St. Anne’s Parish is an open and inclusive parish family, seeking to deepen our spiritual life, in our relationships with God, ourselves, and one another and reaching out in acts of loving service to the nearby communities.
OUR TRADITION
St. Anne's Parish is a spiritual center of Eucharistic worship and prayer where people seek to find God and be nourished in a supportive, loving community. Our worship is in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer and other Rites of the Episcopal Church. Through acts of hospitality, justice, mercy and intentional practices of spiritual formation we desire to grow in a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Sustained in the community by worship, St. Anne’s Parish is strengthened for the journey to embody the love of God for the life of the world.
St. Anne's Parish is a member of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, which shares the rich heritage of the world-wide Anglican Communion.
Staff and Vestry
STAFF
The Rev. Ryan Lesh
Celebrant
Jackie Pimentel
Church Administrator
Cenie Re Sturm
Organist
VESTRY MEMBERS
Deborah Sellers
Warden
Philip Dowell
Junior Warden
Andy Morris
Treasurer
Kelly LeBlanc
Registor
OUR HISTORY
St. Anne's Parish was founded as a Church of England Parish in 1745. During the pre-revolutionary war period, this parish thrived and was the center of sacred and secular life in Albemarle County. The original parish church, Ballenger Church, was built on the road to Howardsville. The first rector, The Rev. Robert Rose, lived on the Glebe Farm near Ballenger Church.
Soon afterwards, three other churches were founded:
North Garden Church
Forge Church
Broken-Back Church near Palmyra
The parish most famous parishioner during the Colonial Period was Thomas Jefferson. Unfortunately, none of these pre-revolutionary war buildings survived. Thankfully, a period of revival began in the 1820s.
Today, the parish is comprised of three beautiful churches:
1832 - Christ Church on Glendower Road
1875 - St. John's Church in Scottsville
1914 - St. Stephen's Church in Esmont
THE HISTORY OF ST. ANNE
St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, homemakers, women in labor, midwives, childless people, cabinet makers, carpenters and equestrians. St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, homemakers, women in labor and midwives, childless people cabinet makers/ carpenters, and equestrians.
Traditionally, Anne and Joachim are considered to be the parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth. There is no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary's father and mother come to us through legend and tradition. The oldest account comes from the Gospel of James, which indicates that after years of childlessness, an angel appeared to tell Anne and Joachim that they would have a child. Anne promised to dedicate this child to God.
The parents of Mary raised her to be the devoted mother of Jesus we know. Her parents’ teachings and examples led her to respond to God's request with faith, “may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Their faith laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed her to stand by the cross as her son was crucified and still believe.
St. Anne is celebrated each year on her Feast Day, July 26.Our Grounds.
Parish Grounds
St. Anne's Parish today is comprised of three churches
CHRIST CHURCH
With its traditional brick and red roof near Keene, Christ Church embraces old Virginia architecture. The Christ Church location also houses the parish office and Little Learners weekday childcare.
Sunday 10am - Holy Eucharist service
ST JOHNS CHURCH
Located in downtown Scottsville, St. John’s Church supports the community with:
Wednesday 7pm - Centering Prayer
Thursday 8:30am - Agape Service and Scripture Study
3rd Sunday of month 5pm - Celtic Evensong
St. John’s Church is near a Scottsville coffee shop, which is a favorite stop afterwards.
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH
A red door and rustic charm marks St. Stephen’s Church historical country setting. Currently, St. Stephen’s Church is used for special services.
PARISH CEMETERIES
St. Anne's Parish is home to two peaceful cemeteries. In 2006 the Scottsville Museum website published an extensive listing of the graves found in these two cemeteries:
Christ Church Cemetery, consecrated in 1832
St. Stephen's Church Cemetery, consecrated in 1914
