ST. FRANCIS HISTORY

The history of St. Francis in-the-Field began in the late 1980’s with a vision shared by two men: J.T. McCormick and the Reverend James Cooper, Rector of Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach. Their vision established a mission church on a wooded, 46-acre tract in a then rural location that would accommodate the anticipated growth of the area.

  • A dirt path through a wooded area with trees and underbrush, with autumn leaves on the ground and some in the trees.

    RATTLESNAKE HILL

    Yes, plenty of rattlesnakes and they live inside gopher tortoise burrows. In fact, the gopher tortoise is a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species.

  • Portraits of two men, one older with glasses and slicked-back gray hair wearing a suit and tie, and one younger with dark hair wearing a Catholic priest's collar and black shirt.

    1991 - 1992

    In 1992, two men, J.T. McCormick, who owned this land, and the Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper, The Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, came together. They talked about this 46 acre land, and had a vision.

  • Group of people at a groundbreaking ceremony holding shovels on a dirt site, with trees in the background.

    JUNE 3, 2001

    Groundbreaking for the new church, St. Francis in-the-Field, on June 3, 2001. The grounding breaking ceremony was attended by many families with children and teens of all ages. There were feasts and festivities for everyone.

  • Construction site with a yellow Caterpillar excavator digging into the dirt, with another large machinery in the background.

    FEBRUARY 1995

    Clearing the land started

  • Sign with sunrise and cross, advertising daybreak recreation and retreat ministry at Christ Episcopal Church, set in a rural outdoor area with trees and fence.

    1992 - THE DEDICATION OF DAY BREAK

    Day Break is 4 1/2 miles from the Intracoastal or Palm Valley Bridge, then onto Nocatee Parkway.

  • A man in a black jacket stands behind an outdoor altar with two flower arrangements, candles, and a green cloth with a gold cross, set in a wooded area.

    SEPTEMBER 22, 1996

    In the shade of towering oak trees, Reverend David R. Wilt officiated the first Episcopal service at Day Break. The altar was made by his late father Henry Wilt. This first service was attended by 72 people.

  • Construction site with a crane lifting a large red steel roof frame over gray stone walls, two workers supervising, and trees surrounding the site.

    NEXT UP

    The church under construction on the outside,

  • Workers installing a church altar inside a building with a high, glass-paneled ceiling.

    THEN CAME

    . . . and later the Chancel was being built and the Cross was being raised.

  • A priest leading a congregation prayer outside a church under construction, with a sign reading '2000 A.D. St. Francis In-The-Field'.

    JANUARY 2002

    St. Francis lays the cornerstone. The congregation gathers for the Blessing of the Cornerstone.
    The Rev. David Wilt, Vicar, conducts the services. Jackie Wilson, the Administrator, stands over on the right.

  • A woman and a man are kneeling next to a memorial wall inscribed with '2000 A.D.', 'CHRIST CHURCH'. The woman is helping the man plant or place a flower or object into the ground.

    THE CORNERSTONE

    The Rev. Dr. Jim Cooper admiring the cornerstone for the new St. Francis in-the-Field church building. “Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone.” Hymn No. 518

  • A group of ten men standing on a stage in front of a white wall, holding books and dressed in casual and semi-formal attire, during a ceremony or presentation.

    FIRST MENS CHOIR

    The first Mens Choir consisting of ten men. Charlie McCall has always been the keyboardist, organist, Choir Master, and Director of Music.

  • A religious ceremony with three priests, including a woman in green robes, in front of a altar with candles, flowers, and religious symbols.

    THE BAPTISMAL FONT

    The Interim Rector the Rev. Eddie Jones and the Rev. Dr. James Cooper bless the new baptismal font that was given to St. Francis in-the-Field. This baptismal font was hand crafted from clay depicting animals of the area. St. Francis was the Patron Saint of animals. The artist stands next to Rev. Cooper.