BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
There is just something about the smell of a “Real” Christmas tree. If you long for a live Christmas tree this year, St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church of Millbrook will open their tree lot Nov. 27 at 8 a.m.
This year with COVID-19, the church had to cancel their primary fundraiser for the year, which is the very popular AngelFest arts and crafts event, with a giant bake sale. So, funds raised from this tree sale will help to boost their community mission fund.
From the Ole St. Mike’s Christmas Tree Page:
Welcome to the inaugural year of St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church Christmas Tree Lot. You will find premium fresh-cut Christmas trees on the lush grounds of our parish.
OPENING DAY: Friday, November 27th. 8:00 a.m. The church is located 5941 Main Street in Millbrook
For questions or more information contact them on their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/olestmikeschristmastrees
The congregation is led by Father Mark Waldo. Visit their website at https://www.stmaa-millbrook.com/about-us
About St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church:
Our Beginning
On September 30, 1953, a group of fifteen people met for the first time at Memorial Center, Millbrook, to discuss the formation of an Episcopal Church in the Tri-community areas of Millbrook, Coosada and Robinson Springs.
Within a few weeks the first church service, conducted by Dr. Vernon McMaster, Rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter, was held on October 11th. The service was held in the Millbrook Presbyterian Church which graciously allowed the group of Episcopalians to use their facilities whilst they searched for a permanent building of their own. Dr. McMaster would become the first Vicar of the church, and remained in that position from 1953 until 1956.
The 1954 annual budget for the church was around $400, about half of which went towards the Vicar’s salary. The first service in the current church building was held on June 6, 1957. The name “St. Michael and All Angels” was chosen in honor of the Feast Day of the same name. This was appropriate since the first organizational meeting had been held the day after St. Michael’s Day.
Into the 21st Century
As we’ve moved forward into the 21st century, our church has become a small but thriving community of approximately 100 families. Ours is an open, welcoming church, respecting individual needs and cultures. We hope to see you as part of our next chapter!
