Imagine a church so resilient it has risen from the ashes of fire. This is the story of Saint Andrews Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community.
Saint Andrews Church started as Saint Paul’s Catholic Church. Catholics were once scarce in South Georgia. In 1898 Bishop Thomas A. Becker entrusted the Albany Mission to Jesuit priests. Later he divided the territory. He allocated the southeastern section to Marists in Brunswick. Marist priests were to serve Johnston Station, Willacoochee and Alapaha.
Visiting priests soon found Catholics in McGovern’s Settlement. They also learned of a Mrs. Creel in Douglas. Local stories say Catholic families in Coffee County had not heard of Catholics in Douglas before 1899. That year Mrs. Creel’s baby was baptized.
By 1901 the territory was restored to Albany’s care. In the early 1900s Syrian families moved to Douglas. Mass was celebrated twice a month. Things remained mostly the same for some time.
Everything changed when Bishop Gerald P. O’Hara visited Douglas in July 1936. The city put electric lights on the lawn of one of the Syrian families the Hannas. Town leaders and ministers of other faiths came to greet the bishop. Impressed Bishop O’Hara bought property for $1000 to build a Catholic church.
Ground was broken on March 6 1936 for the church. On Sunday July 17 1938 the bishop dedicated Saint Paul Catholic Church Douglas. Fathers John Mullins and Daniel J. Bourke were named pastor and assistant.
That day in 1938 the congregation held dedication services. It was a day of immense pride. The community had come together to build a house of worship. This sacred space stood ready to serve the people of Douglas. Saint Paul Catholic Church became a beacon of hope and faith.
Over time Saint Paul’s Catholic Church became Saint Andrews Anglican Church. Saint Andrews Church continues to seek to glorify God. It proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ. It grows in discipleship to our Lord. It serves in His name.
Today Saint Andrews Church holds services every Sunday. Holy Communion is on the first second and fourth Sundays at 10:30 A.M. Morning Prayer is on the third and fifth Sundays at 10:30 A.M. Holy Days are announced.
The Adult Sunday School meets Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15. They study How to Use the Book of Common Prayer. This guide to the Anglican Liturgy helps deepen their understanding of worship.
Saint Andrews Church also celebrates Christmas. On Christmas Eve there is Holy Communion. Christmas Day includes Said Holy Communion. These services bring the community together in faith.
Saint Andrews Church stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. Its history reflects the changing times and the enduring spirit of its community. From its early days as Saint Paul’s Catholic Church to its present form Saint Andrews Church has always been a place of worship. It has been a place of community and a place of hope.