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Apalachicola, Florida
April 24, 2026
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On this day three years ago, Travis and I were living among boxes while Josie (the church cat) sashayed across the grounds of Virginia Theological Seminary, hunting insects as though nothing at all was changing. Commencement was just over two weeks away. By the afternoon of graduation, we had loaded the dog, cat, horse, and our belongings and were driving south toward a little town called Apalachicola. A thousand miles separated us from a new location (and new vocations for both of us). Along the way, we wondered: Would we be welcomed? Would we find our place? In what ways would God shape this next chapter?
On this day thirty-four years ago, similar questions hovered over Trinity as people prepared for the first Tour of Homes. What would opening doors to strangers become? Would visitors show up and enjoy themselves? Would it endure?
Fast-forward to today, and the 32nd annual Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour is upon us. As for me, Trinity Sunday this June marks three years since I first stood before you and offered words that, over time, have become part of our common life together. Thank you for your continued trust.
I was surprised at how close this reflection mirrored my first sermon at Trinity, which began as:
“First impressions are important, for they are the start of something new: the initial brush stroke on a canvas; the greeting of a new neighbor; or hearing the first sermon by your new clergy. What will the painting portray? Does this new neighbor share my values? What will he preach about?”
A first step may be memorable. Some might be courageous. And while that first step is important, it is the steps afterward that define us. They are steps taken when steady, unsure, and even (and especially!) after stumbling or being humbled. Together, they reveal who we are becoming.
Communities are shaped in similar ways. Certainly, tradition needs a beginning. But it endures in the willingness and trust to keep going. That’s a life lesson for sure, but it applies to Tour of Homes as well. The first year required vision and courage. The Tour of Homes is sustaining because people are willing to prepare but adapt, to show up for others even if it exposes growing edges, and to practice radical hospitality when we don’t feel like being hospitable. That is how we make one faithful step after another. And people see and feel this long after the fact.
I know this Trinity community is part of what makes Apalachicola so beautiful. That beauty is deeper than architecture or tradition. It develops in how people continue to offer themselves with kindness, generosity, and authenticity. It is revealed in learning how to hold tradition faithfully while making room for what’s new. The Tour itself may not resemble its first year, and that’s OK. That’s precisely what living things do: they learn, change, and become more fully themselves over time, with God’s help.
Our annual Tour of Homes flourishes because of the foundation upon which we stand. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have given of themselves to this event since 1992. I agree the stately homes, verdant gardens, and careful planning are important. But so is a spirit of hospitality held together in community. That spirit creates space where others may encounter something larger than what can be seen. Every open gate, joyous greeting, or porch conversation become far more than courtesy; they become a witness for those who have lived here long and those who just arrived. They are testimony for those who know these streets by heart and those seeing them for the first time.
That is what faithful communities have learned over time: what endures is the simple, steady grace of making room for one another. For hospitality isn’t solely kindness, and it ain’t perfection, not by a long shot. Hospitality is the still small voice (and the still, small voice) of the Gospel message that whispers tenderness: God is Love, and Jesus loves us all. Remember that always.
Love Big and Be Well,
Stephen +
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Celebrate With Us
In celebration of Trinity’s 32nd Annual Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour, we invite you to join us for a series of special events
highlighting the history, beauty, and ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Opening Reception at Live Oak Gallery
Thursday, April 30 | 4–6 pm
156 Market Street
Be among the first to enjoy Trinity Church Through the Eyes of Artists & Photographers, an eclectic collection of paintings and photographs celebrating Trinity. The exhibition opens with a reception at Live Oak Gallery, which is also a stop on the tour. Ten percent of purchases will be donated to Trinity’s Outreach ministry.
Evensong & Reception
Friday, May 1 | 6 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church
Our traditional choral Evensong service—featuring Trinity’s choir with friends from the Bay Area Choral Society—kicks off the Tour of Homes weekend. The service is followed by a reception in Gorrie Square.
Costumed Docent Tours
Saturday, May 1 | Every 30 minutes, 10 am–4 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church Sanctuary
On tour day, Trinity parishioners serve as costumed docents, bringing the church’s rich history to life through engaging, interactive presentations. Visitors will meet portrayals of early founders and vestry members, including Dr. John Gorrie and Dr. Alvan Chapman, and will also experience the historic Henry Erben organ—the oldest pipe organ still in use at its original location in Florida.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $30; tour‑day tickets are $35.
Online ticket sales end Friday, May 1 at 1 pm
Visit ApalachicolaHomeTour.org to purchase tickets.
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A Big Thank You. Last Sunday we celebrated Holy Eucharist with a twist. We expanded the margins of our bulletin to include helpful notes about various portions of the service. You made it rewarding by showing up. It wouldn’t have been possible without a talented team Father Stephen assembled to help craft the Instructed Eucharist. We thank Candace Springer, Patti McCartney, and Rennie Edwards for their service. And of course, we thank Candace for her narration skills. Amazingly, the service clocked in just under the average length of our normal Sunday services!
We are aware of how much material was omitted, from describing the liturgical colors to the theological movement from the Word to the Table. Last time we checked, drinking from a firehose leaves one exhausted and soaked, not refreshed. To make this learning experience truly beneficial, Father Stephen has agreed to write a special column for the Bay View that focuses on particular portions of the service. Beginning with the next issue (May 8, 2026), we will dive deep into a specific part of the liturgy. In the first installment, the focus will be on liturgical colors and vestments.
All contributed articles, along with the video from the Instructed Eucharist of April 19, will be used in Christian Formation classes at Trinity as well as published in a digestible form on our website to help inform the public.
| | | Workshop Scheduled in May | | On Saturday, May 16 Trinity welcomes our Diocesan Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation who will conduct a workshop for up to 30 attendees that examine the impacts of racism, bias, and white privilege, and ways that we can work together to create a Beloved Community. All are welcome to attend, including the general public and those who don’t receive this newsletter. Let’s get the word out to the Forgotten Coast and have so many attending that they conduct multiple workshops! | | Shop TrinityApalachGoods Online! | | |
For years, the Tour of Homes has featured a tent full of vintage
treasures—each piece with a story, waiting to be discovered.
Now, we’re evolving that tradition.
Alongside our reimagined on-site auction on May 2, we’re bringing
the experience online—so you can shop wherever you are.
Explore now: https://trinityapalachgoods.etsy.com
You’ll find the same charm and history in a curated collection of
smaller, ready-to-ship pieces—while even more unique
finds will be available in person this May.
Have a shippable vintage item to offer as donation?
Email 1-2 clear photos & brief description to our team for consideration:
Email: colleen.zester@verizon.net & type “ETSY” in subject line
Team will reply within 24-36 hours to discuss &/or arrange delivery or pick-up.
PLEASE DO NOT drop off any items at Benedict Hall before emailing.
| | Join the Penny's Worth Team! | | |
Penny's Worth has volunteer opportunities for people who want to become more involved in this important community ministry. Start as an assistant cashier where you will meet shoppers and learn how the shop operates. Sign up for mornings (10 am-12:30 pm) or afternoons (12:30-3 pm). Help is especially needed on Saturdays, as several volunteers, who are here seasonally, have returned to their homes in other states. To learn how to become involved, call Dot Hill at 850-653-9297 or stop by Penny's Worth at 195 Avenue E on Tuesdays or Saturdays.
| | Beckwith Sunday April 26! | | |
The loose plate collection (monies not otherwise designated for pledges) on April 26 will be directed to Beckwith Camp & Conference Center. Eleanor Reeves, Beckwith’s director, sent us information about this day set aside every April across our diocese to celebrate the ministry and impact of Beckwith in the lives of so many.
Here’s what Eleanor wrote:
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as we gather on campus for a day of fellowship, worship, and thanksgiving. We will mark the occasion with Holy Eucharist at 10:30 am, followed by a 12 noon cookout and pool party, as we joyfully celebrate and consecrate Beckwith’s newly renovated swimming pool—a space that will serve campers and guests for years to come.
We invite your parish to be part of this celebration in whatever way feels meaningful—whether by joining us on campus or by sharing Beckwith’s story within your congregation. Those interested in attending their own church service and joining us for the cookout and pool party are welcome to arrive at noon. Beckwith Sunday information and prayers for the service can be found on our website:
www.BeckwithAL.com/Beckwith-Sunday
Thank you for helping us tell the story of Beckwith and for all the ways you support this ministry across the diocese. We are grateful for your partnership.
– Eleanor Reeves
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The Diocese Scholarship Program for the 2026-2027 school year is now taking applications. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of our youth, we attempt to offer scholarships to students entering post-secondary education each year.
Application and eligibility requirements are here.
Applications are due June 16, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Diocesan Administrator Dwight Babcock at (850) 434-7337 or dwight@diocgc.org
| | Diocesan Cycle of Prayer. For churches and ministries: on April 26, we pray for Beckwith Camp & Conference Center in Fairhope, Alabama; and on May 3, we pray for St. Paul’s, Daphne, Alabama. For prisons: on April 26, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution, Milton, Florida; and on May 3, we pray for the prisoners, families, and staff of the Walton Correctional Institution, DeFuniak Springs, Florida. | | CELEBRATING FAMILY & FRIENDS | | | | Pictured: Christ Church in Yokohama, Japan; parishioners' shoes left outside the rectory during coffee hour; entrance to the Foreign Cemetery; and, Rick and Martha Watson with Father Johnson. | | |
Friends, here is another report of our travels. This has been not only a journey of adventures in geography and culture, but of spiritual discovery and growth, as well.
Report from Yokohama:
After spending five weeks on land in Japan, Rick and I were in Yokohama on the last Sunday before Lent to board another ship to continue our journey westward. Yokohama was one of the first Japanese cities opened to foreigners in 1859 after more than 250 years of isolation, and the foreign influence in the city is still evident, from its large Chinatown to the Foreign General Cemetery. The cemetery is adjacent to Christ Church, an Anglican/Episcopal church in the Diocese of Yokohama, so before the 9:30 am English service, we visited the cemetery, which is the final resting place for approximately 5,000 foreigners from 41 countries.
In contrast to the previous snowy Sunday in Kyoto, the weather was positively spring-like. It was the first time in weeks that we had dared venture out without our heavy jackets.
After spending a short while at the cemetery, we walked across the street to the church and were warmly greeted at the door by the church's rector, The Rev. Dick Johnson and his Japanese-born wife, Yuki. As it turned out, it was their first Sunday at Christ Church, too. They had just arrived from England to begin their ministry in Yokohama. While in Japan, Father Johnson willl serve Christ Church's English-speaking congregation, but the bulk of his time will be dedicated to the Mission to Seafarers, an important mission in this busy port city. The liturgy, spoken in British, Indian and Japanese-accented English, was comforting in its familiarity. Kneeling at the railing, receiving communion while the soft light streamed through the stained glass windows and the choir sang in
a cappella harmony, we experienced a sense of peace and reassurance as we prepared to set sail on another sea voyage that afternoon.
Following church, coffee hour was held in the rectory. (But still no pimento cheese or deviled eggs!) The service had been in English, the priest was English, but when we arrived at the rectory, everyone followed Japanese custom and removed their shoes before entering. At least for a few more hours, we were still in Japan!
We look forward to being back with our Trinity family before long.
The Peace of the Risen Christ,
Martha and Rick
| | Bill and Patti McCartney enjoyed a week in the Bahamas with children and grandchildren recently. And, yes, they put the live starfish immediately back in the water. | | Aglaia Dolan traveled to Sumpter, SC to visit her son Michael and daughter-in-law Jennifer. They celebrated a cousin's wedding and also attended Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Easter, where this photograph was taken. | | |
(Reader Reflections is a series of offerings written by parishioners on
their favorite spiritual books. If you would like to write a short review
of a book you especially love, please contact Stephen.)
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Bob Pruitt Reflects on
"The Gales of November"
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I have recently read a book that I found fascinating and might appeal to our reading members. I have always had an interest in shipwrecks and am a huge music fan and when I saw the release of a new book about The Edmund Fitzgerald I knew I wanted to read it.
I first heard about this ship in the Gordon Lightfoot song “ The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald “ back in 1976 …. A haunting tune about a haunting tragedy. I knew the words but knew little about the story! The Great Lakes have an interesting shipping history with between 6,000 and 10,000 boats sunk since records were kept - 30,000 sailors have lost their lives on the lakes - incredible numbers!
At the time of this story, the Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest cargo ship on the lakes. At 679 feet long , it had the largest capacity and the fastest speed of its genre ; it also had the most famous captain in service - Captain McSorley. Ironically he was on his last run in November 1975 before his retirement - just like Captain Smith was on the Titanic in 1912! This book introduces you to all 29 men lost in the sinking - their backgrounds, their habits and their families - you feel like you know them all.
The storms of the century collided over Lake Superior on the fateful day of the sinking, creating never before seen wave heights and forced the captain to take a route he was unfamiliar with which resulted in the tragedy! It’s a fascinating read and I would recommend it to anyone who has interest in shipwrecks, history, and weather!
-- Bob Pruitt
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| | | COMMUNITY EVENTS OF INTEREST | |
Franklin Education Foundation
Annual Banquet - May 14
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The Franklin Education Foundation is kicking off its fundraising efforts for the 2026–2027 school year by inviting you to become a sponsor for its Annual Education Banquet on May 14. This special event honors local educators and
celebrates the Teacher of the Year while bringing our community together in support of public education.
Each year, the Franklin Education Foundation works in partnership with our schools to identify and fund critical needs that are not covered by traditional budgets, from classroom resources and student programs to school-wide initiatives that enhance learning and opportunity.
Your sponsorship not only helps make this important event possible but, more importantly, provides the early funding needed to launch next year’s programs, grants, and educational initiatives.
Read the complete invitation here.
For highlights of the foundation's recent work and a preview of the opportunities ahead, go to franklineducationfoundationfl.org
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Your Bay View: Trinity's bi-weekly e-newsletter, the Bay View, reaches members and friends every other Friday, sharing news and inspiration for and about our parish. Please send information and announcements, as well as photographs, to info@trinityapalachicola.org or call the church office at 850-653-9550. The deadline for submission is noon on Wednesday of each publication week. (next deadline is May 6)
-- Kay Carson, Editor
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Worship Service at 10:30 am Sunday
Morning Prayer at 8:15 am Wednesday
Compline at 8 pm Wednesday - Facebook Live
Church address: 79 6th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Office address: 76 5th Street, Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Mailing address: PO Box 667, Apalachicola, Florida 32329
Phone number: (850) 653-9550
Email: info@trinityapalachicola.org
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