Holy Trinity Anglican Church celebrates 10-year anniversary
A lot can happen in a decade, especially when a group of dedicated people feel led by a mission. In the summer of 2009, a few couples and individuals met to pursue a common vision of forming an Anglican Church in the Venetia, Ortega, Avondale area. Under the leadership of Father Dave Austell, the small but determined group held its first services at Ortega Presbyterian Church and formally incorporated in October of that year as Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Jacksonville.
Just two years later, the congregation had grown to the point that it needed its own space. It thought it had found the perfect home at 3889 Eloise Street in a church building that had been closed by the Methodist District of North Florida due to declining membership. Although it was a beautiful historic church property, it was in significant disrepair. Members of the fledgling Holy Trinity Anglican Church prayed long and hard about their ability to raise the funds that would be necessary to improve the facilities.
When another group made a full-price offer that was accepted, the members took it as a sign. However, a few weeks later the buyer withdrew the offer, and when the property went on the market again, they didn’t hesitate.
On April 25, 2011, the Monday after Easter, Holy Trinity became the owner. By the end of the day on April 25, the interior had been stripped and the floor refinishing contractor began work. Many volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours were involved in the work to renew the building. The church held its first service at 10 a.m., on July 24, 2011, and was filled to capacity.
Father Dave Austell retired in April 2017. Father Matthew L. Rusch began his ministry at Holy Trinity in January 2018.
“We want to reach people from every background with the hope of Jesus Christ for He alone can satisfy our souls,” said Father Rusch. “Just as Christ has blessed us with beautifying our church property so He will beautify the life of anyone that turns to Him. We want to keep Christ’s great restoration project moving as we serve as His witnesses throughout Avondale, Jacksonville, and to the ends of the earth.”
By Karen Rieley
Resident Community News
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading... 
