All Angels by the Sea looks back on 30 years

It was a festive occasion Sunday, when All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church members gathered for the church’s 30th anniversary luncheon, at the Harbourside Dining Room at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. 

It was a time for longtime members to share with newcomers the history of the congregation. During the social hour, there was a continuous screen display of members taking part in church events.

Guest speaker for the event was the retired Rev. Bennett Barnes, first rector of the church, now from Brunswick, Maine. Barnes had been headmaster at St. Stephens Episcopal School, in Bradenton. He was named the church’s vicar in 1986. When the church became self supporting in 1987, he became its rector.

As he spoke, Barnes remembered the early days in detail, often with a sense of humor. The Rev. David Danner, the church’s current rector, spoke briefly and welcomed the group of about 130 guests.

Contact Dora Walters at [email protected].