ST. MARY'S SPEAKERS 2026

2026 CALENDAR OF SERVICES

Services are held at St. Mary’s 5:30 p.m. on specific Sundays, and on Thanksgiving Eve and December 23rd for Christmas. These are led by clergy, lay readers and parishioners of St. Matthew’s and St. Mary's, with diverse civic and religious leaders as guest speakers at each service. Many parishioners have chosen to be baptized or married in this lovely historic church.

Sunday, May 3, 5:30 pm

Judy Culbreth, Eloise Luquer: Daughter of the Church

Author of "Bedford Garden Club Originals: New York's Eloise Luquer and Delia Marble," Judy became fascinated with the prior residents of her daughter, Brett Cameron's, Bedford home - Airlie Farm.  Eloise and Delia were early 20th c. progressives, pioneering ways in which women could collaborate to play a role in society, helping to found the Bedford Free Library and the Bedford Agricultural Training Camp of the Women's Land Army during World War I.  They were also active in the Garden Club of America and the Bedford Garden Club. Eloise's father, the Rev. Lea Luquer, was rector of St. Matthew's Church for 50 years.

Summer 2026 will be devoted the continuing renovation of our historic building.

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Sunday, October 18, 10:20 am

Joint service with Antioch Baptist Church at Antioch Baptist Church, Bedford Hills

We invite you to join us for this wonderful annual service at Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford Hills for a joyful celebration of music, fellowship, and community. Antioch's Reverend Merle McJunkin will be joined on the altar by St. Matthew's Reverend John Zahl. Antioch Baptist Church is one of Bedford’s longest-standing churches. Antioch's choir is extraordinary and, with Antioch’s Music Director James Farley on the keyboard and Earl Brown on the organ, this is always an inspired and moving service!

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Wednesday, November 25, 5:30 pm

Thanksgiving Eve Service: The Rev. John Zahl

For our traditional Thanksgiving Service, we welcome back Reverend John Zahl, the Rector of St. Mary’s Church and St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford. A strong spiritual leader in our community, Reverend Zahl will lead this service filled with reflections of gratitude, seasonal readings, and hymns. James Farley, Antioch Baptist’s Music Director, and members of the Antioch Baptist Church choir will provide musical accompaniment.

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Wednesday, December 23,  5:30 pm  

Festive Christmas Service: The Rev. Merle McJunkin and the Rev. John Zahl

We welcome back Reverend Merle McJunkin, Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, for our cherished annual Christmas service of lessons and carols. James Farley, Antioch Baptist’s Music Director, and members of the Antioch choir will lead the congregation in soul-stirring holiday song. This wonderful service, filled with the joy of the season, always fills the church to the rafters!