Welcome to The Church of the Good Shepherd, an enduring testament of faith nestled in the heart of Silver City since 1873. Our hallowed origins are traced back to the pioneering spirit of The Rev. Edward Silvan Cross, who, upon his arrival in 1889, bestowed upon us a name that reflects the nurturing and protective spirit of our community.
Our sacred journey took root in the tranquil town of Silver City, where the cornerstone of our current spiritual home was laid with hope and blessings in June of 1892. This historic event was presided over by the then-Rector, The Rev. Albert R. Lloyd, and the esteemed Rt. Rev. J.M. Kendrick, D.D. With walls echoing the divine harmony, the inaugural services within our beloved sanctuary commenced in the fall of 1893.
The stewardship of our church has been graced by a lineage of devoted rectors, each leaving an indelible mark on our ministry. Among them were notable servants like The Rev. W. Henry Ruffner, who guided us through the dawn of a new century from 1900 to 1906, and The Rev. Ross R. Calvin, Ph.D., an acclaimed author whose tenure spanned from 1927 to 1941. We honor the dedication of The Rev. David E. Holt, The Rev. Clifton M. Henderson—the first to journey to Silver City not for the healing air, but for the nourishment of souls—and The Rev. Gerald Griffin, each of whom weaved their unique threads into the rich tapestry of our history.
Marking a pivotal milestone, The Rev. Robert L. Ihlefeld shepherded our congregation into a new era from 1988 until 2008.
Our legacy was immortalized in the cherished ‘Centennial History of the Church of the Good Shepherd,’ penned in 1991 by Jean W. Henderson, honoring the spirit and stories that have shaped our journey.
Our cherished edifice stands as a beacon of tradition and beauty. Built from timeless red brick in 1892-1893, it embodies a traditional cruciform design enriched with ecclesiastical motifs. Our sanctuary is adorned with memorials of profound beauty, from the radiant stained-glass windows to the meticulously crafted altar, each element telling a story of devotion.
Embracing the past while looking to the future, we introduced a serene columbarium in 2005, offering a sacred space of remembrance at the fore of our church, just behind the baptismal font.
Our church offers a welcoming sanctuary with seating for approximately 150 congregants, inviting all to gather and worship.
Our grounds are also home to the original rectory, built in 1902 under the stewardship of The Rev. Ruffner. This historic building, now named Henderson Hall, has transitioned from a private residence to the bustling hub of our church offices. Furthering our commitment to community, the early 1920s saw the addition of a parish hall, expanded in 1960-1961 to serve our flourishing Sunday school and the spiritual growth of our congregation.
The Church of the Good Shepherd proudly continues its legacy of faith, community, and spiritual nourishment. We invite you to be a part of our story, where history and faith live in harmony.
