Photo:  Pastor Ron Browning shows the Archbishop around the new Pensacola church.

Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda recently spent time with clergy and churches of the Gulf Coast Network. Clergy from the region, along with the Archbishop, met in the new Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Pensacola, for a time of fellowship and encouragement. While gathered, the men blessed and sanctified the newly acquired property and building for the glory of God and the furtherance of His kingdom.

The Holy Trinity campus formerly served as East Hill Church of Christ from 1880 until 1987 when it was purchased and converted into a funeral home. The Willie Junior Funeral home was famous for its drive-through viewing area, being featured on late night TV and even as the subject of a Trivial Pursuit® card. The recent acquisition by Holy Trinity (a re-launch of Church of the Messiah, Gulf Breeze) reclaims the facility as a sacred place.

Following lunch the Archbishop shared about the happenings within the Communion, in Africa, and events in Rwanda. The time concluded with the network clergy laying hands on Emmanuel asking for blessing upon him and his family, protection from the enemy, and thanksgiving for his servant leadership.

Asked about the large building for a relatively small congregation, Archbishop Kolini encouraged members to look to God. “Trust in the Lord, and focus on building a healthy church. Do not look at the empty seats. God will give the growth.”

Holy Trinity hopes to complete renovation of the building in the coming weeks in preparation for their public launch on July 24. They ask for your prayers for the disconnected in Pensacola and for Holy Trinity, that they faithfully present Jesus to that community.

On May 22 the Archbishop joined in a special service at Christ Church Mobile, AL for the ordination of staff member Alan Armstrong to the Priesthood. In the afternoon, church members gathered at the location of the future home of Christ Church for an official groundbreaking. Rector Conlee Bodishbaugh described it as a ‘day of all days’ for the church. “Both the ordination service in the morning and the groundbreaking and consecration of the property in the afternoon were exceptional. God’s Presence was so very evident throughout the day, and that above all else made the day such a marvelous experience.”

Christ Church received special messages of congratulations on the milestone from Bishops Thad Barnum and TJ Johnston, as well as Ugandan Archbishop Henry Orombi, who has long enjoyed a special relationship with the church.

Back To Top

Print this pageSend to a Friend