Thirty people. That’s how it began. In 1957 a small group gathered calling themselves Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. They met blocks away from where we stand today at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. This humble beginning blossomed into the vibrant community we see before us.
Holy Innocents Episcopal Church didn’t always reside on this very spot on Fair Oaks Street. It wasn’t always the grand structure that stands before you. The church started modestly. It grew quickly. A new building was constructed on Front Street and Valrico Road in 1960. But even that space proved too small.
By 1964 services were held in a new Parish Hall. A Sunday school annex followed in 1973. This served as the church’s sanctuary until the current building was completed. The current sanctuary where we stand was dedicated in 1987.
The church wasn’t always easy. It faced many challenges. It faced and overcame significant expansion phases. It expanded and added a new Parish Hall and redesigned Kiser Hall in 2014. These renovations provided space for religious education classes and staff offices. The church survived changes of leadership. The Rev Steve Rudacille served for 30 years retiring in 2005. The Rev Douglas Scharf and the Rev Bryan O’Carroll later served as rectors.
Notice the architecture. It speaks of resilience and growth. It reflects the faith and dedication of the community that built and sustained Holy Innocents Episcopal Church over the decades. This church stands as a testament to perseverance. It shows the power of faith in the face of adversity. It shows a small congregation’s ability to grow into a thriving spiritual center.
Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. This building embodies more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of faith. It’s a story of community. It’s a story of enduring spirit. A story worth remembering and celebrating. A story that continues to unfold.