The Venerable Thomas Carson, Archdeacon of
the Diocese of Dallas, served as
priest-in-charge of the fledgling
congregation. The mission's first home was
in Lake Dallas. In 1962 the mission moved
to the basement of the Presbyterian Church
in Lewisville.
A major gift from Mrs. Lillian Harper made
it possible to purchase three acres on
Main Street near Valley Parkway. Later, a
trade with H.L. Hunt Properties provided
the present location and a permanent
structure built in 1970. Today, this
building serves as the parish hall and
provides classrooms for Montessori
Episcopal School.
In 1972 an education building was
completed which serves as the main
building for MES.
After many clergy faithfully served
Annunciation as vicar, in 1975, under the
enthusiastic leadership of the Reverend
Livingston Merchant, Annunciation was
accepted by the diocesan convention as a
parish. Father Merchant was subsequently
appointed Annunciation's first rector. In
Advent, 1977, the Reverend Richard G.
Copeland became the second rector, serving
until 1981.
As southern Denton county began its
amazing population growth, the Reverend
William Blewett became the third rector in
April, 1982. He and the vestry began
planning ways to respond to the growing
population and on Easter Eve in 1989 the
church moved to its new sanctuary.
The growth of the region, however,
coincided with a time of conflict at the
national level of the Episcopal Church. In
Lewisville, Annunciation faced a dwindling
income even as it moved into its new
building. Also in 1989, the church
reverted to mission status and Father
Blewitt retired as rector.
For the next 15 months Annunciation went
without a permanent rector but was ably
served by supply priests. The Rev. Charles
Richard Carlisle added stability by
serving for the last six months of this
period.
In July, 1990, the Rev. Canon David W.
Holland became Vicar of Annunciation.
Under his leadership, Sunday attendance
has grown from an average of 60 people
with one Liturgy to 375 by September, 2004
with three Sunday Liturgies. In
1996, he was elected Rector and remains
committed to the growth of Annunciation,
both spiritually and numerically.
Annunciation has grown to become one of
the tenth largest parishes in the Diocese
of Dallas and size wise, is in the top 4%
of all parishes in the Episcopal Church.
As Annunciation looks to the years ahead,
we do so confident in the Lord Jesus
Christ to lead us through the valley of
shadow that lies before us.
