After the end of World War II, suburban areas around Detroit started to grow with the influx of young new families. With that growth came the need for more parishes. A group of Episcopalians known as the South Berkley Circle of St. John’s in Royal Oak, sought the backing they would need to establish a church where their children could be baptized and confirmed in their own community. With the sponsorship of St. James, Birmingham they became known as St. James Chapel, Berkley.

The first Holy Eucharist service was celebrated on March 2, 1952 by the Rev. Harold E. Towne, the Rector of St. James, Birmingham. Forty-nine adults and 30 children assembled in the gym of Oxford School in Berkley. With the Rev. Towne’s direction, the mission was then served by Captain Eric Kast of the Church Army. The first vicar and resident priest, the Rev. Herbert Barsale, was called in June of 1953.

In October of 1956, the congregation laid the cornerstone at our present location and on November 11 of the same year, the parish held its first service in what was then known as St. David’s Mission, Southfield.  A chapel (currently our fellowship hall) and four classrooms were built. The chapel had the capacity of 129 people. The interior decorating and tiling of the floors were accomplished by those parishioners.

The Rev. Herbert G. Myers was called as St. David’s second vicar and by December 29, 1959, St. David’s became a self-supporting parish. In May of 1960, the Rev. Myers became the first Rector of St. David’s serving the parish until 1973.

Our name, St. David’s, was chosen because our first service was held  the day after the March 1 Feast of St. David of Wales. 

There are many artifacts and mementos that are a part of St. David’s history. The most prominent one is the cross that hangs on the front of the balcony. 

This cross was fashioned out of brass pieces the early members contributed for this purpose. Fr. Arlain Taylor, a priest and long time member of St. David’s, oversaw the project. A retired Episcopal priest, and friend of Fr. Taylor, fashioned a cross and candlesticks in his small foundry. This also recalls the fact that our chapel is named for Fr. Taylor who was a wonderful example for all of us.

On the back wall of the Narthex, on what we call the history wall, you will see a wrought iron group composed of three pieces that are the alpha, the omega, and a piece that depicts St. David. The piece represents the hills of Wales and a dove carrying a leek. These were made for Father Myers, St. David’s first rector, by his father, a blacksmith in Ohio. They were originally hung above the altar.  Also on this wll is a stone from the origianl St. David's Cathedral in Wales, presented to us by the Rev. Canon Davies, the rector at St. John's, Plymouth.

Another symbol which you see in our church documents, including at the top of our newsletter, is the Dove. The dove represents the time when St. David needed a miracle. He was addressing a large group who had come to hear him, but they complained that they could not see or hear him. Suddenly the ground rose underneath him forming a hill on which he stood. At the same moment a dove descended and perched on St. David’s shoulder. The white dove was a sign of God’s grace and blessing.

With the leadership of a very faithful laity and many priests over the years, St David’s continues to grow in faith and mission.

Today, our parish is much more diverse. We come from many places yet seek the same things our founding families sought - a loving community to grow in faith. We remain the friendly family that welcomes new members as we seek to show the light of Christ to others.

Priests and Deacons who have served at St. Davids:

The Very Rev Chris Yaw, Sixth Rector, 2007-present

The Rev Nancy Turner-Jones, Fifth Rector, 2004-2007

The Rev Donald Duford, Fourth Rector, 2001-2003

The Rev Gary Callahan, Third Rector, 1977-1999

The Rev Barton DeMerchant , Second Rector, 1974-1976

The Rev M. Arlain Taylor, Interim Rector, 1973-1974

The Rev Herbert G. Myers, First Rector, 1957-1973

The Rev Deacon Albert E. Corner, 1971-2008