By Mary O’KEEFE

Earlier this month Rev. Bryan Jones passed away. Bryan was the vicar of St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church from 2010 to 2015. He truly captained the church back into Episcopal waters after a long battle between the Episcopal diocese and some of the members of the former congregation who had voted to leave the Episcopal diocese and align themselves under the jurisdiction of Uganda Anglican Church. 

In 2010 the court gave the historic church at 2563 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta back to the Episcopal diocese and Bryan was tasked with not only building the congregation but to also bring trust back to those who were still hurting by the vote and the court battle. Bryan did this by opening the doors and welcoming all to the table. 

I was part of the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition at the time Bryan came to St. Luke’s. In fact, before he was announced as the new vicar I was in contact with then Bishop Jon Bruno, who told me he had chosen the perfect person to lead St. Luke’s 

I had been talking to Bishop Bruno about the possibility of using the small stone building that was on the church’s campus as a youth center, now known as the Fire House. The bishop told me Bryan had a background in organizing centers like this and would talk to me about any ideas I had. 

I spoke to Bryan before he even took the reins officially at St. Luke’s and knew right away we were blessed to have him. 

Bryan told me his philosophy for growing the church came from St. Patrick, who invited all to a community feast – and that is what Bryan did with the church and the Fire House. 

There was never any judgment; everyone was welcome and everyone was fed. 

For about six months prior to opening the Fire House, Bryan worked with a group that included psychologists, youth mentors, church leaders and, most importantly, teenagers to create the Fire House. He listened to all of us; he offered guidance but did not take over with his own vision. He created a timeline that we all followed and not once did he make any of us feel our input was not valued. So when the Fire House was ready to open its doors, we all felt an ownership and a responsibility for the center. 

And that is what Bryan did for St. Luke’s as well. Congregation members felt they were welcomed and their ideas would be listened to and considered. He didn’t always agree with everyone but he did respect anyone who wanted to help the church. 

He guided us all as we rebuilt St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and congregants from all walks of life felt safe and heard when they entered the old stone church. 

Because of Bryan the Fire House was there after tragedies at Crescenta Valley High School and La Cañada High School – from students who died by suicide to others who lost their lives in car accidents. His philosophy of just opening the doors to those who needed to be helped through faith, regardless of their beliefs, was the foundation that built the youth center. 

Being able to give students a place for students to gather, which included thoughtful mentorship, is still what guides the Fire House. 

I have always believed that God puts people in our lives at the time we need them most and Bryan was that person sent to all of us.