Christ Anglican Church
Ever becoming God's Word in practice.



Login

History of the Parish

In September 2003, following the 2003 General Convention of ECUSA,  Bud Darden, a former Episcopalian, published a letter in the local Highlands and Cashiers newspapers addressed to “The traditionally minded followers of the Episcopal Faith”.  That letter served as the catalyst for the establishment of the Parish, with Bud as the first Senior Warden.

In response to the letter, about 30 individuals attended an informational/ organizational meeting.  Following that meeting, and after prayer, investigation and discussion, Christ Anglican Church was formed and shortly thereafter decided to become a part of the Anglican Province of America (APA).  Initial services were held in the Cashiers Library, and later at a Cashiers church.  After a few weeks, the Community Bible Church (CBC), a large Evangelical Presbyterian Church located between Highlands and Cashiers, invited the Parish to use its facilities. From early 2004 until Easter 2007 the Parish held Sunday afternoon services using CBC’s sanctuary.   In response to parishioners’ feelings that morning services would be better received by the community, Christ Anglican Church began worshipping at 11:00 A.M. in the Highlands Community Center immediately after Easter of 2007.  This facility is adequate for today and can seat up to 100 people.

The Parish realizes that a permanent location for the church is highly desirable, preferably between the Highlands and Cashiers communities.  The Parish has been working for the past three years to acquire a suitable property, and has established a building fund with a current balance of approximately $250,000.

During the first months of the Parish’s existence, visiting priests conducted services.  In early 2005, the Reverend Tommy Allen, a recent graduate of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, was called to be a full-time priest.  In December, 2006, he accepted a call to become a Coastal Crisis Chaplain in the Charleston, South Carolina, area.  The Reverend Cass Daly, then Rector of an Episcopal church in Hartwell, Georgia, was called to succeed Fr. Allen in the summer of 2007 and served until September of 2008.  He is now rector of an AMiA church in South Florida.  

After several months of discernment, the Parish voted at a “Town Hall” meeting in February, 2009, to create a Search Committee to select and call a Rector.

Structure, Finances, and Staffing

Christ Anglican Church has a dedicated group of parishioners who are regular attendees and many equally dedicated summer attendees.  Sunday attendance during the winter is usually between 25 and 35 and from early spring to early fall, is generally around 50 and has occasionally reached into the ‘60s. 

The Parish has a Vestry of six members elected by the Congregation, including a Senior Warden/Rector’s Warden, who is appointed for a one-year term by the Rector, and a Junior Warden/People’s Warden, who is elected each year by the Congregation.  In addition, the church has a Secretary and Treasurer, who are elected by the Vestry.

The Parish has established several committees, including Altar Guild, Christian Education, Communications, Finance, Music/Worship, Outreach/Missions, Prayer Chain, Property, Stewardship, and Ushering/Greeting.

Christ Anglican Church’s financial planning for 2009 year anticipates contributions of approximately $60,000 and expenses of the same amount, until such time as a Rector is called.  The Parish recognizes that calling a Rector will substantially increase the Parish’s need for financial support.  The Parish established a Building Fund in 2006 and at present it has a balance of approximately $250,000. There is also a Special Fund containing $79,000, which represents contributions in excess of expenses for the past several years.  The Congregation is continuing to search for a property that can be developed as a permanent home.

Christ Anglican Church is a member of the Anglican Province of America and the American Anglican Council, and looks forward to becoming a member of The Anglican Church of North America.



Home
Progress