St. Francis History

The history of St. Francis in-the-Field began in the late 1980’s with a vision shared by two men: J.T. McCormick and the Reverend James Cooper, Rector of Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach. Their vision established a mission church on a wooded, 46-acre tract in a then rural location that would accommodate the anticipated growth of the area.

“Rattlesnake hill” this is the way it was

Yes, plenty of rattlesnakes and they live inside gopher tortoise burrows. In fact, the gopher tortoise is a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for at least 360 other animal species.

June 3, 2001, Groundbreaking for St. Francis

Groundbreaking for the new church, St. Francis in-the-Field, on June 3, 2001. The grounding breaking ceremony was attended by many families with children and teens of all ages. There were feasts and festivities for everyone.

1992 – the dedication of day break

Day Break is 4 1/2 miles from the Intracoastal or Palm Valley Bridge, then onto Nocatee Parkway.

The church under construction on the outside,

January 2002, St. Francis lays the cornerstone. The congregation gathers for the Blessing of the Cornerstone.
The Rev. David Wilt, Vicar, conducts the services. Jackie Wilson, the Administrator, stands over on the right.

The Interim Rector the Rev. Eddie Jones and the Rev. Dr. James Cooper bless the new baptismal font that was given to St. Francis in-the-Field. This baptismal font was hand crafted from clay depicting animals of the area. St. Francis was the Patron Saint of animals. The artist stands next to Rev. Cooper.

1991 – 1992

In 1992, two men, J.T. McCormick, who owned this land, and the Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper, The Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, came together. They talked about this 46 acre land, and had a vision.

February 1995, clearing the land started.

September 22, 1996. The First Service at Day Break.

In the shade of towering oak trees, Reverend David R. Wilt officiated the first Episcopal service at Day Break. The altar was made by his late father Henry Wilt. This first service was attended by 72 people.

. . . and later the Chancel was being built and the Cross was being raised.

The Rev. Dr. Jim Cooper admiring the cornerstone for the new St. Francis in-the-Field church building. “Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone.” Hymn No. 518

The first Mens Choir consisting of ten men. Charlie McCall has always been the keyboardist, organist, Choir Master, and Director of Music.