St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church has been a beacon in Destin since 1928 with a legacy of engaging worship and community service. St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea is part of The Episcopal Church, which consists of over 6000 Episcopal churches in the United States and 17 other nations. The Episcopal Church traces its history to the time of Christ continuing “in the teaching and fellowship of Jesus’s apostles” and carrying out “Christ’s mission to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which is one of the world’s largest Christian communities with more than 85 million members in 44 regional and national member churches in more than 165 countries. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is Michael Curry, well-known for profound and eloquent preaching and invitation to preach at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
More than anything else we are identified as Episcopalians by how we worship and, in particular, by our embrace and use of the Book of Common Prayer, which prescribes and informs our worship services. The Book of Common Prayer, which we often call the “BCP,” is derived from Scripture (the Bible), our rich tradition, reaching back to the time of Christ and his apostles, and the need to maintain its resonance with current times. We call our form of worship “liturgy,” which means “work of the people.” Thus, our worship is designed to engage everyone in the “work” of the service. Whereas a priest presides at the service and may be assisted by other ministers, everyone present is fully a part of the community in worship. Thus, we gather not as spectators, but as members of a community engaged and bound together in prayer, reflection, and worship.
RECTORS
Jim & Jo Popham retired in October 2025. We are currently utilizing supply clergy while searching for a new priest!
STAFF
Karen Lowe, Parish Administrator/Clerk for the Vestry
850.650.2737 admin@standrewsbtsepiscopal.org
Don Hutchison, Organist / Choir Director
VESTRY
Rick Boyer, Senior Warden
Barbara Nelson, Treasurer
Caroline Miller
John Robson
TREASURER
Barbara Nelson