St. Mary's Episcopal Church began in a little hand-me-down building in downtown Stuart. It was consecrated by Bishop John Durham Wing in January 1932 during the depths of the Great Depression. Barstow of Jupiter Island As Stuart grew, the congregation outgrew the facilities and our present property was acquired through the generosity of Mrs. William. Ground was broken for the current church building in the fall of 1949, and Bishop Henry Louttit presided over opening services on Palm Sunday, April 2, 1950. St. Mary's Church, previously a mission, gained full parish status in 1951. The Reverend Arthur A. Smith served as rector for 25 years and he led St. Mary's through many changes while working closely with St. Monica's Church in East Stuart, and helped to establish St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Port Salerno, and the Church of the Advent in Palm City. Through the years, there were many additions and alterations to the church. Smith Hall and the Cracker Barrel thrift shop were con structed in 1974. The Cracker Barrel has been operated by the Episcopal Church Women since 1961. Just as the earlier members of St. Mary s provided for our needs, we are now providing the facilities for future families to hear for many years to come the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of this promises a future rich with opportunities to "GROW INTO JESUS