June 5th was a momentous day in the lives of over 300 worshippers at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, Florida. On that day the congregation began its worship service in the Destin Community Center, and ended with a joyful celebration in the newly completed sanctuary on the church property at 250 Indian Bayou Trail. The theme was “Moving Into Canaan”, reflecting the Exodus-type journey that the congregation has taken.

Since leaving behind the Episcopal Church USA in August 2000, along with their church buildings and facilities, the congregation of Immanuel has literally been a “church on the move”, worshiping at various locations all over the city of Destin. The Destin Community Center has served as their main place of worship for the past 4 ½ years.
Construction on Immanuel’s new church facilities is almost completed, and by last Sunday, the new sanctuary was ready for worship.

The day opened with a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at the Destin Community Center. Beneath the basketball goals that had graced their worship space in the community gym for so long, the people of Immanuel recalled their exodus and the subsequent outpouring of support from surrounding churches and the local community. A review of memorable events in the life of the congregation included many special services and fellowship gatherings, ordinations of deacons and priests, baptisms and rededications, not a few funerals, and the addition of many new members. Those present recalled the sacrifices required to make this journey, and the joys and sorrows along the way. Almost everyone wore red to symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit. As participants left the first part of the service, they were given red helium balloons to carry on the next stage of the celebration.

This was followed by a 3.2 mile walk to the new church property. The procession was led by Fr. Mike Hesse, Rector of Immanuel and various members who took turns carrying an ornate processional cross, and a torch symbolizing the light of Christ. They were followed by others carrying Bibles, emphasizing their devotion to the Word of God. The route took the marchers right through the heart of Destin along U.S. Highway 98. Over 100 intrepid walkers made all or part of the march. They spanned several blocks as they traveled, and made for an eye-catching sight along the highway.

Once at the new church buildings, the sanctuary rapidly filled with members, friends and well-wishers. The celebration continued with upbeat praise and worship led by Deacon


Dwight Atchley, the Immanuel choir, band and praise team. Fr. Hesse preached on God’s vision for the Immanuel community, emphasizing Immanuel’s Anglican heritage, her commission to spread the gospel and her place as one fellowship among many that make up the larger Body of Christ in Destin. Gesturing to the large windows on three walls of the sanctuary, he pointed out that each looked out on the mission field- the surrounding city of Destin. Fr. Hesse reminded those present of the strong ministry that had continued without buildings and traditional resources, and the ways in which God had used the circumstances of the last 4 ½ years to transform the parish into a missionary congregation. He also admonished his listeners to use their new resources to the utmost. “We’ve been saying’ When we get into the building….’ for four plus years now. Well, we’re here! Now there are no excuses. The fields are white with harvest, and it’s time for us to get to work. “

After Holy Communion, Fr. Hesse invited those present to spread out over the buildings and grounds. “We want to saturate this place with your prayers” he directed, and for more than half an hour, worshipers prayed intently for God’s blessings on every part of the facilities and property. Fr. Hesse blew a shofar ,(a trumpet-like instrument used by Old Testament Israelites to assemble their people, traditionally made from a ram’s horn) to re-gather the group on the expansive main deck outside of the church and pronounced a blessing over the meal to follow. Kevin Adair, a member of Immanuel and the owner of Gourmet Entrees To Go Of Destin provided a delicious catered meal of pulled-pork BBQ, grilled chicken and all the fixings. The fellowship and fun continued late into the afternoon with games and activities for kids of all ages.

All of Immanuel’s Sunday and weekly church services will now take place at the new church facilities. On June 12th, AMIA Bishop Alexander Greene visited the new church and ordained Deacon Elijah Lovejoy as a priest in the Anglican Mission.