The River Region of the Diocese of Florida

River Region News and Events -The Rev. Burt H. Froehlich, Canon
burtfroehlich@bellsouth.net

Thank you for visiting our River Region Web page. It is still under construction with information regarding special events taking place in the River Region. Please contact Canon Froehlich with suggestions, comments, or news for this web page.

River Region News

New Handicap Access Ramp for Christian Service Center at Holy Comforter, Crescent City

A New Handicap Access Ramp for the Christian Service Center in Crescent City was recently blessed by Canon Froehlich on behalf of Bishop Howard. The funds were matched by the Bishop and wood donated by a local lumber company. The Christian Service Center is located in Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Crescent City’s “Rectory” and helps those who are most needy and at risk in south Putnam County. This ramp not only brings the Service Center into ADA compliance, but provides access by many of the persons with disabilities who volunteer in or are helped by this ministry of the churches in Putnam County.

The River Region and its churches

The River Region is comprised of 11 churches located in southern Clay and St. Johns Counties, as well as Putnam, and Flagler Counties. There are also two chapels where prison ministry is occurring.

While some portions of the region are experiencing very rapid growth, there are still opportunities to enjoy "old Florida" – with native flora and fauna. Several of the churches are located on the St. John's River, one of the largest rivers in the world flowing north. These churches were established before most of the roads, when river travel was the primary means of conveyance. The quaint river churches were built in the 1800's utilizing Richard Upjohn's "Carpenter Gothic" architecture. The river churches are: St. Paul's, Federal Point; St. Mary's and St. Mark's, Palatka; Emmanuel, Welaka; and Holy Comforter, Crescent City. Each church has its own historical presence actively serving the community in which they are located.

The River Region is also home to the oldest city in North America – St. Augustine, and home to the oldest Episcopal church in the state of Florida – Trinity Church, located in the heart of St. Augustine. The city of St. Augustine gained popularity when Henry Flagler built a rail line to the town and added a grand Hotel for Northerners migrating to warmer weather during winter. There are two other smaller churches in St. Augustine, St. Cyprian's, located in the historic Lincolnville area of St. Augustine, and Reconciliation, located on US 1 in a rapidly growing area south of town.

Further south is Flagler County and the Palm Coast planned development, one of the fastest growing areas in the country. St. Thomas Parish of Flagler County is located in this relatively new community. With the recent addition of a new larger worship building, its size and membership is rivaling Trinity, St. Augustine.

In the lakes area of the region, primarily agricultural, are St. Andrew's, Interlachen, and Holy Communion, Hawthorne.

I invite you to spend some time touring these delightful churches and the others in the River Region. If you live outside Florida and are looking for a place to vacation or live, the communities in this region of the state are well worth considering.

In the region’s churches, are numerous active chapters of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Order of St. Luke, Daughters of the King, Martha’s Guild, ECW and ECM, EYC, Cursillo, Kairos, Happening, Discovery Weekends, Stephen Ministry and prison ministry. Two exciting ministries are taking place behind prison walls. The Community of the Transformation at St. John’s County Detention Center and All Saints Chapel, at the Youth Detention Center in Hastings are mission outreaches to those in prison. In these and many other ways the River Region is doing the mission and ministry to bring GOOD NEWS to people in our area of the state of Florida.

Saturday, November 7th • 8am - 3pm
223 North Summit St.
Crescent City, FL  32112
(386) 698-1983

Food • Crafts • Baked Goods • White Elephant
Trash & Treasure • Second Hand Rose (clothes)