A historic chapel with more than a century of service to the community will take center stage Oct. 3-4 as St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church celebrates its restoration, rededication and the 25th anniversary of its sanctuary.

The Chapel at St. Francis at the Point will be rededicated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. According to a news release, the occasion will include a special celebration in the newly restored and renovated chapel, followed by an open house and fellowship.

The chapel’s history dates to 1896, when it began as a mission. Construction of the chapel was completed in 1898. After suffering significant damage from hurricanes in 1916 and 1917, the chapel was rebuilt and continued to serve as a place of worship until the early 1940s.

During World War II, a shortage of ministers led to the chapel’s closure. It was later deconsecrated and sold in 1954. For a number of years, the building operated as a gift shop, with most of its original pews and furniture removed. Two of the original pews remain today.

The chapel and surrounding land were purchased in 1984 by the Rev. Philip Stenzel and his sister. Interest grew in restarting worship services using the 1928 Prayer Book from the Episcopal Church, and the chapel was re-consecrated as St. Francis at the Point Traditional Protestant Episcopal Church.

The parish hall was completed in 1988. A new sanctuary was later designed, built and completed in 2001, marking another major chapter in the church’s history.

In 2012, the church joined the Gulf Atlantic Diocese in the Anglican Church of North America. The sanctuary and chapel were renamed St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church.

Today, the church has a growing congregation and holds services at 10 a.m. each Sunday with the Rev. Gary Blaylock serving as rector.

The chapel continues to have a role in the church and community. It has been used for small weddings and is open for prayer during office hours. A healing service is held in the chapel each Wednesday, and early Sunday services are planned for the future.

The latest restoration project was undertaken in preparation for the chapel’s rededication. The complete renovation and restoration are intended to preserve the chapel as a vibrant part of the community while providing additional opportunities for worship and prayer for years to come.

The celebration continues Sunday, Oct. 4, with a 10 a.m. service in the sanctuary commemorating the 25th anniversary of the church’s completion.

The Rt. Rev. Alex Farmer, bishop of the diocese, will celebrate the chapel’s rededication service Saturday and lead the worship service Sunday.

For more information, call St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church at (251) 928-1255.