Our Vision
San
Jose is a traditional Episcopal Church focused on the Holy Eucharist
and on the best of the Anglican tradition, which welcomes all people
and embraces many points of view. Our commitment is to work, worship,
and ministry in the service of our Lord; and with the help of the Holy
Spirit, we intend to live prayerfully and joyfully in each others'
company.
Our History
In 1941, a small group of worshipers began holding services at what
came to be known as Grace Chapel. The growing congregation met in the
former San Jose Estates Administration Building, then property of
Alfred I. duPont. The work of Grace Chapel was carried on by the
efforts of a faithful mission board with part time ministering by
neighboring clergymen and by lay readers. On February 1, 1946, the
Bishop appointed The Reverend Grover Alison as Priest-in-Charge of
Grace Chapel; the 107th Annual Council of the Diocese of Florida in
January 1950 established Grace Chapel as a Parish and renamed it San
Jose Episcopal Church.
In 1985 San Jose Estates, including the original Administration
Building, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The
listing was the first thematic historic site in Florida and at the time
was the largest in the United States.
The Vestry
The Vestry of San Jose Episcopal Church consists of the Rector, Wardens
and elected members. The Rector is President and Chairman of the
Vestry. Parishioners are invited and encouraged to participate in one
or more committees, extending the Ministry of the Church to every
Member. We believe "Every Member is a Minister for Christ."
The Vestry consists of nine members who serve in rotating terms. Each
fall a Nominating Committee receives names of potential Vestry members
and reviews each candidate as to eligibility, commitment and
willingness to serve. Elections to the Vestry are held each year at the
Annual Parish Meeting.
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