By Elaine M. Heitman

Grace Episcopal Church in Ocala moved up the street a few years ago – actually 110 years ago – and they’ve been there ever since! To celebrate the anniversary, the church held a special service on Sunday, June 14, reflecting the traditions of the 1905 time period.

Grace Church, circa 1905

Many parishioners dressed in period clothing, with more ladies’ hats present than have been seen in the church since the 1950s. Feet and ankles were covered, as well. Hand fans were distributed in recognition of the lack of air conditioning at the turn of the century.

In the nave, some parishioners sat within the confines of the original church, marked off by tape. Others sat outside the tape within the additional space added over the years.

The service followed the 1892 Prayer Book, and the Gospel was read from the Bible in use at the church in 1905. No women participated in the service, as this exclusion was standard in those days.

Father Jonathan French’s sermon recognized the history of Grace. He reminded the parishioners that through two World Wars, economic collapse, dictators rising and falling, hurricanes, crop failures . . . and now terrorism and global warming, it is easy to get lost. But, because of the mustard seed of faith planted here in 1905, Grace continues to serve God, the Rock of our Salvation. He concluded by saying if those 110 years have taught us anything, it is the solidity of God’s love for us.

After the service, like all good Episcopalians, the congregation refreshed themselves. Reflective of the era, lemonade, cookies, and cucumber sandwiches were served in the Parish House.

The event was initiated by parishioner Eleanor Simons, the church’s communications director and historian. She was aided by Father Jonathan doing historical research on vestments and services; and Josh Head, worship coordinator, researching period music.

Concurrent with the historical Sunday, the church introduced to the congregation new photo walls and display cases that house original documents and the original Bible. These will be permanent displays and will be updated in coming years.

Note: Grace church was founded in 1853 and first built a church building in the 1880s near the square in Ocala. It took five months to disassemble the old church and move it to the present site.