Interior of the 1882 church.
Tom Hardin will update all of "St Ann's Story"
Beginnings
In 1858, a new Episcopal church was founded in the little city of Edgefield (now East Nashville). This new church of fifteen members, located on Oak Street (now Fourth Street) was named St. Stephen's. In 1867, the church changed its name to St. Anne's in honor of Mrs. Anne Williams, whose generous gift of a lot assisted the church in paying its debt. (A few years later the letter "e" was dropped.)
In the 1870s and '80s, Edgefield was a fashionable community populated by wealthy and influential citizens. The parish grew rapidly, and by 1881, it needed a larger space. The vestry under the leadership of the Reverend T. F. Martin decided to purchase a lot on Woodland Street and to erect a new church. The new building, completed in 1882, was a fine example of English Victorian parish church architecture. The addition of a parish hall, name in honor of the Reverend Mr. Martin, was completed in 1902. By this time, the church was made up of nearly 300 communicants.
Beginnings
In 1858, a new Episcopal church was founded in the little city of Edgefield (now East Nashville). This new church of fifteen members, located on Oak Street (now Fourth Street) was named St. Stephen's. In 1867, the church changed its name to St. Anne's in honor of Mrs. Anne Williams, whose generous gift of a lot assisted the church in paying its debt. (A few years later the letter "e" was dropped.)
In the 1870s and '80s, Edgefield was a fashionable community populated by wealthy and influential citizens. The parish grew rapidly, and by 1881, it needed a larger space. The vestry under the leadership of the Reverend T. F. Martin decided to purchase a lot on Woodland Street and to erect a new church. The new building, completed in 1882, was a fine example of English Victorian parish church architecture. The addition of a parish hall, name in honor of the Reverend Mr. Martin, was completed in 1902. By this time, the church was made up of nearly 300 communicants.
Front view of the historic church
Times of trial
In March, 1917, the Great East Nashville Fire swept through the city streets and destroyed many fine homes. St. Ann's was saved from destruction by the sexton Julius Campbell and his son, who stayed on the roof for hours, beating out the sparks which otherwise would have ignited the church. After the fire many neighborhood residents chose not to rebuild their homes in the area, but to resettle across the river. East Nashville began to decline. Nevertheless, many of St. Ann's parishioners remained faithful to the old church even though they no longer lived in the neighborhood.
By the early 1950s, however, St. Ann's had become identified as an "inner city" parish. Some parishioners felt the church should not remain in this area. After some discussion, the church made a commitment to stay. A handsome addition was made to the building to provide chapel space and additional Sunday School rooms. This new structure, finished in 1954, was named Howe Hall in honor of Mr. Harry A. Howe, who had served as Senior Warden of the parish for many years.
As the 1950s and '60s unfolded, the church witnessed drastic changes in the area. Hundreds of old dwellings and buildings were demolished. New apartment structures, particularly for the elderly and for low-income families, appeared rapidly. During this period, as urban renewal wreaked its way through the neighborhood, the fight against racism and poverty became hallmarks of St. Ann's ministries.
In 1973, a fire started by an intruder almost caused St. Ann’s to close its doors, but the vestry determined that the spirit of St. Ann’s was too important to lose. Faithful members continued their efforts to remain in the inner city as urban pioneers. Howe Hall and Martin Hall were restored.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, under the leadership of the Reverend Michael Moulden, St. Ann's began to reshape itself as a parish not only committed to service, but also to supporting individuals on their spiritual journeys. The Reverend Donna Scott joined St. Ann's staff as adjunct pastoral counselor, a bold step for a church not yet sure of the place of women. In another bold step, the Reverend Lisa Hunt was called as rector -- one of the first women in Tennessee to serve in that capacity. As mission and ministries grew, so did St. Ann's. Some people returned to the neighborhood to reclaim the older houses. Families of all varieties and people of many ages were present once again. The congregation began to reflect the diversity of the greater community including a large number of gay and lesbian members. The spirit of openness and desire for spiritual growth continues today.
In March, 1917, the Great East Nashville Fire swept through the city streets and destroyed many fine homes. St. Ann's was saved from destruction by the sexton Julius Campbell and his son, who stayed on the roof for hours, beating out the sparks which otherwise would have ignited the church. After the fire many neighborhood residents chose not to rebuild their homes in the area, but to resettle across the river. East Nashville began to decline. Nevertheless, many of St. Ann's parishioners remained faithful to the old church even though they no longer lived in the neighborhood.
By the early 1950s, however, St. Ann's had become identified as an "inner city" parish. Some parishioners felt the church should not remain in this area. After some discussion, the church made a commitment to stay. A handsome addition was made to the building to provide chapel space and additional Sunday School rooms. This new structure, finished in 1954, was named Howe Hall in honor of Mr. Harry A. Howe, who had served as Senior Warden of the parish for many years.
As the 1950s and '60s unfolded, the church witnessed drastic changes in the area. Hundreds of old dwellings and buildings were demolished. New apartment structures, particularly for the elderly and for low-income families, appeared rapidly. During this period, as urban renewal wreaked its way through the neighborhood, the fight against racism and poverty became hallmarks of St. Ann's ministries.
In 1973, a fire started by an intruder almost caused St. Ann’s to close its doors, but the vestry determined that the spirit of St. Ann’s was too important to lose. Faithful members continued their efforts to remain in the inner city as urban pioneers. Howe Hall and Martin Hall were restored.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, under the leadership of the Reverend Michael Moulden, St. Ann's began to reshape itself as a parish not only committed to service, but also to supporting individuals on their spiritual journeys. The Reverend Donna Scott joined St. Ann's staff as adjunct pastoral counselor, a bold step for a church not yet sure of the place of women. In another bold step, the Reverend Lisa Hunt was called as rector -- one of the first women in Tennessee to serve in that capacity. As mission and ministries grew, so did St. Ann's. Some people returned to the neighborhood to reclaim the older houses. Families of all varieties and people of many ages were present once again. The congregation began to reflect the diversity of the greater community including a large number of gay and lesbian members. The spirit of openness and desire for spiritual growth continues today.
