About Us
Welcome to Saint Ann's By-the-Sea. We are a spiritual community focusing on spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being a prayerful, active and welcoming presence to all on Block Island. Through this website you can learn more about our community, and the many ways we celebrate our faith. Please contact us with any comments or questions. All are welcome to join us. We look forward to worshiping with you.
The Episcopal Church believes, like Roman Catholicism, in a “sacramental” salvation. It is taught that salvation is achieved by performing the 7 sacraments, beginning with baptism as an infant, then confirmation, Eucharist, penance, holy orders, matrimony, and unction. Unlike most other Protestant Churches which believe the elements of the common service (grapejuice or wine, and bread) are merely symbolic, the Episcopal Church believes in the real presence of Christ in these elements. (Mead’s pg. 134, 11 ed.)
This church was formed in 1534 when it broke away from the Anglican Church over the matter of a king who wanted to divorce his wife and the pope wouldn't let him!The Episcopal Church is the American Counterpart of the Church of England or Anglican Church of England. the Episcopal Church being formed in America in 1789 in Philadelphia.
Block Island, RI 02807