Our History

Episcopal Church of the Advent – Palm City, Florida

The Church of the Advent was founded in 1986 with the commitment of 25 people. We received a land grant from St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stuart. Our first service was held on the First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 1986) in a private home, and construction began immediately on a church building on the current property. Exactly one year later the building (now our Administration Building) was dedicated, and the first rector installed.

As the congregation outgrew the space, our current church building and gazebo were built in 1999 and dedicated in March 2000. The original building was then converted into the Administration Building and includes classrooms, a nursery, large kitchen, and parish hall with an extension added for a youth room.

Groundbreaking
May 3, 1987

Completion of original Church now Fellowship Hall

Construction of the current Church Building, 1997

Former and Current Priests

We’ve been blessed with the leadership of many dedicated clergy over the decades, including:

Rev. Charles Stafford (Priest-in-Charge)
Rev. Jon Coffey (Dedication)
Rev. Dexter Kessler
Rev. Allison Spenser
Rev. George Kinard (Associate Chaplain)
Rev. Bo Shires
Rev. Aaron Paul Collins
Rev. Denise Hudspeth (Current Priest-in-Residence)

Significant Recent Events

As a Church Family, we continue to honor the cherished memories of our older members who have passed on, or relocated closer to family.
The COVID pandemic brought new challenges that strengthened our resolve to continue to provide church services which we now do in person and digitally.
We joyfully celebrated parishioner Tom Dwyer's calling to the priesthood. He fulfilled his vocation, serving a church in South Carolina until his retirement.
Our Church Home welcomed the Village Learning Center Home School, offering grades kindergarten through eighth, and led by a team of wonderful, dedicated teachers. The school brings new energy to our Parish Hall, where they rent classroom space.

This history would not have been possible without input from so many longtime members. They gave oral information, supplied old documents, directories of past members and photographs. All these items were received with much gratitude.

Special Thanks to Faye Laird and Kim Carroll, our church historians, who thoughtfully research and compiled this historical record of the Church of the Advent.

Honoring Our Roots

Our history is shaped by the love and commitment of longtime members who generously shared memories, documents, and photos. Special thanks to Faye Laird and Kim Carroll, our dedicated church historians, for compiling and preserving this record of faith and fellowship.

Learn more about our mission and vision as we continue to grow in faith and service.

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