Chapel of the Good Shepherd
The Episcopal Church at Purdue University
About Us
Our history and character are typical of the last 50 years of Episcopal Campus Ministry in the U.S. We are somewhat left of center. Our doors are open to anyone. We attract many seekers. Come and see what we have to offer.
Good Shepherd
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1956, Good Shepherd is an organized chapel mission (canon 19) of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. The diocese provides 75% of our funding for clergy compensation and the mortgage.
The program is supervised by the Chapel Council (Bishop’s Committee) of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, and by the Bishop of the Diocese of Indianapolis whose ordinary delegate is the Commission on Ministry in Higher Education.
History
1956
Irene Allman is employed by the Diocese of Indianapolis as Director of the Purdue Episcopal Student Center (Canterbury House) at 129 Russell.
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1960
The Rev. Ellsworth E. Koonz is called to be the Chaplain and Vicar off the Episcopal Church at Purdue University. The church took its name from the chapel at Canterbury House; “Good Shepherd”. The ministry was sponsored by the National Council’s Division of College Work, the Diocese of Indianapolis, and the Purdue Canterbury Association.
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1963
The church relocates to the former Federated Church Building at the corner of Chauncey and Columbia St.
1968
The Rev. William Klatt is added to the church’s staff.
1970
Father Klatt becomes Chaplain and Vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd.
1976
Problems with the Federated Church Building lead to its sale (under Bishop Craine) and to the establishment of an endowment for the ministry. The church moves into offices in the Wesley Foundation Building, 435 W. State St., across from the Purdue Memorial Union.
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1983
In April, an external review led by the Rev. Phil Schroeder (Center for Campus Ministry-Valaparaiso) concludes that there is a need for “an increased priority to outreach, especially to undergrads” at Good Shepherd. Father Klatt resigns, taking a new position at St. Barnabbas, Gary.
1984
A Search Committee composed of Good Shepherd members, members of St. John’s (Lafayette), and diocesan representatives convenes, developing a Parish Profile which begins “The Episcopal Campus Ministry/Church of the Good Shepherd serves the Purdue University community rather than a more generally populated geographic region.”
1985
The Rev. Peter J. Bunder is called as Chaplain and Vicar. Deacon Nancy Tiederman is moved by Bishop Jones from St. John’s to Good Shepherd.
1986
Good Shepherd changes canonical standing and becomes an “Organized Chapel Mission”, relieving concerns at St. John’s (Lafayette) regarding a “westside parish”.
1993
The Rev. Nancy Tiederman, long time vocational deacon, is ordained priest. Her family moves to Gainesville, Florida, and she becomes chaplain at the University of Florida.
1995
Good Shepherd’s vestry votes to move to a house owned by the Purdue Research Foundation at 545 Hayes St. in a response to proposed Methodist rent increases.
2005
Good Shepherd’s vestry votes to buy property at 610 Meridian St. from the Church of Christ Scientist in order to help grow and have a permanent home.
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2006
Celebrating our 50th. Anniversary!
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