| The
Diocese of Southern Virginia called the Reverend Clayton E. Crigger to
Virginia Beach on Jun 5, 1963 to seek out communicants and organize a
Mission. The congregation held its first service in Rinaldi's Plaza
Bowl on Plaza Trail in Princess Anne Plaza on July 7, 1963. the
congregation elected its first vestry on March 8, 1964.
Ground breaking for the original building was held on May 7, 1964. The
first service was held in the building on January 24, 1965. St.
Francis attained Parish status at the Diocesan Council of January 29-31,
1967. At that time Reverend Crigger became the the first Rector of the
Parish. The early years of St Francis proved to be a time of
tremendous growth both spiritually and numerically. By 1980, it was
evident that a new church would have to be built. Ground was broken
for a new church on September 8, 1985. The first services were held on
Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1986. In our early days, we used the
Church nave/sanctuary for both worship and fellowship. Originally we
used folding chairs, and later traded these for more tradition pews. |
St. Francis of Assisi |
| The Reverend Clayton Crigger
retired on September 30, 1995, after over 32 years of faithful service.
St. Francis then entered a sixteen month interim period with the Reverend
Elisa Wheeler and culminated with a call of the Reverend James W. Hunter as
its second rector on January 13, 1996. The Reverend James Hunter
resigned in April 2000. In August 2000, the parish acquired the
service of the Reverend Susan S. Keller as priest. The Reverend Keller
left in December 2002. The parish was without a priest until the
Reverend James R. Anderson arrived in July 2003, after completing a career
as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. St. Francis
is a congregation which embraces and celebrates its diversity while at the
same time recognizing we are all one in Christ. "The Beloved
Community" is indeed the word that best describes our congregation. We
are ready to embrace all people who come through our doors and to offer them
the unconditional love and acceptance of God through Jesus Christ.
|
The Parish of St. Francis of Assisi
Episcopal/Anglican Church
509 South Rosemont Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757-340-6884
StFrancisWeb@verizon.net
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