Local church holds red door blessing

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Many Episcopal churches can easily be identified by their red doors.

On Sunday, Copperas Cove’s St. Martin’s Episcopal Church blessed the doors of the church prior to the church’s Pentecost service.

The church recently painted their doors red, and sought to bless them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

“We bless things that are precious or holy,” said Vicar Paulette Magnuson who performed the blessing.

“In the early days of the church, red doors signified a place of safety and refuge,” said Magnusson. “Behind those doors was holy ground, and people were protected from both physical and spiritual evil…These red doors invite all who come into a space filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Historically, any person being hunted or persecuted—no matter the cause—could seek sanctuary if they made it past the red doors of the church. 

Now, many Episcopal churches continue the tradition of painting their doors red as a sign that their churches are havens for emotional and spiritual healing. 

They promote the idea that their buildings are a place of refuge, safety, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

“I think it’s a nice tradition and a good idea,” said Joyce Friels, a member of the church.

“It helps this place feel more spiritual,” said Liani Rivera, an acolyte for the church. “It helps keep evil away.”