About Us

October 1946.  Members of St. Andrew’s Church in Downtown Tampa establish an Episcopal mission in fast-growing south Tampa.  Liturgies were celebrated in various locations around South Tampa, including the Palma Ceia Country Club and the Ella Mae School of Dance.  The Rev. John Beacon provides pastoral oversight for the mission called St. Andrew’s Palma Ceia Church.

October 1947.  The mission church becomes St. Mary’s Chapel, with property on Concordia Empedrado near Bay-to-Bay.  First building on the site was a parish hall which serves as worship space and Sunday School.

October 1949.  Church building is erected on same site, setting up St. Mary’s first campus.  The Rev. Warren Densmore becomes vicar of St. Mary’s Chapel: An Episcopal Mission.

1951-1952. Granted parish status in 1951.  Fr. Densmore establishes St. Mary’s Parish Day School in 1952, with a kindergarten class and plan to add one class per year to and including 8th grade.

May 1953.  Acquires present property on San Miguel.

1959.  Rev. Simcox succeeds Fr. Densmore as rector.

1964-1974. Rev. John Mangrum is third rector

1975-1982. Rev. Thomas Garner, Jr., new rector, calls for design of All Saints Chapel.

1983-1994. Rev. Hewitt Johnston serves as rector.  All Saints Chapel dedicated

1996.  The Re. Kevin Donlon becomes rector of St. Mary’s Parish.

2000.  Parish experiences unprecedented growth.  $9 million capital campaign provides funding for new school and church buildings.

2002.  New school building is dedicated and church is consecrated.  Fr. Donlon resigns; a significant number of parishioners follow.  The Rev. William McLean III named interim rector.

2003-2004. Parish works to heal from division.  Begins search for new rector

2005-2006. Parish calls The Reverend Canon Dennis Kezar as rector.  New Parish Activity Center begins construction.  Relationship between church and school continues to flourish – mutual provision for one another is reflected in a renewed lease arrangement.

2007-2008. New members flock to St. Mary’s, nearly half under 16.  Free To Be capital campaign raises over $1M to pay down church building debt of $1.25M.  60% received during first seven months of the three-year giving period.

2009-2010. Clergy, vestry and congregation place emphasis on growth, eliminating debt and expanding outreach ministries.  Young Adults establish AMEN! fellowship group.  Columbarium completed.  St. Mary’s Counseling Center opens.  Prayer groups multiply.