Epiphany Cathedral (Venice, Florida) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Epiphany Cathedral |
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| 27°06′04″N 82°26′56″W / 27.1012°N 82.4488°W | |
| Location | 310 Sarasota St. Venice, Florida |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Modern |
| Completed | 1980 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Venice in Florida |
Epiphany Cathedral is a large and important Roman Catholic church in Venice, Florida, United States. It is the main church for the Diocese of Venice, which means it's where the bishop has his special chair.
Contents
History of Epiphany Cathedral
Starting as a Mission Church
The story of Epiphany began in 1935. It started as a small "mission station" for St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, Florida. People from the Kentucky Military Institute had to travel far to attend church. So, a closer place was needed.
The very first church service was held in the Gulf Theatre. Only 20 people attended. The Rev. Charles Elslander was the priest at St. Martha's at that time.
The First Church Buildings
The first building for Epiphany Church was actually an old chapel. It came from the Venice Army Airfield. In 1947, this chapel was moved to a new spot in Venice. It cost about $11,165 to buy and furnish it.
On March 7, 1955, Epiphany officially became its own parish. This meant it was a full church community. The Rev. Michael M. Reynolds became its first pastor. Later, in 1958, St. Raphael's Parish was started from Epiphany.
Building New Churches
In 1959, work began on a new church building. It was finished the next year, in 1960. The older church building was then changed into a hall for parish events.
Another mission church was started from Epiphany in Warm Mineral Springs. This mission later became San Pedro Parish. As the church community grew, Marian Hall was built in 1978. This new building helped host more church services and other activities.
Work on the current church building started in February 1979. Bishop W. Thomas Larkin dedicated it on June 29, 1980. The church building before this one was then made into a parish hall. The very first church building was taken down.
Becoming a Cathedral
A very important event happened on June 16, 1984. Pope John Paul II created the Diocese of Venice. This meant Epiphany Church became a "cathedral." A cathedral is the main church for a diocese, where the bishop leads.
Bishop John J. Nevins became the first bishop of this new diocese. Two more parishes were later started from Epiphany Cathedral. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish began in Venice in 1986. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish started in Osprey in 2001.
On July 25, 2006, Frank J. Dewane became a bishop in Venice. He was the first bishop to be ordained right there in Epiphany Cathedral.
Recent Renovations
In 2021, plans began for a big renovation of the cathedral. However, Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused delays. On May 30, 2024, Bishop Dewane led a special ceremony to start the rebuilding project.
This project is expected to take about two years. It will include a new front entrance and a gathering area. The inside will get a new curved ceiling, new furniture, and better heating and cooling systems.
Epiphany Parish School
Epiphany School began in 1959. Msgr. George W. Cummings started it with 66 students. They were in four different grades. At first, classes were held at the Kentucky Military Institute. Later, the school got its own building.
The school building first had one floor. A second floor was added in 1966. Different groups of sisters, like the Benedictine Sisters and Franciscan Sisters, taught at the school for many years. By 1977, lay teachers and other sisters joined the staff.
School Growth and Improvements
Kindergarten was added to the school in 1978. Marion Hall, a building for many uses, was built next to the school in 1979. The next year, grades 6-8 became a separate middle school section.
In 1983, the school added a computer lab and a new playground. Pre-Kindergarten classes started in 1987. As more students joined, the school building grew. An annex was added in 1990.
Between 1991 and 1993, more rooms were added. These included a cafeteria, a media center, and music rooms. In 1996, another annex building replaced older buildings. Santa Maria Chapel was added to the school in 1998. This chapel was a gift from a generous supporter.
In the early 2000s, student numbers changed. Each classroom then held only one grade level. The annex building was given to the parish for offices. In 2007, Epiphany School received a special Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award. This award recognizes schools for being outstanding.
Pastors and Rectors
These priests have led Epiphany Parish. Since 1984, they have served as the cathedral's rector:
- Msgr. Charles Elslander (Mission from Sarasota; 1935–1955)
- Rev. Michael M. Reynolds (1955)
- Rev. Noah E. Brunner (administrator; 1955–1956)
- Msgr. George W. Cummings (1956–1976)
- Rev. Esteban G. Soy (1976–1999)
- Rev. Robert R. Cannon (1999–2003)
- Rev. George Ratzmann (2003–2008)
- Rev. John F. Costello (2008–2021)
- Very Rev. Msgr. Patrick Dubois (2021–Present)
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de la Epifanía (Venice) para niños
