Our History
St. Michael and All
Angels Church began its long history in 1882 when Jacob R. Ballard, the
second black deacon ordained in the Episcopal Church, Diocese of
Florida, organized and took charge of the mission congregation under
the authorization of J.F. Young.
Six years later, a new church building and the name St Michael and All Angels were given to the mission by Bishop E.W. Weed.
Then the Rev. W.H. Carter, rector of St. John's (Tallahassee)
became priest-in-charge of St. Michael. Under his leadership and with
the assistance of President D.T. Tucker (FAMU, and the first St.
Michael's lay reader) Sunday School and regular services were held. The
parochial school was organized. Over the years, the enrollment grew to
200 students, many of whom became leading citizens in the Tallahassee
community.
Throughout its early history, the church had no regularly
assigned priest. In fact, it was not until 1947, sixty years after it's
founding that St. Michael had a permanently assigned minister. Prior to
that time, priests from nearby churches assisted at St. Michael's.
Notably among the assisting clergy was the Reverend Dr. W.H. Carter of
St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee. It was Father Carter who
organized the parochial school. Following Father Carter, other priests
who served the church were: the Reverend James K. Satterwhite, the
Reverend Bassion, Father John Brown, the Reverend E.S. Shirley, the
Reverend J.H. Jones, the Reverend Robert L. Gordon, Father Fred Hunter
and the Reverend J.H. Cole.
The year 1947 is important to St. Michael not because it marked
the beginning of continuous ministry, but it was the year that the
Reverend Father David Henry Brooks came to Tallahassee as Vicar of the
church and Episcopal Chaplain at Florida A&M University. Father
Brooks' many achievements in his ministry at St. Michael's are
noteworthy. Significant among these was the construction of a chapel,
which was to become the Parish Hall (Parish Canterbury House).
Moreover, Father Brooks led the church to increased membership and
presented scores of classes to the Diocesan Bishop for confirmation.
Student members of the church were from all sections of the state, the
nation and abroad. Father Brooks' leadership in the community was well
known; he was in the forefront of civil rights efforts and was known as
a counselor and friend to students, faculty and the Tallahassee
community at large. The influence of Father Brooks so impacted the
congregation that in April 1995 they rededicated the Parish Hall and
named it in his honor, the David Henry Brooks Hall.
The Rev. James H. Hall became Vicar of St. Michael and All
Angels Church, June 15, 1974. Among his successes are: encouraging and
revitalizing existing groups; initiating the Friday Night Bible Study
Group; putting emphasis upon individual counseling; stimulating broad
lay participation and leading St. Michael to become a parish in 1972.
The Reverend Vincent P. Harris became the second rector of St.
Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in 1980. His vision and
leadership promised a glorious future of worship, love and service.
The past twelve years, Saint Michael and All Angels Church was
blessed with the Reverend Father Carl C. Murray as rector. Father
Murray shared many gifts with the members of St. Michael and the
congregation was sadden by his retirement this year. Although, Father
Murray continues to be a member of the St. Michael's family the
congregation realizes that the selection of a permanent rector will
restore our sense of balance.