The history of st. anne’s parish.
OUR PARISH & ST. ANNE’S RICH HISTORY
St. Anne's Parish was founded as a Church of England Parish in 1745. During the pre-revolutionary war period, this parish thrived and was the center of sacred and secular life in Albemarle County. The original parish church, Ballenger Church, was built on the road to Howardsville. The first rector, The Rev. Robert Rose, lived on the Glebe Farm near Ballenger Church.
Soon afterwards, three other churches were founded:
North Garden Church
Forge Church
Broken-Back Church near Palmyra
The parish most famous parishioner during the Colonial Period was Thomas Jefferson. Unfortunately, none of these pre-revolutionary war buildings survived. Thankfully, a period of revival began in the 1820s.
Today, the parish is comprised of three beautiful churches: Christ Church on Glendower Road (EST. 1832), St. John's Church in Scottsville (EST. 1875), and St. Stephen's Church in Esmont (EST. 1914).
History of St. Anne
St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, homemakers, women in labor, midwives, childless people, cabinet makers, carpenters and equestrians. St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, homemakers, women in labor and midwives, childless people cabinet makers/ carpenters, and equestrians.
Traditionally, Anne and Joachim are considered to be the parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth. There is no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary's father and mother come to us through legend and tradition. The oldest account comes from the Gospel of James, which indicates that after years of childlessness, an angel appeared to tell Anne and Joachim that they would have a child.
Anne promised to dedicate this child to God.
The parents of Mary raised her to be the devoted mother of Jesus we know. Her parents’ teachings and examples led her to respond to God's request with faith, “may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Their faith laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed her to stand by the cross as her son was crucified and still believe.
St. Anne is celebrated each year on her Feast Day, July 26 on St. Anne’s Grounds.
