Vision
Be a welcoming, multicultural and diverse church with strong Anglican traditions that includes ministries working together for the expansion of the Kingdom of God.
Anglican Communion · Multicultural vocationWho we are
Our parish identity
We are a multicultural Episcopal community in the Anglican tradition, living our faith through worship, service, formation, and fellowship in Parque Lefevre, Panama.
Who we are
A community of faith and hope
St. Christopher brings people and families together to celebrate faith in Jesus Christ, grow in community, and serve our neighbors. We honor a history built by generations of clergy, leaders, and parishioners.
Mission
We proclaim faith in Jesus Christ through worship, fellowship, serving, praying, studying and teaching of the Bible, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Worship · Prayer · Christian service
Guiding values
Meaning and biblical reference
We strive to show people how to be followers of Jesus Christ by the way we live, both in word and in action, so that they may fulfill God’s will and purpose for themselves, their families, the church, and the community.
Matthew 28:19 (DHH)Meaning and biblical reference
We give and are faithful stewards of God’s gifts to us for the growth of His Work and Kingdom, as an example and in service to others.
1 Peter 4:10 (DHH)Meaning and biblical reference
We offer a Christian home to God’s people in all their diversity, who seek to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and share in Christian community.
John 13:34 (DHH)Meaning and biblical reference
We show God’s love to others by serving with a willing and loving heart in accordance with the Gospel.
Matthew 25:40 (DHH)Meaning and biblical reference
We encourage clergy and laity to lead and serve within the church and the community, empowering them to use their gifts and talents to fulfill the Mission.
Psalm 78:72 (DHH)Meaning and biblical reference
We value each member of our church family as we reach our goals, cultivate God-centered ministries, and work together as members of the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:14 (DHH)Our history
A living legacy in Panama
From worship in Rio Abajo homes to parish life today, this history remembers the people who built the community.
Early 1930s
Worship in Rio Abajo
The Rev. Arthur Nightingale holds services in two neighborhood homes.
July 23, 1939
Mission dedicated
The St. Christopher mission is officially dedicated by Bishop Harry Beal.
1940
Lemuel Shirley joins the mission
The Rev. Lemuel Shirley is assigned to St. Christopher’s.
April 23, 1942
Priest-in-charge
According to the recovered English history, Lemuel Shirley becomes Priest-in-charge.
April 28, 1946
Church consecrated
Bishop Herber Gooden consecrates St. Christopher’s Church.
1965
A vocation for education
The Rev. Clarence W. Hayes starts Instituto Episcopal San Cristóbal in the rectory.
August 9, 1999
Economic independence
According to the historical source, St. Christopher’s becomes the first self-supporting parish in the Diocese of Panama.
Today
A continuing mission
The community continues its life of faith, formation, service, and fellowship.
The story behind the milestones
A mission born in Rio Abajo
St. Christopher’s grew from the missionary spirit of members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In the early 1930s, Arthur Nightingale held services in two Rio Abajo homes, including that of Edward and Clarice Phillips. Samuel Holder and other St. Paul’s members canvassed the neighborhood about the need for an Episcopal presence. The positive response led to rented space in the basement of Edificio 1090.
A community takes shape
An organ from St. Paul’s and pews from St. Luke’s Cathedral helped turn that space into a house of worship. Clarence Cragwell, assisted by Samuel Holder and Louise Thompson, led the Daily Offices and Church School. Lemuel Shirley was assigned to the mission in 1940 and became Priest-in-charge on April 23, 1942. John Blackman served as Lay Reader and Church School Superintendent; Beatrice Heslop and Emily Butcher organized the choir, while Eloise Wynter Small and Beatrice Heslop sewed vestments. The women of the mission also raised funds for a church of their own.
From land to church
The congregation bought land on Calle 10 in Parque Lefevre. A grant from the Women’s Auxiliary supported plans for a church, parish hall, and rectory. War and Bishop Harry Beal’s sudden death delayed construction. Bishop Herber Gooden renewed the effort, secured an additional grant, and J. C. Wright helped with the final plans. The church was consecrated on April 28, 1946.
Education, independence, and continuity
In 1965, Clarence W. Hayes started Instituto Episcopal San Cristóbal in the rectory. On August 9, 1999, through the efforts of the Rev. Canon Dennis Josiah, the parish became self-supporting within the Diocese of Panama. The community continues to serve through worship, formation, service, and fellowship.
Clergy connected with St. Christopher’s history include the Rev. Arthur Nightingale, Lemuel Shirley, Theodore Daniels, Clarence Hayes, Dennis Josiah, Michael Dreshback, and Martín Barahona. Julio E. Murray grew up in the parish and led the youth group and Men’s Fellowship.
Our Anglican identity
Our Anglican way
Anglican names our Christian tradition rooted in the Church of England and connected through the Anglican Communion. Episcopal refers to our tradition of governance and pastoral ministry by bishops. Our faith takes shape in prayer, sacramental life, and the conversation among Scripture, tradition, and reason.
Faith
Scripture and Creeds
We profess the Trinitarian Christian faith, grounded in Scripture and expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.
Sacraments
Baptism and Eucharist
Baptism and Eucharist are central to our worship and common life.
Tradition
Bishops, tradition, and reason
Bishops are part of the historic episcopate. The Anglican via media seeks balance and dialogue with Scripture, tradition, and reason.
Communion
A worldwide family
Our parish is part of a family of Anglican churches joined by faith, worship, and communion.
Our Anglican family
A local community in a worldwide communion
These connections describe belonging within the church. The Anglican Communion brings together autonomous provinces rather than a single chain of command.
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Anglican Communion
A worldwide family of Anglican churches.
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IARCA
Iglesia Anglicana de la Región Central de América
An Anglican Communion province that brings together dioceses in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Its constitution as a new Province was formalized on April 18, 1998.
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Episcopal Church of Panama
The Episcopal church in Panama, connected to this regional and worldwide family.
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St. Christopher’s Episcopal Parish
Our community of faith and service in Parque Lefevre.
Our parish life
How we are organized
The documented structure brings together pastoral care, parish governance, administration, and service. These are connected areas of community life, not a single rigid chain of command.
Pastoral leadership
The Rector or Priest-in-Charge accompanies the community’s pastoral life.
Parish Vestry
Shares with the Rector the responsibility to accompany and watch over parish life and mission.
Parish Office
An area of administrative service for the parish.
Parish Committees
Areas of parish work. The Events and Fundraising Committee is currently led by Prof. Patricia Lewis.
Ministries and Organizations
Expressions of worship, formation, prayer, fellowship, and service presented on our Community Life page.
Pastoral leadership
Current pastoral leadership
The community is currently under the pastoral care of:
Rev. Can. Luis F. Cáceres
Rector
Structure and responsibilities
What the Parish Vestry is and does
The Parish Vestry is the parish’s elected body, sharing with the Rector responsibility for accompanying and watching over the life and mission of the Parish. Each member takes an active part in its activities and in parish life.
Composition
Two wardens, up to nine members (at least five to conduct a meeting), the Treasurer ex officio, and the Rector or Priest-in-Charge. Members are elected at the Annual Parish Meeting.
Requirements
Be baptized, over 18, and an active parish member; be a confirmed communicant in good standing; and have a financial commitment to the church.
Term of service
Each member serves two years and may be reelected for one additional two-year term. A year must then pass before another election.
General responsibilities
Oversee the maintenance of parish property and the parish’s business affairs; select a new Rector when the position is vacant; and evaluate its own work and effectiveness.
Responsibilities by role
Senior WardenRead responsibilities
Appointed by the parish Rector. Leads the process of selecting a priest when there is no Rector, works closely with the Rector, and serves as liaison with the Diocesan Office. Responsible for parish and service records.
Junior WardenRead responsibilities
Elected by the Vestry from among its members. Primarily responsible for parish buildings and serves as a spokesperson for parishioners.
WardensRead responsibilities
Both watch over the buildings, keeping them in good condition and open during services. In the Rector’s absence, they chair Vestry meetings in order of seniority: first the Senior Warden, then the Junior Warden.
SecretaryRead responsibilities
Elected by the Vestry from among its members. Keeps the Vestry’s records, minutes, and actions and certifies that the parish has elected its delegates to the Diocesan Convention.
Parish TreasurerRead responsibilities
Chosen by the Vestry. May or may not be a Vestry member; in our parish, serves ex officio. Maintains parish financial and business records and prepares monthly financial reports for the Vestry.
People currently serving
Canonical structure and service
Parish Vestry
Lay leadership dedicated to the governance and service of St. Christopher Episcopal Parish.
Institutional term · 2026–2027Vestry Officers
Senior Warden
Vielka Arthur
Junior Warden
Rolando Bowen
Secretary
Tania Edghill
Assistant Junior Warden
Kayra Johnson
Assistant Secretary
Nelson Edwards
Parish Vestry Members
2026
- Jewell Willock
- Priscilla Mc Queen
- Jordan Lennan
- Jeanette Lord
2027
- Tania Edghill
- Rolando Bowen
- Kayra Johnson
- Nelson Edwards
- Mirna Bloomfield-Whyte
Institutional service
Office Personnel
Administrator
Debra N. Headley
Administrative Secretary
Jennifer De León
Treasurer
Xenia E. Shockness
Sexton
Darla Brown