Due to damage incurred from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in 2024, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church has closed. As we asses and prepare to move forward with the closing of the property, we have a list of FAQs below to answer any questions about our next steps. If you have any questions regarding this process, please call 941-556-0315.
Memorial GardEn
If you have a loved one interred in the St. Alban’s Memorial Garden, please fill out this form.
UPDATES
July 15, 2025:
- Fencing will be installed on July 22nd to secure the property
- The photo inventory of artifacts, furnishings, and equipment is complete
- Working to secure climate-controlled storage for significant artifacts (e.g., paintings)
- Lawn service has been set up to maintain the exterior property during the transition
- A map of the memorial gardens has been obtained and is currently in the custody of the Diocese
FAQ’s
Q: What is going to happen to the memorial garden?
A: The memorial garden will be moved to another location which is still to be determined.
Q: When will the memorial garden be moved?
A: The timing of the memorial garden move is uncertain. Experience tells us this is a complicated process that could take up to 18 months to complete.
Q: How will the church grounds and the memorial garden be protected?
A: Temporary fencing will be placed around the church property.
Q: How will the gardens be cared for until the contents are moved?
A: Unfortunately, the property no longer has electricity. As a result, irrigation is not available to the memorial garden. Periodic mowing of the property will occur, but the plants and yard will have to survive on rain. The gardens will look messy and unkept for awhile until they can be relocated and the area relandscaped.
Q: Can I recover family members interred in the memorial garden?
A: If you can identify where your family member is located, there will be a date(s) where you can come and either remove the family member from the columbarium or can retrieve ground where your family member was interred.
Q: Can I claim an item from the church that either I or a family member of mine donated?
A: An inventory of items in the church will be created by diocesan staff. There will be days set aside in the future for you to claim these items and have them returned to you. Please email Michelle Mercurio at [email protected]
Q: What is going to happen to the church?
A: The Diocesan Land and Asset Development Committee, working closely with our property consultants, will recommend to Diocesan Council the appropriate use of the property. As of now no decisions have been made.
Q: Will the former members of St. Alban’s have a say in what happens with the property?
A: Ultimately the decision will be made by Diocesan Council. Suggestions will be considered by the Land and Asset Development Committee.
Q: Will there be a service when the memorial garden is moved?
A: Yes, there will a service at the former St. Alban’s location prior to moving the memorial garden and then again to rededicate the memorial at the new location. All are welcome to attend these services.
Q: How will information be shared?
A: A direct email list is being created you can add your name to that list using the following link: https://episcopalflorida.wufoo.com/forms/st-albans-memorial-garden-information. Additionally, a resource page will be created and available on the diocesan website.
Last Updated: 7-1-25