About Our Church

"May all who enter our church feel safe and welcome."

The Episcopal Church of Wisconsin (now the Diocese of Milwaukee) was established in 1836 when the Wisconsin Territory was identified as the location for a church. Three young deacons held services in school rooms and courthouses within a 50-mile circuit around the Root River. In 1842, an Episcopal parish was formed in Racine and the first church was erected on the east side of Main Street, across from the Monument Square - St. Luke's. After a devastating fire in 1866, within six months the cornerstone of the present structure was laid.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church is a "church with roots from the past and wings to the future." Rooted in the Anglican tradition, as expressed in the Episcopal Church, and liturgical expression of worship, study, prayer and music, we are guided to celebrate the gospel by giving each day in service to our families, friends and neighbors. We believe that God calls us to be continual examples of Christian love and behavior. We are committed to carrying God's message of love into a hurting world, remembering always the command of Jesus to "clothe the naked, feed the hungry, care for the sick, visit those in prison, and welcome the stranger among us." We invite and welcome all people into a closer relationship with god through prayer, music, study, and reaching out into the community.

For more than 175 years, St. Luke's has had a strong and consistent presence in the Racine community including the founding of Racine College (now the DeKoven Center), the Taylor Home Orphanage, St. Luke's Hospital (now part of Ascension All Saints Healthcare), the Racine Vocational Ministry, and the Hospitality Center. St. Luke's has not only been the source of pastoral care for thousands in the Racine community, it has been the seed plantar for other parish ministries and a hospital ministry.

In the spirit of many who have done and continue to do, we give thanks and glory to God.

Thank you for your interest. Please browse our website to learn more about us and know that you are always welcome. 

Our Mission is to...

 ...invite people to become closer to God, and to live in service.

Our Vision is for...

...all people to be guided by God to live in service, receiving acceptance, love, and strength from God and each other

Holy Sacraments

Holy Baptism 

This chief Sacrament of the Church is the initiation of members into the Body of Christ through the pouring of water and invoking the name of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person is then anointed with the Oil of Chrism and marked as Christ's own forever. A baptized person becomes a full member of the Church, eligible to receive the other Sacraments of the Church. Anyone desiring Holy Baptism should contact the Rector for further information and instruction. Baptisms are normally held 4 times a year: Easter, Pentecost, All Saints, and the Baptism of our Lord.

Holy Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion, Mass) is the principal service on Sundays at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The service is celebrated according to the Eucharistic Rites found in the Book of Common Prayer. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion at our altar.

Holy Confirmation

A sacramental rite of the Church in which adults and older youth make a public profession of faith and renew their baptismal vows. The Bishop presides at this service and lays hands on each person's head in a sacred gesture invoking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide each one in their Christian journey. Instruction for adults and youth are available each year.

Holy Matrimony

The sacrament of the Church that binds couples together in a life-long commitment, and concludes with God's blessing of the marriage offered through prayer by the presiding priest. St. Luke's Church is available for weddings which can be officiated by St. Luke's clergy or others. Please contact the Parish Office for further information.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The confession of sins to a priest of the Church brings about forgiveness, healing, renewal, and restoration. This sacramental rite is offered several times a year in the parish and any time by appointment.

Holy Unction

A sacramental rite of the Church for anyone needing healing of mind, body, or spirit. The sacrament includes the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. It is appropriate to ask for this sacrament at any time healing is needed.

Holy Orders

The Church maintains the traditional Sacred Orders of Ministry: Deacon, Priest, and Bishop. Persons chosen, educated and presented to the Bishop are Ordained in a solemn service for particular ministries described in the Ordination Rite for each Order. Each Order of Ministry is open to both women and men.