May 31, 2022

The Anglican Church of St. Francis Celebrates 30 Years of Ministry.  Father Michael Stranz, OSF, was tasked with starting the new parish on November 10, 1991. The first service, started in his home chapel with Morning Prayer and a deacon's Mass.  During the time St. Francis Church was located at the Stranz home(seven years), there were three Baptisms, three marriages, two confirmations, and eight receptions into the Southern Episcopal Church.  The parish was received into the Anglican Church in America at their diocesan synod on October 28, 1998. The fledgling parish obtained space at South Main Office Park in Jonesboro, GA in November 1998. During this period, everyone who visited St. Francis Church became a member.  On November 10, 1991, the tenth anniversary of the parish Bishop Campese, then Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church in America dedicated our new and current location. On February 8, 2004, Bishop Walter Grundorf made his first official visit and received the parish into the Diocese of the Eastern U.S. (DEUS), Anglican Province of America (APA).

In February 2010 Bishop Grunforf approved Fr. Michael's request for retirement to be effective on June 1, 2010.  A supply priest was in residence in May 2010, but changed his plans and departed the end of July 2010. Fr. Michael returned on August 1, 2010 and remained until a new priest was secured.

The Chairman of the Search Committee, William G. Armstrong, recommended to the Vestry that The Rev. Gary Allen Fisher, Jr. be considered to fill the vacant clergy position.

After interviewing and reviewing Father Fisher's credentials, the Vestry approved hiring Father Fisher subject to the Bishop Ordinary's and Board of Examining Chaplains' approval.  The approval was received. Concurrently, Father Fisher's bishop also approved of the appointment.  The parish held a special meeting and approved the calling of Father Fisher as Rector. Father Allen began his priestly ministry at St. Francis on August 1, 2012.

In April 2020, Father Fisher received an opportunity to serve as Curate at St. Michael's Church in Matthews, N.C.

Father Michael requested to be transferred from the retired rolls and return as Rector of St. Francis. Bishop Grundorf approved the request and Fr. Michael became the third rector of St. Francis on May 1, 2020.