The History of St. Anthony on the Desert

St. Anthony on the Desert began in in 1987 worshipping in a local school before moving to a double-wide trailer at our current location. The first permanent building, which now serves as our fellowship hall was built in 1989. As the congregation grew in size, the need to build a new sanctuary became apparent. In recognition of the importance of children and youth to our congregation, a Christian education building was built and dedicated in 1998.

Throughout our history, we have been blessed with outstanding leadership by our rectors. But it has not been without challenges along the way. We lost a beloved rector to an unexpected death. Our sanctuary caught fire after a lightning stroke, although it was not all bad to be referred to as a church on fire! With each event our spirit responded to God's call for ministry and to the ever-changing needs of our community.

Because of the unique challenges we have faced, healing ministry has a special meaning here. We dedicated our chapel to St. Luke the Physician in recognition of the significance of the ministry order that operates here in his name.

In 2006, St. Anthony was designed a Jubilee Ministry congregation for its numerous outreach ministries, primarily for Walking the Mourner's Path, our international program that assists those in all stages of grief.