Matheson Museum presents “From Segregation to Solidarity: A Journey of Faith for the Saint Augustine Episcopal Mission Church and School of Gainesville, 1895-1970”

Press release from the Matheson History Museum

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Saint Augustine Mission Church and School was established in Gainesville in 1894 for Black Episcopalians and students. The Diocese of Florida, under the leadership of Bishop Weed and Rector Rev. A.T. Sharpe of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, founded St. Augustine with 15 congregants. In 1897, a Black minister, the Rev. John Speight, became rector and headmaster and served 1897-1919. After Rev. Speight’s passing in 1924, Rev. Melvin Jackson took over as headmaster. The church and school were closed by the Diocese of Florida in 1970 and the congregants became members of Holy Trinity.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, George Guy, parishioner of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Gainesville, will give a presentation on the history of piety and perseverance behind the one-time Episcopal parish and parochial school for Black citizens formerly located at 405 NW 4th Avenue in Gainesville.

In-person registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/71332-from- segregation-to-solidarity

Zoom registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vOwmzT06RtOajhI5Ls1MQA

George Guy is a retired civil engineer and United States veteran who served in the 101st Airborne division during the Vietnam War. He currently provides chaplaincy services at the VA Hospital in Gainesville and the surrounding area on behalf of the Episcopal Church.

This event is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL; The City of Gainesville; and by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of the Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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