A wooden cross with a red cloth draped over it in front of a building with a sign that reads "Enter a stranger but once." There are benches, a statue, and plants in the foreground, and a blue sky overhead.

About Us

Our vibrant, intergenerational church has humble beginnings dating back to the 1930s. A small band of believers gathered and worshiped in each other’s homes for many years. In 1960, our property on Lake June Road was purchased and a small church with a sanctuary and parish hall was built in 1965. In 1987, we received parish status by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.

Over the years as our membership grew, our church underwent several major renovations and expansions. Sunday school classrooms and a chapel were added. Our parish hall also was expanded to include a kitchen, storage area, bathrooms and multi-purpose room.

From 2000-2004, stunning stained-glass windows were added to the nave and the parish hall was expanded again to include offices, a library, bookstore, choir room, nursery and activity space.

In 2009, a classroom building was converted to become the home of our Thrift Store. Proceeds from sales support our ministries as well as six local charities and one international nonprofit group.

The manicured grounds of the church include a tranquil courtyard, Memorial Garden and sitting garden, perfect for quiet meditation. We are located in Lake Placid, known as the “Caladium Capital of the Word” and the “Town of Murals.” Fittingly, the wall of our Thrift Store features a mural of Jesus’s miraculous “feeding of the 5,000,” which was painted by local artist John LaFarge.

The Story Behind Our Red Doors

Most Episcopal churches – and some other denominations – paint their doors red. The tradition of red doors in the Episcopal church dates back to the Middle Ages. During this time – and even today – the red door symbolizes sanctuary and protection. If someone was being pursued, reaching a church with a red door meant they could claim refuge as no violence could occur on Holy ground.

St. Francis of Assisi Badge Logo

Our Unusual, Yet Meaningful Tau Cross

You may have noticed our unusual new logo featuring the tau cross. Also known as St. Anthony’s cross, this T-shaped design symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is closely associated with our patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who used it as a personal sign.

The cross’s shape resembles the Greek letter tau, which is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The cross also has Biblical roots from the Book of Ezekiel, in which saved men and women wore the mark of the tau cross to declare their salvation.

St. Francis embraced the tau cross as his personal symbol, often signing his letters with it. He viewed it as a representation of his commitment to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience.

The tau cross also was adopted by early Franciscans, symbolizing their spiritual journey and dedication to the Gospel. In the modern Christian church today, the tau cross is normally crafted from olive wood and is worn as a pendant or used in holy ceremonies.

This unusual cross was embraced by St. Francis to create our logo and identity because of its connection to St. Francis. The tau cross exemplifies    our deep conviction to be followers of Christ in our spiritual journey.

Just as we were contemplating various cross designs and concepts for our logo, Rev. Robin was given a small wooden tau cross by a friend. Surely, the Holy Spirit was at work to lead us to our decision. 

What We Believe

Colorful stained glass window depicting Jesus Christ in the center, flanked by other religious figures on either side, inside a church.

OUR MISSION

We are the Light of Christ!

We are a welcoming and friendly parish, practicing our mission statement to all. We take to heart Jesus’ command to love and care for others with compassion and grace and to share the Good News of the Gospel.

A priest standing in a church with arms raised during a religious ceremony, with altar decorations, candles, a crucifix, and a flag in the background.

OUR VISION

As the light of Christ, we strive to bring the love of Christ into every heart though worship, mission and building relationships.

Decorative cross with mosaic and painted images, including a man in armor, white doves, and floral patterns, with the phrase "Pax et Bonum" written at the top.

OUR GOALS

Parish and Worship: Pray first in all we do. Gather to praise, glorify and give thanks to God. (Matthew 6:6-13, John 4:24)

Discipleship: Equip our community with tools for living Jesus’ good news. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Outreach and In-reach: Share our bounty to assist our members, our community and our world. (Matthew 25:40, John 15:16)

Evangelism: We are fishers of people and want to bring them to Christ. (Matthew 9:37, Acts 1:8, 2.42, 46-47)

Parish Life: Care for and serve our members’ needs. (Ephesians 4:8, 11-16)

Stewardship: Manage our gifts and resources according to Biblical principles. (Matthew 10:8, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-8, 29:15)

Who We Are

Church Leadership

  • The Lord Jesus Christ

    Head of the Church

  • The Most Rev. Sean Rowe

    Presiding Bishop

  • The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb

    Bishop, Diocese of Central Florida

  • The Rev. Dr. Robin A. Reed

    Rector

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  • The Rev. Rose Sapp-Bax

    Deacon

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Vestry

  • The Rev. Dr. Robin A. Reed

    Rector

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  • Laurie Glover

    Senior Warden

  • Marvin Garwood

    Junior Warden

  • Lois McGrady

    Treasurer

  • Linda Anderson

    Vestry Member

  • John Guerra

    Vestry Member

  • Sam Mancuso

    Vestry Member

  • Roger Wegener

    Vestry Member

  • Ellen Williams

    Vestry Member

Church Staff

  • Jody R. Schum

    Organist

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  • Joyce O’Steen

    Secretary

  • Lois McGrady

    Office Assistant

  • Carole Cook

    Bookkeeper

  • Marc Williams

    Facilities Manager

  • Sheryl Gilsrud

    Sexton

New Here?

What to expect on your first visit to St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church

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