At a time of gas shortages in 1978, a group of Longboat Key residents petitioned the Bishop and Diocese of Southwest Florida to form an Episcopal mission on Longboat Key. With the help of The Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota the request was granted and the first service was conducted with 60 persons attending in the upper room of a local bank on June 23, 1979. They met there until 1983.
In July of 1979 the congregation met to discuss a name for the mission. In a sermon our first vicar, Fr. Hoyt Massey, impressed on all present that they were serving as the Lord’s Angels in seeking to bring His word to Longboat Key. Our name, All Angels by the Sea, is a result of that sermon.
In 1981 this small committed group investigated the viability of buying land from the Arvida Corporation, that was developing the area. Arvida had designated two 2 acre lots for religious properties. The group proceeded to raise the funds and purchased the present lot at 563 Bay Isles Road. The Jewish community bought the other 2 acre plot next door for a temple. Thus started a friendship that has flourished through the years.
In May 1983, the first of two planned buildings was dedicated. Regular worship services were now held in this facility. In addition, this building served as a parish hall, and contained a full kitchen, Rector’s office and secretary’s office. A lovely carillon and cross were donated by one of the original members to enhance the entrance to the property. In 1985 a Memorial Garden was added to the south side of the building.
In October of 1987 All Angels By the Sea was admitted to full parish status with The Rev. Dr. Bennett Barnes as the first Rector.
Following a long range planning study done in 1989 it was unanimously decided to proceed with the construction of phase two of the building plans. Fund raising drives were held, and in March 1994 the new sanctuary building was dedicated. The celebration of the burning of that mortgage in 1999 was indeed a highlight of the parish.
Now in our 42nd year as a community of faith on Longboat Key, All Angels continues to reach out to the people of the island and increasingly, beyond.
In July of 1979 the congregation met to discuss a name for the mission. In a sermon our first vicar, Fr. Hoyt Massey, impressed on all present that they were serving as the Lord’s Angels in seeking to bring His word to Longboat Key. Our name, All Angels by the Sea, is a result of that sermon.
In 1981 this small committed group investigated the viability of buying land from the Arvida Corporation, that was developing the area. Arvida had designated two 2 acre lots for religious properties. The group proceeded to raise the funds and purchased the present lot at 563 Bay Isles Road. The Jewish community bought the other 2 acre plot next door for a temple. Thus started a friendship that has flourished through the years.
In May 1983, the first of two planned buildings was dedicated. Regular worship services were now held in this facility. In addition, this building served as a parish hall, and contained a full kitchen, Rector’s office and secretary’s office. A lovely carillon and cross were donated by one of the original members to enhance the entrance to the property. In 1985 a Memorial Garden was added to the south side of the building.
In October of 1987 All Angels By the Sea was admitted to full parish status with The Rev. Dr. Bennett Barnes as the first Rector.
Following a long range planning study done in 1989 it was unanimously decided to proceed with the construction of phase two of the building plans. Fund raising drives were held, and in March 1994 the new sanctuary building was dedicated. The celebration of the burning of that mortgage in 1999 was indeed a highlight of the parish.
Now in our 42nd year as a community of faith on Longboat Key, All Angels continues to reach out to the people of the island and increasingly, beyond.
