History of St. Luke's
In 1954, a passing reference in the Diocese of Louisiana newspaper noted that "a new mission is needed in the Broadmoor section of Baton Rouge". In 1955 Bishop Jones informed the diocesan convention of Louisiana that "steps are now being taken to organize a congregation in the Broadmoor-Goodwood section of Baton Rouge."
These notices are the beginning of our parish history. The congregation was organized in the home of Dr. William O. Vennard in 1956 and later moved to Goodwood Elementary School. Early parishioners brought their own cushions to use as kneelers. Ironically, one of the officiants during this period was the Reverend Clarence C. Pope, Jr., who was to return in 1962 as Rector and remain for some twenty-one years until he become Bishop of Fort Worth.
Saint Luke's was admitted to the Diocese as a parish in 1957 under the direction of the Reverend Robert D. Hall. With back breaking hours of work by parishioners on weekends and holidays, temporary buildings were erected at the intersection of Lobdell Boulevard and Jefferson Highway. This period of Saint Luke's history has come to be called the "cow pasture" era. Some parishioners today remember that the cows in the pasture worshipped right along, pushing their heads through the open windows. Later, Mrs. Eleanor Witter was to give Saint Luke's seven acres of land in the old Goodwood Plantation, site of the present church. The first permanent building, the present Church, was completed in July of 1964, at which time the temporary buildings were moved, refurbished, and put to use. Three of these buildings survive and serve as offices for the parish and its day school as well as for youth ministry. Many buildings have been added to our campus over the years; our newest building is the Activity Center, providing a gym, classrooms, and administrative space for middle school grades as well as sports opportunities for our parish family.
Saint Luke's Day School was established in 1957 with eight Kindergarten students. Now in our fiftieth year, Saint Luke's School offers quality education and formation for grades Pre-K through Eight.
The Reverend Charles E. Jenkins was called to Saint Luke's in 1985, and under his direction the Share the Vision/Shape the Future program produced Eleanor Witter Hall with its wonderful kitchen,three additional classrooms, and three nurseries. The Expand the Vision capital funds drive provided the Noland Educational Building and renovations to Pope Hall, including a music suite, Bride's Room, and attractive Library. In September 1997, Father Jenkins was elected Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Louisiana. Bishop Jenkins was Consecrated on 31 January 1998. The Reverend Eric B. Williams was called to be the fourth Rector of Saint Luke's Church in the fall of 1998. The fifth Rector of Saint Luke's, The Reverend Canon R. Brien Koehler, SSC, was called in the year 2001.
Our Goodwood campus has grown to more than twenty-two acres. A full master plan for development of buildings for our many ministries, including our day school, will ensure the orderly and appropriate development of our urban resource.
Over the years, the Parish has been blessed with members whose dedication to service has helped it to attain the present status. The names are legion but many who helped a fledgling mission to become a reality are still actively engaged in the work of the Parish. From a membership of 80 confirmed persons in 1956, we now number more than 1700 baptized members.
