History

The Episcopal Church in the United States was organized at its initial General Conventions in Philadelphia in 1785, 1786, & 1789. “There they established a constitution, drafted an American version of the Book of Common Prayer, and devised a plan to obtain English consecration for American bishops.” A Brief History of the Episcopal Church by David L. Holmes

The word episcopal comes from the Greek word, episkopos, literally meaning overseer or guardian and is usually translated “bishop”.  The Episcopal Church is a church whose day-to-day life is overseen by bishops. John Howard is the Bishop of Florida.

The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry. (From The Book of Common Prayer, 1979, page 855

St. Michael's parish began in 1958.  The first building to be erected was the parish hall, finished in 1960.  St. Michael's sanctuary, completed in 1975, was designed by a Winter Park Florida firm, Schweizer Associates Architects.  Schweizer was one of the most talented students of Frank Lloyd Wright.  Past rectors include The Reverends M. McLaurine Hall (1958-1964), Warren A. Stinger (1964-1972), Walter Saffron (1972-1979), Dean Johnson (1979-1983),  Stephen H. Jecko (1984-1990) who became Bishop of Florida, and Joan and Louis Mattia (1991-1999) and Alex Farmer (2002-2005).  The current priest in charge is the Reverend Dr. Nancee Martin-Coffey.  

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"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."            Romans 12.9-18