Estate Planning
Join the Ogilvy Circle at St. Thomas today...
Since its merger with St. Philip's in "Albion, Ohio" (now the Bonnie Park area of Strongsville) in 1864, St. Thomas Episcopal Church has served our Lord Jesus Christ in the southwestern Cuyahoga County communities in a myriad of ways.
In 1893, St. Thomas relocated to its present site at the corner of Bagley Road and Seminary Street in the bustling college town of Berea, Ohio, built the beautiful church building we now know as "Ogilvy Chapel", and expanded its Christian ministries out into the growing communities surrounding it. The chapel is named for John Ogilvy of Strongsville, who bequeathed a substantial portion of his estate to build the church at that time. Mr. Ogilvy was also esteemed in the area as "one of the founding father's of the town of Strongsville," and it is entirely fitting that we have named our Benefactors' Society in his honor.
Over the many years since, St. Thomas has relied upon generation after generation of Episcopalians in Northeast Ohio to fund its expanding mission to represent God in loving service to all people.
In 1961, a new and much larger church building was erected for its booming congregation, with the magnificent Great Steeple of St. Thomas - capped by its stunning finial cross - to serve as a beacon of hope to all who pass by.
To continue the work so well begun by our predecessors, we ask all who love St. Thomas to consider joining the prestigious "Ogilvy Circle", whose members have included the parish in their Will or other estate plans.
Since 1994, St. Thomas has been the recipient of the generosity of former member, Harriet Harkess, whom we honored in the naming of our parish hall. The Trust she created for St. Thomas has enabled the parish to continue functioning at a high level of service, providing inspiration to thousands of members and so many others in our extended community.
More recently, the family of longtime member, Ellen Darling, provided funding for the creation of our Christian Education classroom area, now enjoyed by the entire parish, not just our youngest members.
These wonderful gifts are just two examples of the many which continue to sustain us in our sacred work at St. Thomas. Now you have the opportunity to help us continue this precious legacy.
Imagine the Holy Baptism yet to be performed; the wedding ceremonies yet to be celebrated; the scores of children yet to be raised in the faith; the saving help we will continue to offer to members of our community. These ministries - and many more - await your support.
We would be pleased to discuss including St. Thomas in your estate plans with you. In fact, "wills" are just one way to include St. Thomas in your longterm and estate giving. To suit your individual needs, St. Thomas also offers:
- Stock and other asset transfers
- Annuities (fixed and variable)
- Trust arrangements
- Memorial gifts
These and other financial vehicles are available to help you direct your contributions to the parish in a way that you will find most convenient and meaningful. Please ask us about these other estate planning opportunities!
Contact the Church Office and make an appointment with our Rector to receive more information on this most important topic. Your confidentiality is assured.
Just call (440)234-5241
Tuesday through Friday
Suggested Wording* when including St. Thomas in your will:
"After fulfilling all other provisions for my heirs, I give, devise and bequest (___%) of what remains of my estate (or $___) to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, a charitable corporation located at 50 East Bagley Road, Berea, Ohio 44017."
*Be sure to consult with your attorney before using this suggested wording, and follow your attorney's advice on this and all other legal matters related to your estate planning.