St Anne's Episcopal Church (De Pere, Wisconsin)

St. Anne's Episcopal Church, De Pere, Wisconsin, United States, is a parish congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac. With an Episcopal Presence in De Pere since 1849, St. Anne's was formed in 1935, became an organized mission in 1936 and achieved parish status in 1961.

Messiah Episcopal Church

Following a visitation of Bishop Jackson Kemper on February 26, 1849, the Rector of Christ Church, Green Bay developed a sizable group of worshippers in De Pere and in 1856 the Rev. Charles C. Edmonds was appointed priest-in-charge of Messiah Episcopal Church. In 1865 the diocese purchased a building known as the "White Pillars" for worship space, which was originally erected in 1836 as an office for the Fox Hydraulic Company. By 1880, the congregation's parish status was relinquished with the name changed to St. Paul’s Mission until 1896 when the mission was dissolved. The diocese sold the "White Pillars" in 1915.

St. Anne's on Broadway

A remnant remained and in 1927 a church building was built on Broadway, consecrated by Bishop Weller, but was not used for regular services until 1935 when St. Anne’s Mission was organized. The first vestry meeting was held November 25, 1935. The organ was purchased from the proceeds of a sale of a house owned by the church. St. Anne’s grew and on February 12, 1961, Bishop Brady proclaimed St. Anne’s was a self-supporting parish. During that year, a study determined additional space was needed so in 1962 an annex was built and dedicated as Miller Hall.

St. Anne's on Libal

Under Fr. Galaty’s leadership the congregation grew and prospered. The Broadway property was not large enough to expand so in December 1979 the vestry voted to purchase 10 acres of land in East De Pere. A building committee was formed and construction of the present structure began. Bishop William Stevens dedicated it on October 26, 1985, which marked the 50th anniversary of St. Anne’s. Many furnishings of the Broadway edifice were incorporated into the new church building including the organ, stained glass windows, and altar. The figures on the rood beam were made the same time as those ate St. Paul's Cathedral, Fond du Lac. The Broadway site was sold to Encompass Child Care to be used as a day care facility. When built the new building was in the middle of a corn field on five of the ten acres. Within 15 years it was completely surrounded by homes, a park, and businesses and in 1996 the other five acres were sold to build a healthcare facility.

A food pantry that had been a part of the congregation and grown to an ecumenical endeavor out-grew the church facilities in 2010. A 3,000 square foot food pantry located adjacent to the church was completed, dedicated, and opened in November 2012.

Clergy Serving

This is listing of clergy who have served.

• 1935-71 B.F. Miller
• 1971-78 Jack Wolter
• 1978-97 William "Bill" Galaty
• 1997-2001 Interim Clergy
• 2001-09 Seth Richmond
• 2009–Present Eric Mills

References

History of the Diocese of Fond du Lac and Its Several Congregations: 1925-2013. Appleton, Wisconsin: Diocese of Fond du Lac. 2013. Compiled Under the Direction of The Rt. Rev. Russell E. Jacobus, Seventh Bishop of Fond du Lac by the Commission on Aging and the Historiographer of the Diocese with information provided by members of the diocese and its several congregations 

External links

• Official Website of the Diocese of Fond du Lac