New priest joins Episcopal church in Sidney

Edna Dragdowski is the new priest in charge of Christ Episcopal Church on 10th Avenue in Sidney.

Dragdowski is excited to take over the helm at the church. She feels the opportunity to integrate herself in the Sidney community will be fulfilling – mentally and spiritually.

"It's just a tremendous opportunity to work with God's people in a different part of the church," Dragdowski said. "The ability to come in and work with a congregation that has so much history and vibrancy is very exciting to me.

"I'm looking forward to working with this parish and learning how we can serve the town of Sidney," she said, "I'm also looking forward to seeing how we can bring the gospel outside the church and into the community. I'm here to guide, direct, teach and preach."

Dragdowski grew up in the Washington D.C. area then moved to South Georgia to go to college. While in college she met her husband Jim. She and Jim soon got married and raised their children in Georgia.

Before realizing her calling in the ministry, Dragdowski worked for the Georgia school system for 30 years as a teacher, guidance counselor and behavior interventionist.

Dragdowski said that she felt her calling to the ministry around 1994. She finished her career in education and then worked her way toward beginning her priesthood. She attended the Vancouver School of theology in Vancouver, British Columbia where she was a priest for nine years.

"The Episcopal church is an inclusive church," Dragdowski said. "We open our red doors to everyone. We hope to share the message of the gospel and the love that God has for all of his children with the people in this community. This is a very loving and caring community.

"The people at Christ Episcopal Church of Sidney have been here for a very long time. They have a desire to share God's love with each other and with the community. I think like every church in America we're trying to figure out exactly how to do that."

Christ Episcopal Church was built between 1886 and 1887, making it one of Sidney's most storied landmarks. It was associated with Fort Sidney and Company I, 21st Infantry that was comprised of Native Americans commanded by a white officer. The church continues to serve Sidney.

The church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. A servitude of 128 years to the Sidney community has caused it to be dubbed, "Mother Church of the Panhandle."

Dragdowski said she feels that the church is in rebuilding mode and would love to appeal to younger followers as well as young adults.

The church has services on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. that serve as a healing service filled with contemporary music. The Sunday service begins at 10 a.m.