“Welcome to St. Anne Episcopal Church” a sign proclaims. But it is more than just a greeting. It is an invitation into a caring Christian community. St. Anne Episcopal Church stands as a welcoming beacon in DeSoto. It is built on Episcopal and Anglican traditions.
St. Anne Episcopal Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. It is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church is located at 1700 North Westmoreland Road in DeSoto. You can reach them at 972-709-0691. You can also email them at OFFICE@STANNEDESOTO.ORG.
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew meets here. This shows the church’s commitment to organized groups and fellowship.
Now, St. Anne’s in DeSoto is not the only St. Anne’s in the area. Another St. Anne’s has a fascinating history in Fort Worth. In 1947 a group of 28 Episcopalians wanted to start a new mission. They first met on November 2 1947. The mission met in the Rockwood Golf Course Club House. After that they met in the chapel at Oakwood Cemetery for several years.
As the congregation grew to 250 members they needed more space. They bought land and a structure at 3204 Roberts Cut Off Road in Fort Worth. St. Anne’s continued to expand. In 1962 they purchased a four-acre property at 6055 Azle Avenue for $14000.
Construction of their church building began in March 1965. Their first worship service took place there on September 12 1965. To celebrate their 30th anniversary they built a Memorial Bell Tower. The three bronze bells were cast in the Netherlands.
They added a Parish Hall, kitchen, classrooms, Atrium and All Souls Chapel. Their tracker action organ built on North European principles has 18 ranks 16 stops and 14 voices.
You might notice the framed art throughout the building. Father Norman Hollen served as their rector from 1958 to 1988. He and his wife Sylvia traveled to England and Europe. They visited famous cathedrals and churches. They began collecting brass rubbings.
Memorial brasses were common in the Middle Ages. They are flat brass sheets inlaid into stone. They served as monuments in churches and cathedrals. They honored wealthy families portraying images of the deceased. When visiting those churches people could buy paper crayons and tape. Then they could trace the images from the floor.
Father Hollen and Sylvia donated their brass rubbings to St. Anne’s in the 1980s. The Women of St. Anne’s raised money to frame them. These pictures were hung throughout the church. Over time the framed rubbings wrinkled. The frames needed repair. The Vestry funded the restoration of these gifts from the Hollens.
While this story highlights the history of another St. Anne’s the spirit of community outreach and dedication to faith resonates with St. Anne Episcopal Church in DeSoto. Both churches share a commitment to Christian values and service. St. Anne Episcopal Church in DeSoto stands as a testament to faith hope and community. It welcomes all who seek spiritual growth and fellowship. Remember that you are always welcome.