helping the hungry and homeless

in Cincinnati a priority. Through the Interfaith Hospitality

Network (IHN), our congregation hosts homeless families

for a total of three weeks each year. Our guests stay

overnight, are provided dinner and breakfast, and spend

time with our church families and youth while IHN finds

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchCommunity Outreach at Indian Hill Church

them permanent housing. As a founding member and

partner of Inter Parish Ministry (IPM), which currently

consists of 35 participating churches, our financial

support provides a variety of social services to the

working poor and other low income families/individuals in

eastern Hamilton and Clermont County. In addition, our

congregation provides food on a weekly basis to stock

IPM’s Choice Food Pantry. IHC is also a strong financial

supporter of the FreeStore/Food Bank which provides

food, products and services to help people overcome

the barriers to their basic survival needs and to further

self-reliance. Working in our neighboring Madisonville

area, our volunteers provide dinner for about 50 people

every other month and financial support for emergency

assistance through the Madisonville Education and

Assistance Center (MEAC). With money raised through

Kroger Neighborhood Enhancement Funds, our church

provides additional resources to fight hunger in Cincinnati.

Continued on next page

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Each Sunday church members are involved in

worship services and fellowship with inmates at the

Hamilton County Corrections or Drug and Alcohol Facilities

and spend time each week with the youth in the Hamilton

County Youth Center providing them comfort and

prayer. Showing God’s love through our compassion and

understanding, and giving them their own Bible is a large

part of both programs.

During the holidays each year, our church

members are eager to provide Christmas gifts through the

Angel Tree program to the families of individuals who have

been incarcerated as well as to less fortunate families who

receive assistance from Inter Parish Ministry.

Our congregation is also involved in People

Working Cooperatively by providing services critical to

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchCommunity Outreach at Indian Hill Church Continued

protecting homes in communities and insuring that the

elderly, disabled or other at-risk homeowners are living

in safe and decent housing. Through Winners Walk Tall, a

program developed by a member of IHC, disadvantaged

youth are provided the foundation of good habits, values

and personal pride to increase their chances of maturing

into happy and productive citizens. Finally, our youth

continue to be involved in Mission Projects, service

projects which help needy families throughout the world

whether it be on Navajo reservations, Costa Rica or

raising money to drill water wells in Africa.

By drawing on the financial resources and

talents that each of us has to offer, we have been

able to make dramatic contributions to our church

community and the community at large and, in the

process, enrich our own lives.

Continued from previous page

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As a Christian community, we hold a stewardship vision

which affirms that each of us is called to offer a

portion of our time, talent and treasure to God in

thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us. Each family is asked to

make an annual faith based pledge to the church through

a Stewardship Campaign each fall. Throughout its history,

Indian Hill Church has always given a substantial amount

of its budget to local benevolent programs and Diocese

and Presbyterian missions. In the past several years,

around 18% of our church revenues have been used for

benevolences. For eight years all profits from our annual

community Art Show have gone towards benevolences.

Beyond the dollars of the budget are over 200 members

giving many hours of volunteer time to serve our church’s

missions and other members who provide leadership in

many major not-for-profit agencies serving the Cincinnati

community. This level of leadership and community

philanthropy is a high commitment of our church members.

We are experiencing many opportunities and

questions in the area of stewardship. What are the real

financial needs of this church? Many members would like

to expand our fellowship and program activities budget,

refresh our facilities and increase our benevolences.

A capital campaign team has been appointed for

implementation in 2010.

The capital finances of Indian Hill Church are

sound. Our building is not mortgaged; the property includes

a sizable burial ground. A $2.4 million endowment fund

historically has provided around 10% of the annual church

budget and capital improvements. Also, over the past three

years the church’s operating budget has been on a balanced

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchFinances at Indian Hill Church Continued

approach. This was a return to an historical process that was

not achieved in 2005 and 2006, those deficits have been

made up and a 2009 surplus exists. Beyond annual pledges

and weekly offerings, it has been a common practice for

many members to give substantial gifts for special projects.

In 2008 and 2009 the number of pledging units has

stabilized at about 300, a drop from the 2005 high of 380.

Between 2005 and 2007 a mood of uncertainty occurred

as simultaneously the budget warranted adjustments in

program and staff and the resignation of the Rector was

unanticipated by the congregation. However, for the period

2005-2009 the average pledge has increased 21.4% from

$2,333 to $2,833. This is very heartening considering during

this period the necessary budget changes, clergy resignation

and national economy. We are looking for a new Rector who

is excited about taking on the task of growing the number of

pledging units.

Each of us is called to offer a portion of our time, talent and treasure to God in thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us.

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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchFinances at Indian Hill Church Continued

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Pledge Contributions 886,776 905,955 917,943 807,812 838,733

Total Contributions 1,004,854 1,051,325 1,003,463 863,237 909,027

Art Show 17,021 15,000 13,436 16,790 17,324

Other Income 28,982 31,240 27,059 18,098 24,176

Endowment Available 116,314 114,360 117,628 126,492 116,331

Carryover Prior Years 94,745 56,712

Total Income 1,167,171 1,211,925 1,161,586 1,119,362 1,123,570

Disbursement Detail:Benevolences 212,617 202,720 188,340 212,488 208,546

Program 66,929 74,113 48,188 52,622 51,161

Staff 412,378 340,705 347,872 337,191 335,296

Clergy 289,081 307,001 295,012 244,112 303,249

Administration 68,071 72,067 63,958 52,315 53,210

Building and Grounds 168,209 171,464 115,785 103,922 99,715

Carryover loss 2005/2006 50,114 13,977

Total Disbursements 1,217,285 1,218,184 1,073,132 1,002,650 1,051,177

Total (Deficit)/Surplus (50,114) (6,259) 88,454 116,712 72,393

Statistics 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Active Members 894 835 843 855 875

Pledging Units 380 358 348 308 296

Average Sunday Attendance 100 145 125 125 131

Church School Enrollees 190 179 160 165 193

Confirmations 14 11 25 18 25

Easter Sunday Attendance 426 526 521 245 531

Christmas Eve Attendance 489 565 430 502 411

Baptisms 19 18 14 10 20

Marriages 13 14 8 4 8

Burials 15 14 13 11 17

Year

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The Indian Hill Church building, consecrated in 1952,

is of rough-hewn stone keeping with the country

atmosphere both immediately surrounding the

church itself and characteristic of Indian Hill, one of the

finest residential areas of Cincinnati. The church sits on

six acres of once farmed land, bounded on the north by

the Indian Hill Elementary School, on the south and west

by important roads of the community, and on the east by

woods and a sparkling stream. It is a lovely quaint church

in a picturesque setting.

An ample lawn frames the church from the front.

South of it is a children’s playground that is used by both

the young children of our church as well as the preschool

aged children who attend the Nursery School that is held

within part of our church building. Behind the church, to

the east, is a spacious burial ground where members and

clergy may be buried. Fine old trees shade these well-kept

lawns, which are free of standing stones. Instead, the

graves are marked by flush memorials in stone or bronze

in areas designated by unobtrusive corner markers. It

is simple and beautiful, a place for contemplation and

tranquility, and escape from the incessant demands of

busy lives.

Having this burial ground adjacent to the church

serves to quicken our awareness of the Church of Christ

as the fellowship of men and women in the presence

of God, in both this life and the next. Furthermore,

it maintains meaningful ties with the Church through

successive generations. It augments the meanings of

Christian burial and contributes to the spiritual strength of

our church.

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchOur Church Facilities

Continued on next page

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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchOur Church Facilities Continued

Continued from previous page

There are three church buildings – the original

sanctuary and the main building; the youth center, about

75 yards apart from the main building; and a large

storage garage for maintenance and other equipment.

These two outbuildings blend into the background,

protected by trees, so as not to detract from the simple

beauty of the sanctuary building.

Located on the first floor of the main building are

the sanctuary, which seats 275 worshipers; the Guild Hall,

which is almost the same size as the sanctuary and is a

place for large meetings, meals, and other activities; two

clergy offices and two administrative offices; a kitchen

completely renovated in 2006, equipped for meal

preparation of any size, and the church library. On the

lower level, which was renovated in 2000, are a total

of eleven classrooms for our Sunday Family classes and

the Nursery School; the choir room and changing room;

several offices; and storage rooms.

The sanctuary building is adequate for the current

needs of the congregation. The space will be completely

redecorated in the near future and plans for future

enlargement are under development. Special care and

attention are being given to maintaining the atmosphere

and look of the current edifice, which so beautifully blends

with the location and the community.

20

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchDiocese of Southern Ohio

The Episcopal Church is home to more

than 25,000 people in Southern Ohio.

We include more than 80 churches in

Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and in farm

towns, county seats and suburban centers

throughout the southern half of the state. Our

congregations are organized into 10 deaneries.

We are led by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal.

As bishop in Southern Ohio, he offers spiritual

leadership and vision for the Episcopal churches, priests

and members. Our Bishop Suffragan, the Rt. Rev. Kenneth

L. Price Jr. has assisted with congregational and

clergy development in this diocese for nearly 15

years. Our Procter Camp & Conference Center

is a popular retreat facility for youth, church

and community groups. A peaceful refuge on

1,000 acres, the center also hosts spiritual

retreats and summer camping programs. We are

a diverse diocese with a history of commitment

to social action in our communities and in the

world, and we value our relationships with one another in

the Body of Christ.

Cincinnati Presbytery

T he Presbytery of Cincinnati is composed of 85

Presbyterian churches in the greater Cincinnati area

including a few churches in Kentucky and Indiana.

Elders and clergy from its constituent churches plus retired

clergy account for the Presbytery’s membership. Normally the

Presbytery meets four times

during the year, with the opportunity for special meetings

should the need arise. The Council, eight standing committees,

and six special task forces carry out the work of the Presbytery

ranging from personnel and ministry to representation and outdoor education.

The Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian

Church is the Presbytery’s only fully authorized dual denomination. As

such, our Episcopal Rector has full privileges within the Presbytery, including

the right to vote at Presbytery meetings and officiating the sacraments.

21

Cincinnati is a three-state, 15-county region

that offers world-class assets in arts and

culture, amusements, hospitality, sports and

recreation. Cincinnati features all the amenities of

a large, bustling metropolis while maintaining a

friendly, small town atmosphere - a unique balancing

act of extraordinary contrasts - but one that makes

the region a remarkably flexible location filled with a

wealth of opportunities and options.

Situated on gently rolling

hills, Cincinnati has earned its

nickname, The Queen City, by mixing

urban vigor with graceful gardens

and parks. German forebears

created traditions of music and

art which live on in Cincinnati’s

numerous cultural resources.

As is the case in most metro

areas, downtown Cincinnati is the

cultural center of the region. Here you can visit world-

renowned museums, experience priceless works of art,

enjoy a Broadway show-or a ballet, or an opera, or a

symphony-visit exotic animals at the zoo, and root on two

professional sports teams.

However, these high profile entertainment

offerings only scratch the surface of what there is to

do in Cincinnati. If you enjoy more intimate arts and

entertainment offerings you will be pleased to know more

than 100 museums and galleries dot the region - most

locally owned neighborhood gems – and community,

off-Broadway and alternative theater thrives. Outside

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchOur Cincinnati Community

of downtown the options only get greater. Children

and families can enjoy an extensive parks system, the

Newport Aquarium, the Beach Waterpark, and the Kings

Island and Coney Island amusement parks to name a few.

The performing

arts are alive and well in

Cincinnati. In addition to

theatre, venues such as

Riverbend Music Center

and the U.S. Bank Arena

attract national music acts,

while the Midpoint Music

Festival, held each year in

September, showcases the prolific local music scene.

The Cincinnati area is also home to a variety

of colleges and universities, including the University

of Cincinnati and Xavier University, which offer diverse

educational opportunities as well as great college

sporting events.

Cincinnati is also surrounded by a medical

community that boasts some of the nation’s most

respected hospitals, including Cincinnati Children’s

Hospital and Medical Center, which was recently ranked

eighth in the nation for pediatrics by U.S. News and World

Report and the fifth best children’s hospital overall in the

U.S. by Child Magazine.

Cincinnati is truly a wonderful and exciting place

to live, and there are many other things to share about

this amazing city. Fortunately all of these wonderful

things are highlighted by the Cincinnati USA Regional

Chamber on their website at www.cincinnatichamber.com.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati’s Namesake: Lucius Quinctius

Cincinnatus

22

Indian Hill is located twelve miles from Cincinnati. The

single most compelling quality of Indian Hill is its Village

atmosphere. With a population of approximately 6,000

people inhabiting 20 square miles, it is technically a city, but

its life style over the years has remained a constant, that

of a residential community of dedicated citizens trying to

preserve the history, the country atmosphere and the gifts

of nature bestowed upon it.

When the village was incorporated in 1941,

community leaders sought to preserve its rural quality.

The Village charter states: “It is the purpose and intent

of the people of Indian Hill that the character and uses

of the area within the Village may not be changed, and it

shall continue to be a rural neighborhood.” Today, nearly

one-fourth of the Village is permanently protected as part

of the Green Areas Trust and the Greenacres Foundation.

A firm zoning policy designates one, three, and five acre

sites throughout Indian Hill, and there are no multiple

housing, commercial establishments, or office buildings.

In addition to Indian Hill, there are also several

other wonderful communities whose residents make up a

large and important part of our beloved Indian Hill Church.

Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchThe Village of Indian Hill

Quality education, both public and private

Its own service department for waste disposal and road maintenance

Varied and well patronized recreational facilities, an arboretum, nature preserves and an estimated 150 miles of horse trails

Its own water supply

Exceptionally fine police and fire departments

Four churches, an active historical society, boy scouts, girl scouts and numerous cultural and garden clubs.

All of these communities, which include Loveland, Madeira,

Mariemont, Milford, Montgomery, Symmes Township,

Sycamore Township and Terrace Park to name a few have

equally notable distinctions in education and community

living. All of these areas, including Indian Hill, offer excellent

school districts, a wide variety of housing areas, vast

and diverse community offerings, and most importantly

wonderful places that we all proudly call home.

The Village is governed by an elected council and a professional manager. It has: