Getting to Know Historical Saint Ann Church in Downtown WPB

When people travel to another country, they always hope to visit landmarks that allow them to bring home authentic memories of the places they’ve been. Museums, art galleries, churches, and parks are all excellent destinations, as they showcase the heritage, culture, and lifestyle of the area.

Getting to know the historic Saint Ann Church in Downtown WPB is part of West Palm Beach History.

St. Ann Church stands proudly proclaiming its 100-plus years of service to the people of West Palm Beach. Perhaps a fitting statement can be found in the 1944 St. Ann School Yearbook: “Due to your splendid teaching and training in religion and secular knowledge, we graduates leave St. Ann’s prepared to do well in this life and the next.”

The history of our beautiful city has been shaped by diverse instances and stages throughout the years, dating back as far as the historic period in south Florida marked by Juan Ponce de León’s first contact with a thriving native population in 1513. A few hundred settlers established themselves in the late 1870s and 1880s in the vicinity of what would become West Palm Beach and called it “Lake Worth Country.” By 1892, this area already had a hotel, the “Cocoanut House,” and a post office.

During this time, a Jesuit priest arrived by boat from Jacksonville to a mosquito-infested area known as Palm Beach. The legendary developer Henry Flagler had acquired land from two local settlers, Captain Porter and Louie Hillhouse, as he planned to build a community to accommodate the servants working in the two grand hotels in Palm Beach, coinciding with the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railroad.

Mr. Flagler donated the land on which Saint Ann Church was to be constructed. On March 15, 1896, Bishop Moore dedicated the church at the southeast corner of Rosemary and Datura Streets. In 1902, members of the community moved the church to its current location on what is now Olive Avenue using oxcarts. A larger building was constructed and dedicated as the new Saint Ann Church in 1913. By that time, the original church building began to serve as a precursor to St. Ann School, which was completed in 1925.

Before the Diocese of Palm Beach was established, the Jesuits, an order of Catholic priests known for their intellectual pursuits and commitment to social justice, founded what is now the county’s oldest Catholic church: Saint Ann Church. It is also the oldest parish in the Diocese of Palm Beach, which covers five counties in Eastern Florida: Palm Beach, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties.

Historic St. Ann’s Church is a landmark in the beautiful city of West Palm Beach, playing a significant role in the city’s history for generations. It has served as a welcoming haven that has nurtured and educated the community since its early days. Many notable individuals from West Palm Beach, both in the past and present, have demonstrated their faith, stewardship, and commitment to the community here. St. Ann Catholic Church has been a place that has shaped them into the individuals they are today.

It is the only Catholic church serving the downtown West Palm Beach community. This parish is made up of spirit-filled people and is also the seasonal parish for hundreds of residents from northern states who make West Palm Beach their winter home.

The Church, as a valued member of the community, has launched initiatives to support our less fortunate neighbors, including the homeless individuals in the area. Saint Ann Place serves as the Church’s outreach center for this mission, providing a comfortable, clean, and safe environment for homeless women and men. This service is offered with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, or gender.

The most vulnerable individuals in our city have here that offer shower and laundry services, along with programs aimed at alleviating the challenges of living on the streets. These services are made possible through the collaboration of numerous active volunteers in West Palm Beach, most of whom are parishioners at Saint Ann.

Saint Ann Church is one of the last remaining buildings from the Early Settlement Era (1884-1902) in West Palm Beach. The main building features stunning ornamental stained glass windows made by Franz Mayer & Co. of Munich, a prominent provider of stained glass during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This company supplied stained glass for numerous Roman Catholic churches worldwide, including at least ten cathedrals in Ireland and many churches across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Saint Ann Church and its parishioners have a rich legacy. Beyond the boundaries of the parish, the church is significant in American history as the sanctuary where President John F. Kennedy attended his last Sunday Mass before his death. The always-smiling and pleasant president often spent time at his Palm Beach residence in Florida and was a regular at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, which has a plaque reading, “President John F. Kennedy knelt here at Mass” to commemorate his frequent visits. However, it was at Saint Ann Church that the memories of his mystique personality linger, marking the place of his final Mass celebration.

The Historical Saint Ann School

Saint Ann Church has a rich history and legacy in the West Palm Beach community, which includes Saint Ann Catholic School, founded in 1925. In September 1923, there was no convent in the area when Sisters Angelica O’Brien (Superioress), Rose Dominic LeBlanc, Alma O’Reilly, and Angela O’Brien arrived. They were invited to West Palm Beach by Father John D. Brislan, S.J., to establish a school. Staying in a private home, they began their work at Saint Ann School, planting the seeds for what has become a tradition of excellence in education and Christian spiritual development.

Today, Saint Ann School is recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School, offering both Primary Years and Middle Years Programs. As Principal Mrs. Susan Demes states, the school aims to educate children spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, and socially. The goal is to help students embrace the message of the Gospel as a way of life so that when they graduate, they can become global citizens who respect and care for God’s creation. The school encourages students to work both independently and collaboratively to solve problems, becoming active examples who serve and participate in local, national, and international communities.

The IB programs at St. Ann Catholic School aim to develop intercultural awareness, comprehensive knowledge, and strong communication skills within the framework of Catholic education. Now more than ever, St. Ann School embraces community events and is eager to participate socially in a supportive and global environment.

Mrs. Karen Brennan Brusca, a 1971 alumna of Saint Ann School, reflected on her experience: “I joined St. Ann in the 5th grade, and it may sound sentimental, but I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness. My previous school experience had been somewhat challenging, but when I entered Sister Maria Veritas’ 5th-grade classroom, I immediately sensed the warm and nurturing environment of the school. My connection to St. Ann didn’t end when I graduated; all three of my children attended the school as well, and I started working here ‘temporarily’—that was nine years ago!” Karen Brusca is currently the Administrative Assistant at Saint Ann School.

One of the biggest draws at Saint Ann Catholic School, in addition to the rigorous academics, is the Fine Arts Program. The school offers a unique Music program where students from Pre-Kindergarten (PK3) to Grade 4 participate in General Music classes. Starting in 5th Grade, students begin to explore additional musical options, including vocal and instrumental music. They perform at various concerts and events both within the school and in the broader community throughout the year. Music education is an integral part of the student’s regular curriculum at Saint Ann School.

The Art and Drama curriculum is also a unique and creative blend of visual and performing arts, allowing students to learn how to communicate with others and express themselves effectively through the arts.

Downtown West Palm Beach Historical Saint Ann Church is also a preferred landmark for weddings. Many couples choose this beautiful, classic church for its magnificent stained glass windows when they plan a classic wedding theme.

“Historic Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church is the mother church of Palm Beach’s Diocese and is proud to have been recognized as Palm Beach’s number one destination wedding ceremony venue for seven consecutive years!” says Adriana Samargia, former Music Director and Wedding Liaison at Saint Ann Church. “The church’s “All Are Welcome” tone matches that of Pope Francis, who speaks strongly about how important it is for doors and hearts to stay open. St. Ann regularly invites guest couples to become part of the extended parish family and celebrate their nuptials in South Florida’s tropical paradise.”

The church has warmly embraced the extensive Haitian community that has immigrated and settled in West Palm Beach. The church offers Evangelization programs focused on faith, prayer, and love, all while committing to justice and fair treatment for everyone.

The historic Saint Ann Church, located in downtown West Palm Beach, is the oldest Catholic church and parish in the Diocese of Palm Beach. With more than a century of service since the early settlement era, it has played a significant role in the community, providing education, outreach, and spiritual guidance to both residents and visitors. The church’s walls are part of a pilgrimage center that promotes love, faith, and stewardship, all aimed at improving the quality of life in this growing city.