 On October 17, 1947, a group of 28 Episcopalians gathered to discuss the possibility of a new mission in the Diocese of Dallas to be established in North Fort Worth. On November 2, 1947, St. Anne's Episcopal Mission held its first meeting in the Rockwood Golf Course Club House and remained in this location until December 11, 1947. A more suitable place of worship was found in the chapel at Oakwood Cemetery on Grand Avenue in north Fort Worth. In October 1953, having outgrown this facility with a membership of 250 members, the property and structure at 3204 Roberts Cut Off was purchased.
January 1, 1956 was a significant milestone when St. Anne's attained parish status by vote of the annual Diocesan Convention. Once again, growth dictated a need for a larger facility. In June of 1962 St. Anne's purchased 4 acres of land at 6055 Azle Avenue with a purchase price of $14,000. The building of our present facility began in March of 1965 at a cost of $100,000. The first service was held in the new structure September 12, 1965. The dedication was held December 2, 1965. Bishop Theodore H. McCrea was the officiant. The $100,000 mortgage was paid in full February 23, 1975. Bishop Donald Davies conducted a ceremony for the burning of the mortgage at the 79th Diocesan Convention held on September 17, 1975. Later that year, on December 14, St. Anne's was consecrated by Bishop Davies. The Memorial Bell Tower, constructed in 1978, marked the 30th anniversary of the congregation. The 3-bell peal of bronze bells was cast in The Netherlands. A parish Life Center was built in 1981 at a cost of $300,000. The addition includes our parish hall, kitchen, classrooms and chapel in the Atrium dedicated to All Souls. The chapel contains a cinerarium for Christian burial of parish family members. In November of 2008 we followed our faithful bishop, the Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker, as he requested primal oversight from the Southern Cone under Archbishop Gregory Venables. We proudly changed our church name to "Saint Anne's Church". The pipe organ, installed March 1985, is a tracker action organ built on North European principles. It has 18 ranks, 16 stops and 14 voices. CLERGY SERVING ST. ANNE'S The Reverend David K. Montgomery - 1947-1948 The Reverend John E. Steveson - 1949 The Reverend Charles M. Pond - 1950-1952 The Reverend O.L. Lake, Jr. - 1953 The Reverend Frank G. Rice, Jr. - 1954-1957 The Reverend Norman V. Hollen - 1958-1988 The Reverend Martin L. Nelson - 1988-1995 The Reverend William S. Winston - 1995-2003 The Reverend Dr. Roger Grist - 2004-Present The History of Saint Anne's OrganThe organ, installed in 1985, is a tracker-action design built by Roy Redman, owner of the Redman Organ Company of Fort Worth. Based on north European principles, it features 18 ranks, 16 stops and 14 voices. It is neo-baroque in style and serves the musical needs of the congregation perfectly. (Stained Glass Windows in the nave were created by noted French artis Gabriel Loire. ) |
