Our History
In Colonial times our parish was known as St. Martin's Parish but was "destitute of the services of the church for a long series of years after the Revolution". Between the years 1842 and 1850 occasional services were held by the Rectors of Grace Church, Plymouth. A church was finally constructed and on the 26th. Day of April, 1850, was consecrated and given the name "The Church of the Advent" and in that same year was admitted as a parish within the Diocese of East Carolina.
The breaking of ground for the present church building occurred in the Spring of 1916 and the church was consecrated on April 26th, 1917. The church building was a gift of Mrs. James Grist Staton, a long time parishioner of the parish.
By the grace of God and through the commitment of her many parishioners Church of the Advent has continued to thrive. The parish received a significant bequest from the Francis Barnes estate that is used among other things to assist every young person involved with the parish to attend college. Throughout our history our Rectors have served as military chaplains and one became a Bishop of our diocese.
The family of the Church of the Advent have been blessed with a wonderful heritage and and value our past while realizing it is simply prologue for what our Lord is calling us to do and to be.
The breaking of ground for the present church building occurred in the Spring of 1916 and the church was consecrated on April 26th, 1917. The church building was a gift of Mrs. James Grist Staton, a long time parishioner of the parish.
By the grace of God and through the commitment of her many parishioners Church of the Advent has continued to thrive. The parish received a significant bequest from the Francis Barnes estate that is used among other things to assist every young person involved with the parish to attend college. Throughout our history our Rectors have served as military chaplains and one became a Bishop of our diocese.
The family of the Church of the Advent have been blessed with a wonderful heritage and and value our past while realizing it is simply prologue for what our Lord is calling us to do and to be.
Above: The first Church of the Advent viewed from Hassell Street. Date unknown.
Right: The wooden church circa 1950.
Below Left: The Right Reverend Thomas H. Wright at the 100th anniversary of the parish here at the Church of the Advent in 1950.
Below Right: The Reverend Thomas Benbury Haughton, rector from 1866 to 1894 while also serving Grace Church, Plymouth and St. Martin's, Hamilton.
