Bayport House

Written By Dino DiPietro

Here’s a detailed history of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church (also known as Saint Ann’s) in Bayport/Sayville on Long Island:

📜 Origins & Early Mission

  • Founded as St. Barnabas Chapel (1866): Initially established in 1866 by Rev. Charles Douglas, rector of St. John’s Oakdale, along with educator Rev. John’s Academy, as a parish day school and worship chapel in Sayville

  • Relationship and Move: Rev. Douglas developed a personal and professional bond with Isabella Lawson, teacher and organist. Both left St. Barnabas, married, and were laid to rest in the current Saint Ann’s Cemetery

Raising to Parish Status

  • Reverend John Henry Prescott (1873–1874): When called to the area in 1873, he transformed St. Barnabas from a mission into a full parish. He was the first rector (1874–1921), shaping its identity and architecture over nearly half a century

Construction & Architecture

  • Stone Church Built (1887–1888): Funded by the Suydams in memory of their mother, Ann Suydam, the current Norman-style granite church was erected between 1887 and 1888. Granite was sourced from Connecticut and delivered via Patchogue

  • Architectural Design: Isaac H. Green Jr. (1859–1937), a member of the congregation and rising local architect, designed the church. Other architectural contributions include Tiffany apse windows and bronze plaques

  • Historic Recognition: In 2010, the New York State Board for Historic Preservation recommended St. Ann’s for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places due to its architectural and cultural significance

Community & Culture

  • Socioeconomic Impact: St. Ann’s situated itself as a focal point in the Sayville-Bayport community. Its cemetery highlights diverse parishioners; for instance, Nannie Dillard, a young African-American widow and road worker, received a memorial headstone in 2011 after her initial grave remained unmarked

  • Titanic Connection: A plaque commemorates Edith Corse Evans, a parishioner who perished during the Titanic’s sinking. Her selfless behavior during evacuation is honored at the church

Clergy Through the Decades

  • Reverend Joseph Herbert Bond (1922–1960; Emeritus until 1984): Focused on youth, creating orphan cottages and founding local Scout troops

  • Reverend Robert Schwarz (until ~2004): Introduced programs like Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, and Homework Haven. He served as Sayville Fire Department chaplain, including after 9/11

  • Reverend Diane Britt: Led for eight years, enhancing youth ministries, improving finances, and mentoring seminarians

  • Current Clergy: Rev. Dr. Benjamin Brenkert now serves as Priest-in-Charge, with active engagement in the Bayport/Sayville community

St. Ann’s has developed from a modest chapel and school into a celebrated historic parish with rich architecture, deep social ties, and a community-oriented mission that spans generations. Let me know if you'd like details on architecture, notable events, or how the church continues to serve the community today.

Dino DiPietro