The history of St. Andrew’s may be
described as having three somewhat distinct periods.
The early period can be traced from
the founding of the Episcopal congregation in Destin until the early
1970s. In the 1920s when
Destin was an isolated fishing village, clergy would travel from Panama
City to hold Episcopal services in homes and public buildings. In 1928 the Diocese of Florida formed a local mission board,
and, after continuing to meet in various locations, the congregation
erected a small wooden church building on land donated by the Maltezo
family. Prior to the arrival
of the Rev. William P. Irwin in 1957 as the first resident priest, clergy
from Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola served St. Andrew’s.
In 1953, the congregation built a
larger concrete block church which seated 250, and several years later
completed the parish hall and office building.
As the tallest structure in Destin for some time, the church’s
steeple served as a navigation aid to those at sea, even as the church was
a place of spiritual & social orientation for many in the community.
The second period begins in the
early 1970s and is characterized by a charismatic style of worship and a
move toward a more literal and fundamentalist understanding of the Bible.
This was a period of energy and rapid growth in numbers.
During this time the present church building and the education
building were built.
In 2000 the clergy, staff, and all
but about a dozen people left the Episcopal Church to become affiliated
with the Anglican Mission in America.
Here begins the third and current chapter in the history of St.
Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
Those St. Andrew’s folks who
remained Episcopalians re-grouped, and, with the support of the diocese
and other nearby Episcopal churches, continued holding services.
Arriving in 2001 as Interim Rector, the Rev. Donald L. Cramer
skillfully and faithfully led the congregation until his tragic, sudden
death in the summer of 2003. Under
his leadership and with many faithful, talented, and committed
parishioners, much work was done, many new ministries began to develop,
and the rebuilding groundwork was laid.
Following Fr. Don’s death, the
Rev. L. Roberts Graves (Fr. Bob) served as Interim Rector, and in July
2004, the Rev. David B. Powell was called as the first full-time Rector of
the re-emerging St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
The
movement of God can be traced throughout the eventful history of this
Episcopal church in Destin, Florida.
We trust that in the years ahead, as in years past, we will worship
God and carry on the renewing and reconciling ministry of our Lord, Jesus
Christ, with faithfulness, conviction, and joy.
