“Imagine,” Howard Snelling thought, “a beacon of faith rising in Lincoln.” His vision became St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Snelling donated the land in 1873. He and four members of Trinity Church in Boston raised funds. Construction finished in late fall 1873.
The first service was held on Easter Sunday 1874. St. Anne’s was dedicated as a parish in June 1874. Fourteen families from Lincoln, Wayland, and Weston joined the original parish roster.
In its early days, St. Anne’s relied on part-time clergy. Professors and students from the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge often served. The parish sometimes shared clergy with nearby Episcopal churches in Concord and Weston. Limited funds made this necessary.
The Reverend Morris Robinson became the first full-time resident rector. He served St. Anne’s from 1945 to 1970. Robinson added “in-the-Fields” to the church’s name.
Since Morris Robinson, St. Anne’s has had six rectors. They are Stephen Apthorp, Stephen White, Mark Hollingsworth Jr., Cathy H. George, Kate M. Malin, and Garrett Yates. Garrett Yates became rector in 2019. He quickly adapted worship to online and outdoor formats during the pandemic. He previously served at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh.
Today, St. Anne’s remains a vibrant community. It draws over 300 families. These families come from Lincoln, Concord, Wayland, Acton, Sudbury, Arlington, Maynard, and Weston. They also come from half a dozen surrounding towns.
St. Anne’s offers wheelchair accessibility. The nave and meeting space are both accessible.
The current clergy includes Rector Garrett Yates and Assistant Rector Joseph Kimmel. Jay Lane is the Director of Music. Sarah Jennings directs Children’s Formation. Jennie Cook serves as Parish Manager. Beth Thompson is the Finance Manager. Paul Lamoreaux is the Sexton.
The Rev. Dr. Joe Kimmel grew up in an evangelical church in Chicago. He moved to Lhasa, Tibet as an evangelical missionary. He met his wife Shoko there. She was researching Tibetan Buddhism.
Jay Lane specializes in revitalizing aging voices. He holds Master Teacher certification from the McClosky Institute of Voice.
Sarah Jennings taught English and History. She taught to 6th, 7th, and 9th graders.
Jennie Cook joined St. Anne’s staff in 2015. She manages the whole of St. Anne’s campus. She also oversees parish communications.
Beth Greene Thompson has been the Finance Manager since 2014. She also operates as a daily money manager for seniors.
Paul Lamoreaux also works for Whole Foods. He has worked there for over 30 years. He is also a sexton for Trinity Concord and St. Elizabeth’s in Sudbury.
St. Anne’s in-the-Fields continues to grow. It grows through ministries. These ministries challenge minds, feed souls, and open hearts. The light and seasonal beauty of the natural world draws people into worship. They hear God’s word and share the mystery of Christ’s presence together. St. Anne’s welcomes all.