Our History

In the 1980's, the rapid growth around State Road 200 caused the Diocese of Central Florida to purchase property in 1985 for a future Episcopal mission.  For several years there was no growth and a frustrated group of local Episcopalians met on the first Sunday of Advent in 1990.  They petitioned the diocese for incorporation as a mission and were canonically admitted January 25, 1991.  Fr. Mike Messina served as our first Vicar until Fr. A. Joe Goss was called in 1992.  After two years of meeting in different locations, the diocese provided a doublewide trailer where worship services began on the first Sunday of Advent in 1992.

The next three years witnessed immense growth.  From 1992-1995 the church grew on average 29% each year.  After some years, the temporary worship stucture proved unsuitable and growth slowed to 4%.  In 1996, the church became financially independent and was granted parish status in 1997.  In 1998, plans for a new facility were finalized and contractors procured.  Work began in July of that year.  The excitement proved contageous and growth again grew to double digits.  Bishop Hugo Pina-Lopez consecrated the current building on February 7, 1999. 

Unfortunately, much of that growth so early achieved was to be countered by the decline brought on by the 2003 and 2006 General Conventions.  Although there were significant tensions mounting on the national scene in the Episcopal Church, Advent chose to remain Christ centered and continue to witness to the faith once delivered to the saints, even amidst a national denomination that seems at times at war from within.

From 2007 until now, we have added a chapter of the Daughters of the King, a playground was constructed, and we have held our first Vacation Bible School in 2008.  We also said goodbye to our beloved Rector of sixteen years, Fr. A. Joe Goss, who retired.  God, however, never closes one door without opening another.  In May of 2009, Fr. Robert M. Lewis was chosen to be our new Rector and to lead us into the next chapter of our history.

The next chapter in our history depends on you.  Come and see us in action.  Do you have a talent or gift, we will help you find your niche.  You see, the real story is just beginning.  We are poised to achieve even greater things for our Lord, but doing just that means having you among us!