St. Anne's episcopal Church

St. Anne's Episcopal Church

St. Anne's Church has been named “the oldest original church in Anna, as well as the most picturesque.” The church is a truly unique piece of history. “It is a beautifully proportioned structure with walls of fieldstone laid in irregular courses . . .  The building is certainly one of the finest small religious edifices in the state and deserves careful preservation because of its architectural and romantic - or nostalgic - qualities.”

St. Anne's was built as an Episcopal Church in 1886, architecturally considered a country English design built of native fieldstone, for the price of $500. The congregation was never large, maybe 30-40 members, and there were many years when the church was not in use. Early members had to rise early to feed two coal or wood stoves for heat and light the hanging oil lamps that lit the building. Most pastors were considered circuit ministers, coming from Cairo or Carbondale and very few were permanent ministers. At the time it was built there was street parking and a vacant lot beside the church lot. When the highway was closed to street parking in the 1950s, it marked the demise of the church, which was left vacant in the 1970s. 

P.A.S.T. was a fairly new organization and their desire was to preserve history and call attention to beautiful old buildings, not own them. This challenge to preserve this beautiful little church appealed to all board members who saw the possibility of including the whole of Union County and beyond in something lasting and important. Through generous donations of time and work, financial support from the community, as well as grants through the efforts of P.A.S.T., St. Anne’s was restored for a sum totaling well over $200,000. 

In 2003, St. Anne's was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. By 2004, the church was hosting events and fundraisers for its maintenance. In 2006, St. Anne's was given the Governors Home Town Award. The application was written by Linda Hileman, who has spent countless hours writing grants along with former P.A.S.T. President Mona Diefenbach. Bob and Elaine Crain devoted much time and energy to oversee the rebuilding efforts and Bob even located a bell to replace the original. 

Support St. Anne's and the efforts of P.A.S.T. to maintain this unique local treasure; come visit the church yourself to appreciate its history and all it offers.

Quoted Sources: “Garden Club Tour Notes” 1945.; “Outdoor Illinois” article published March, 1974.

St. Anne's for your Special Event

The church is a perfect place to host intimate events, such as small weddings, renewal of vows, anniversary gatherings, showers or christenings, receptions, art shows, recitals, and other appropriate theatrical or musical events. The climate controlled building provides flexible seating for around 100 people. The church does not have street parking but public parking is available at the library on the next block and in other parking areas along downtown Main Street. 

For larger events, a $50 deposit is due at the time of reservation and a $250 fee is payable at the time of the event. The total $300 donation to P.A.S.T. is tax deductible. Funds are used for St. Anne’s restoration and maintenance. For more information, visit the Facebook page “Historic St. Anne’s Church- Southern Illinois Venue” or refer to the contact information below.

For questions or to inquire about reserving St. Anne's for your event, please contact 

Elaine Crain, phone 618-697-1311, email crains@crainsonline.com or 

Diana Scherer, phone 217-377-0994, email dianaljean@gmail.com or

Ethan Dillman, phone 618-851-0309, email emdillman20@gmail.com