About Saint Gabriels
A Brief History
The inception of St. Gabriel’s began in 1871 with a small group of summer visitors who wished to hold Episcopal worship services on Sundays. They met either at Silvershell Beach, the Bay View Hotel or in the home of their leader, Vice Admiral Andrew Allen Harwood, whose home is now the Beverly Yacht Club. Legend has it that in a storm at sea, the Admiral vowed that if he was granted safe passage home that he would build a church in Marion as a thank-offering and name it for the Archangel Gabriel. The vacationing founders decided to form a Mission in 1873. The group had been renting the second floor of the Sippican Seminary (our present chapel). In 1874 they purchased the building for $700 and extensive renovations began. By 1896 year-round services were offered. Saint Gabriel’s was consecrated on June 23, 1900, and in 1901 officially became a “church”. Many distinguished clergy from the Episcopal Theological School served the church in the early 1900’s, and the parish was finally canonized as Saint Gabriel’s in 1920.
Who are we today?
Saint Gabriel’s continues to be a vibrant and welcoming community with some 300 family units. The Parish actively supports many ministries outside of worship including: Adult Formation, Children and Youth Formation, Fellowship, Lay Eucharistic Ministry, Mission and Outreach (local and global), Pastoral Care, Stewardship, and Anti-Racism worsk. The Parish opens its doors to the local community and openly welcomes other organizations such as social clubs, community event, Alcohol Anonymous, self-help groups, musical concerts and more. The Parish continues to respond to the needs of the residents of Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester and missions beyond, and to bear the Glad Tidings as did our namesake Gabriel.