Our Founders: L-R: Mr. M. Knowles, Mr. A.L. Wilkins, Mr. A. Saunders
Construction of the current building in progress in the late 1940's.
Our History
The Episcopal Church of Hallandale Beach, designated as St. Anne's Church, was organized in 1914 by a group of Bahamians who had come to this part of Florida bringing with them their right traditions of the Anglican Church in the Bahamas. First services were held in a wooden building at the corner of what is now Dixie Highway and Foster Road which was owned by Mr. A. L. Wilkins, one of the founders of the new congregation. Used as a pool hall room Monday through Saturday, it was converted into a church on Sunday. The first recorded visitation of a Bishop was a confirmation in 1919. Mr. Neely Sands II, of Rock Sound, Eleuthera, now deceased, and father of Mr. Robert Sands of St. Anne, was confirmed by the Rt. Rev'd Cameron Mann, then Bishop of South Florida. The present property at the corner of Northwest First Avenue and Seventh Street was purchased in 1921 and a small wooden church was erected which served until it was destroyed in the 1926 hurricane.
In 1927 funds from the national head-quarters of the Episcopal Church in New York were provided for a new building. This building served until Labor Day 1935 when it was also destroyed by a hurricane. Nothing was left of the building except the church bell which was used by the City of Hallandale Beach during World War II as an air raid warning. Left without a church building, members worshiped in the homes of various parishioners; notably, Mr. Melbourne Knowles and Mr. Ansel D. Saunders and in various schools and other churches in the community. Finally, a faithful remnant determined that St. Anne's Church should be rebuilt.
Ladies of the congregation held many dinner sales in an attempt to raise the necessary funds. Mr. David N. Laramore, a beloved member, later to become Rev'd Deacon David N. Laramore of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Fort Lauderdale was enlisted to aid in the building project. Mr. Laramore used the same plans he had drawn for St. Christopher for St. Anne. Mr. Laramore brought his forms and equipment for the manufacture of the concrete blocks used in the construction and had general oversight of the work. How many actually worked on the project is not known. We know that Ansel Saunders, Sr., Melbourne Knowles, Alexander Wilkins, Timothy Gibson, George Major, John Major, Maurice Minnis, and some women pumped water from the Knowles and Saunders wells to fill the barrels with water so the men after a full days work could make the blocks which were used to form the walls of the church. Ninety-five percent of the church walls were laid with handmade blocks. The late William Ingraham Sr., reportedly did the electrical work. Eventually, the walls were up and the Rt. Rev'd John D. Wing, Bishop of the Diocese of South Florida, when presented with what had been accomplished, made a grant of $2,000.00 to complete the construction. First services were held in the new church on Palm Sunday on March 21, 1948 which was conducted by the Late Rev'd John J. Jarrett who was also serving as Vicar at the Church of the Incarnation in Miami.
Only a few of the early records of St. Anne's Church exist. Little is known of the clergy who served St. Anne in those days. Most likely, priests from St. Agnes Episcopal Church, Miami or Christ Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove came for services on a monthly basis. In 1913, the Rev'd Quintin E. Primo was put in charge of all black churches from Ft. Pierce to Hallandale Beach and served until 1934. In the beginning, Mr. Edgecomb served as Lay Reader then Mr. Wilkins. Later he was joined by Mr. Melbourne Knowles. Mr. Ansel D. Saunders served as Senior Warden from 1914 to 1939 with the exception of 1931 to 1932, when Mr. John Major served as Senior Warden. Mr. Melbourne Knowles conducted morning and evening services in the absence of a priest during these years.
In November 1956, the Rev'd Elisha S. Clark, Jr. became the Vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Miami and Priest-in-Charge of St. Anne's. One of the improvements during his tenure at St. Anne's to enhance the divine worship service was organizing a senior choir in order to upgrade the services with a Solemn Choral Eucharist each Sunday. Father Clark initiated St. Anne's first Patronal Festival Celebration in July of 1957. The day began with Solemn Choral Eucharist, a procession and sermon, followed by the Patronal Festival Dinner on the grounds of the church. Later, a Solemn Evensong with Benediction of the Blessed Sacraments in the evening. The acolytes, choir and members of the Church of the Incarnation, Miami , joined St. Anne’s on that first Patronal Festival Celebration.
The present parish hall, which had been an apartment house, was acquired during the Rectorate of the Rev'd George R. Taylor. In addition, the Italian marbled tiled alter was donated from another church during this time.
The Very Rev'd Robert G. Preston came to us on January 1, 1977 after having served as Assist to the Rector of St. Benedict's Church in Plantation and remained with us until December 1991, when he retired. Interim priest, the Rev'd Hobart J. Gary, served from 1992 to 1993. Following a successful search, Father Williamson S. Taylor became Rector in 1993. Under his leadership the membership increased, young adults and youth activities were organized and Children's Sunday was initiated. Our present, beautiful stain glass windows and doors, beautiful ornaments, altar linens, parking lot across from the church were bought and installed during the first five years with Rector, Fr. Williamson S. Taylor. "The Stewardship's Shepard Theme" was established and a quarterly newsletter and taped services were used to keep confined members informed. Father Taylor was also selected to serve as the Dean of the Broward Deanery. The first Deacon of the church, the Late Rev'd Thomas Newton, joined the ministerial staff on March 1, 1996. He came to us from the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew's in Delray Beach . He passed away on the last day of December 1997. May his soul rest in peace.
Beginning in 1999, the parish members acquired additional property and completed planned improvements which included a covered walkway, the replacement of carpet and tile in the church, tile in the parish hall and extensive landscaping on our grounds. In 2001, Deacon Fred Sands joined the ministerial staff. His involvement strengthened our spiritual bond and provided inspiration to the members. The following year, in 2002, The Rev'd Williamson Taylor left to lead a parish in New York . On January 1, 2003, the Rev'd John J. Jarrett, III came to us and served as Priest-in-Charge until December 2007. In October 2003, fifteen of our Acolytes, under the direction and training of Mr. Maceo Brown, Master of Ceremony, along with parent chaperons, brought honor to our door steps and enhanced our history by participating in the National Acolyte Festival at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The Acolytes participation at the National Festival has become a tradition at St. Anne's. In the fall of 2004 - 2009, the Acolytes have returned to the National Cathedral in Washington to participate in the festival. In 2005, the parish hall was completely renovated under the leadership of Pat Tellis, former Senior Warden and George Pinder, III, former Junior Warden. The parish hall now has a Caribbean appeal with wooden tables, chairs and island prints hung on the walls. In January 2008, the Rev'd Fr. Keithly R.S. Warner came to us with 37 years of experience in the ministry. His experience was a factor in his effectiveness during his short tenure with us. Within a few months, he was able to generate a sense of "family" within our congregation with a focus on God, love, togetherness, and teaching. His focus was the foundation of our 94th Patronal Festival theme: "Spreading God's Love While Growing Together as One Family." Father Warner officially retired December 31, 2009. On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Palm Sunday, a new era was born at St. Anne when the Rev’d Dr. Ronald N. Fox joined the St. Anne family. Father Fox has many years of experience and is a positive force as we continue to build for the future.
Listed below are the priests and deacons that served St. Anne's:
The Reverend John J. Jarrett, II
The Reverend Elisha S. Clarke II, 1956 – 1962
The Reverend George R. Taylor, 1968 – 1997
The Reverend Robert G. Preston, 1977 – 1991
The Reverend Hobart J. Gary, 1992 – 1994
The Reverend Williamson S. Taylor, 1994 -2002
Deacon Thomas Newton, 1996 – 2001
Deacon Fred Sands, 2001-2002
The Reverend John J. Jarrett, III, 2002-2007
The Reverend Keithly R.S. Warner, SSC. 2008 - 2009
Current
The Rev. Dr. Ronald N. Fox, Priest-in-Charge (March, 2010)
In 1927 funds from the national head-quarters of the Episcopal Church in New York were provided for a new building. This building served until Labor Day 1935 when it was also destroyed by a hurricane. Nothing was left of the building except the church bell which was used by the City of Hallandale Beach during World War II as an air raid warning. Left without a church building, members worshiped in the homes of various parishioners; notably, Mr. Melbourne Knowles and Mr. Ansel D. Saunders and in various schools and other churches in the community. Finally, a faithful remnant determined that St. Anne's Church should be rebuilt.
Ladies of the congregation held many dinner sales in an attempt to raise the necessary funds. Mr. David N. Laramore, a beloved member, later to become Rev'd Deacon David N. Laramore of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Fort Lauderdale was enlisted to aid in the building project. Mr. Laramore used the same plans he had drawn for St. Christopher for St. Anne. Mr. Laramore brought his forms and equipment for the manufacture of the concrete blocks used in the construction and had general oversight of the work. How many actually worked on the project is not known. We know that Ansel Saunders, Sr., Melbourne Knowles, Alexander Wilkins, Timothy Gibson, George Major, John Major, Maurice Minnis, and some women pumped water from the Knowles and Saunders wells to fill the barrels with water so the men after a full days work could make the blocks which were used to form the walls of the church. Ninety-five percent of the church walls were laid with handmade blocks. The late William Ingraham Sr., reportedly did the electrical work. Eventually, the walls were up and the Rt. Rev'd John D. Wing, Bishop of the Diocese of South Florida, when presented with what had been accomplished, made a grant of $2,000.00 to complete the construction. First services were held in the new church on Palm Sunday on March 21, 1948 which was conducted by the Late Rev'd John J. Jarrett who was also serving as Vicar at the Church of the Incarnation in Miami.
Only a few of the early records of St. Anne's Church exist. Little is known of the clergy who served St. Anne in those days. Most likely, priests from St. Agnes Episcopal Church, Miami or Christ Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove came for services on a monthly basis. In 1913, the Rev'd Quintin E. Primo was put in charge of all black churches from Ft. Pierce to Hallandale Beach and served until 1934. In the beginning, Mr. Edgecomb served as Lay Reader then Mr. Wilkins. Later he was joined by Mr. Melbourne Knowles. Mr. Ansel D. Saunders served as Senior Warden from 1914 to 1939 with the exception of 1931 to 1932, when Mr. John Major served as Senior Warden. Mr. Melbourne Knowles conducted morning and evening services in the absence of a priest during these years.
In November 1956, the Rev'd Elisha S. Clark, Jr. became the Vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Miami and Priest-in-Charge of St. Anne's. One of the improvements during his tenure at St. Anne's to enhance the divine worship service was organizing a senior choir in order to upgrade the services with a Solemn Choral Eucharist each Sunday. Father Clark initiated St. Anne's first Patronal Festival Celebration in July of 1957. The day began with Solemn Choral Eucharist, a procession and sermon, followed by the Patronal Festival Dinner on the grounds of the church. Later, a Solemn Evensong with Benediction of the Blessed Sacraments in the evening. The acolytes, choir and members of the Church of the Incarnation, Miami , joined St. Anne’s on that first Patronal Festival Celebration.
The present parish hall, which had been an apartment house, was acquired during the Rectorate of the Rev'd George R. Taylor. In addition, the Italian marbled tiled alter was donated from another church during this time.
The Very Rev'd Robert G. Preston came to us on January 1, 1977 after having served as Assist to the Rector of St. Benedict's Church in Plantation and remained with us until December 1991, when he retired. Interim priest, the Rev'd Hobart J. Gary, served from 1992 to 1993. Following a successful search, Father Williamson S. Taylor became Rector in 1993. Under his leadership the membership increased, young adults and youth activities were organized and Children's Sunday was initiated. Our present, beautiful stain glass windows and doors, beautiful ornaments, altar linens, parking lot across from the church were bought and installed during the first five years with Rector, Fr. Williamson S. Taylor. "The Stewardship's Shepard Theme" was established and a quarterly newsletter and taped services were used to keep confined members informed. Father Taylor was also selected to serve as the Dean of the Broward Deanery. The first Deacon of the church, the Late Rev'd Thomas Newton, joined the ministerial staff on March 1, 1996. He came to us from the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew's in Delray Beach . He passed away on the last day of December 1997. May his soul rest in peace.
Beginning in 1999, the parish members acquired additional property and completed planned improvements which included a covered walkway, the replacement of carpet and tile in the church, tile in the parish hall and extensive landscaping on our grounds. In 2001, Deacon Fred Sands joined the ministerial staff. His involvement strengthened our spiritual bond and provided inspiration to the members. The following year, in 2002, The Rev'd Williamson Taylor left to lead a parish in New York . On January 1, 2003, the Rev'd John J. Jarrett, III came to us and served as Priest-in-Charge until December 2007. In October 2003, fifteen of our Acolytes, under the direction and training of Mr. Maceo Brown, Master of Ceremony, along with parent chaperons, brought honor to our door steps and enhanced our history by participating in the National Acolyte Festival at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The Acolytes participation at the National Festival has become a tradition at St. Anne's. In the fall of 2004 - 2009, the Acolytes have returned to the National Cathedral in Washington to participate in the festival. In 2005, the parish hall was completely renovated under the leadership of Pat Tellis, former Senior Warden and George Pinder, III, former Junior Warden. The parish hall now has a Caribbean appeal with wooden tables, chairs and island prints hung on the walls. In January 2008, the Rev'd Fr. Keithly R.S. Warner came to us with 37 years of experience in the ministry. His experience was a factor in his effectiveness during his short tenure with us. Within a few months, he was able to generate a sense of "family" within our congregation with a focus on God, love, togetherness, and teaching. His focus was the foundation of our 94th Patronal Festival theme: "Spreading God's Love While Growing Together as One Family." Father Warner officially retired December 31, 2009. On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Palm Sunday, a new era was born at St. Anne when the Rev’d Dr. Ronald N. Fox joined the St. Anne family. Father Fox has many years of experience and is a positive force as we continue to build for the future.
Listed below are the priests and deacons that served St. Anne's:
The Reverend John J. Jarrett, II
The Reverend Elisha S. Clarke II, 1956 – 1962
The Reverend George R. Taylor, 1968 – 1997
The Reverend Robert G. Preston, 1977 – 1991
The Reverend Hobart J. Gary, 1992 – 1994
The Reverend Williamson S. Taylor, 1994 -2002
Deacon Thomas Newton, 1996 – 2001
Deacon Fred Sands, 2001-2002
The Reverend John J. Jarrett, III, 2002-2007
The Reverend Keithly R.S. Warner, SSC. 2008 - 2009
Current
The Rev. Dr. Ronald N. Fox, Priest-in-Charge (March, 2010)
