A Short History of St. Anskar’s

On June 14, 1959, 45 faithful and eager Episcopalians (from Rockford Emmanuel Episcopal Church) petitioned the Bishop of Chicago for permission to establish a mission on the east side of Rockford, Illinois. Permission was granted and St. Anskar’s Mission became a reality. Given the area's rich Scandinavian heritage, Anskar was a most appropriate name for this new mission church. Anskar is looked upon by Scandinavians as their apostle and served as Archbishop of Hamburg, a papal legate for missionary work among the Scandinavians.

On September 13, 1959, the first service was held in the Guilford Hope Grange Hall, with 66 adults and children and several mice in attendance. Membership grew, and after just a few months, it was obvious that more room was needed. A building committee was formed, an architect chosen and work began on our first building on our current property on Spring Creek Road. We are an east-side church, but serve parishioners in the surrounding communities.

In March of 1963, we moved into our new home and services were held in what is now our parish hall. Church school was held in eight classrooms in the basement of the building. The additional room that this facility offered allowed membership to grow rapidly. If you were two minutes late for the service, it was "standing room only". By 1967 we had more than 200 pledging members and church school was at an all time high of over 120 children. Seventy people regularly attended the Sunday adult forum, and the Thursday 6:30 a.m. Bible study/breakfast attracted some 25 people. In 1968, an educational and office wing was completed. St. Anskar’s received parish status in 1975.

By 1978 we were prepared to build our church. It was decided that the members of the church would complete the interior work, and by 1981 work was completed and the first service was held. All of our building efforts were completed and supported by the members. We have no long-term debt.

Five rectors have served St. Anskar’s. The past 10 to 15 years can be described as unsettled and shifting. Three dynamics were at play: internal issues raised by unethical clergy behavior; issues between members of the congregation and the National Church; and demographics within the parish. Through good times and bad, the parish has experienced an active life with many social activities and times of renewal. Yet, our internal struggles have kept us focused primarily on ourselves. Now we are eager and ready to move beyond ourselves and reach outward to the community and to those in need.

This page prepared by St. Anskar's, Rockford