By Mary Ann Mueller, Virtue Online
For seven years, nine months and 12 days, the parishioners of All Saints Anglican [Fayetteville, Ga.] have been faithfully praying together, celebrating the Sacraments, hearing the Word of God proclaimed in their midst, and living their Anglicanism to its fullest, while in borrowed space patiently awaiting the day when they would have their own sanctuary to worship in. That day finally came on December 7, 2014, when their long advent ended with the joyful celebratory dedication of their new church by ACNA Archbishop Foley Beach. At that point, what was originally called “The Anglican Church of Fayette County,” became All Saints Anglican Church–Peachtree City, and finally moved into its own permanent sacred space.
“We are gathered together today to dedicate and consecrate this beautiful sanctuary for holy use,” Fr. Michael Fry, All Saints’ first rector told his joyful congregation last Sunday afternoon. “It is a wonderful occasion and in many ways the culmination of a long journey.”
That long journey started on a Lenten Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007. It will take many years for the smell of new wood and fresh varnish to be replaced by the gentle hint of incense, lingering whiff of candle wax and sweet scent of pew polish. The new striking white classic Gothic-style Anglican edifice, which stands in stark contrast against the brilliant blue Georgia sky, is built to last though this century and on into the next and beyond. Perhaps, one day it, too, will become a much beloved three hundred-year-old church rich in memories, history and prayers of the All Saints who have gone before them in this hollowed place.
On the Second Sunday in Advent 2014 All Saints Anglican–Peachtree City was brand spanking new as Archbishop Beach rapped on the red doors humbly seeking entrance as their diocesan bishop. He also happens to be the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). When the arched doors were opened to him, he was met by nearly 300 people anxious to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness in their own sacred worship space. Up until then, they had been sharing a combined worship space with the Evergreen Presbyterian Church congregation through the gracious generosity of Peachtree City United Methodist Church’s Windgate Annex.