We Worship, We Gather & Play, We Teach, We serve!

Meet Reverend Jared Jones

Welcome to Holy Cross.

We are the historic “first” church in Sanford, founded by members of the Sanford family. For us historic does not mean we are a museum for the past, but rather that God has given to us a significant responsibility for the present and the future of our community. Our first responsibility is the worship of God through his Son, Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit. We then have a dual responsibility to deeply care for our members and our community. In these responsibilities we live into the two Great Commandments to love God and our neighbor.

Our worship is centered on the celebration of the Eucharist remembering that Christ always feeds his disciples. Our care for our members is found in our pastoral care for one another, our opportunities for education and through the fellowship we enjoy. Our care for the community is seen in our continued commitment to “Grace and Grits” a feeding ministry of which we are a founding partner and our desire to reach out in new ways to our community.

We hope that this website will give to you a taste of who we are. We are a place where everyone is welcomed. We do not all think alike, but we all are committed to God, to one another and to the mission to which God calls us. We invite you to come and join us: discover the joy of worship, feel the power of a loving God, know the satisfaction of working to change the world for Jesus Christ.

Holy Cross Happenings!!

Why Join us?

History of Holy Cross Espiscopal Church

“The Church of the Holy Cross” as it was known in 1873 when it was consecrated, is the Mother Church for this area. Land was provided by General Sanford and his wife, Gertrude, solicited most of the donations for the building of this landmark church. The first church building was destroyed by hurricane in 1880. Immediately work began on a second building. It flourished providing worship opportunities and a haven for the community with its theatre and bowling alley. This church building, along with the parish and several buildings in the vicinity burned in 1923. The present building was then built.

While the story of the historical building is important, it is the story of the people that is truly impressive. The congregation has seen much sadness through the years; however, it has always shown perseverance and compassion for others. Our members started Grace ‘n Grits, which became a program to feed the hungry offered by several area churches; they helped develop The Christian Sharing Center that helps those less fortunate with shelter, food, clothing, and jobs; as well as many other community efforts. As we celebrate our history, we look forward to what the possibilities are for the future—the lives we can impact, the history that we will create, the love that we can spread.

Check us out on FACEBOOK

We stream our services LIVE on FACEBOOK every Sunday and Wedensday.

What our members and guests say about us...

After relocating to Florida we went to many churches looking for a church home. Walking into Holy Cross we felt that we were “home”. Holy Cross is a warm and loving church. We have grown in our faith with bible studies, outreach programs and serving at Sunday services. During the pandemic it was so nice to be able to watch our service online and keep connected. We feel blessed to be a part of this church family.

Arden & Judee Fontaine

In my 99+ years attending Holy Cross, my family and I have participated in many aspects of church activities which have definitely been an integral part of our daily lives::baptisms, weddings, funerals, Sunday School, choir, Boy Scouts, church secretary, Vestry, various guilds, sexton, Grace & Grits, Sharing Center, kitchen crew, and everything in between. :And, always there has been great leadership, a feeling of belonging, of having many caring friends, and a place to go for acceptance and understanding. Through worship, through Communion, through sermons, you are made to feel that you are closer to God, that He cares and the people care, also. I am looking forward to being a part of the church family for a few more years.

Doris Duxbury

I have attended Holy Cross nearly my entre life and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. The congregaton is warm, caring and friendly and have become like a second family to me. Our excellent priest Father Dan and Deacon Rob lead us in meaningful worship and teachings and the whole experience is enhanced by the uplifing music and the beauty of the sanctuary. Whether you choose to be actively involved in one of the fulfilling ministries or simply come to enjoy the quiet peace of God’s presence, Holy Cross welcomes you.