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THE HISTORY OF ST. FRANCIS PARISH St. Francis Episcopal Church was a dream of the Rt. Rev. Thomas Wright, IV, Bishop of East Carolina, when he initiated plans for a new church in Goldsboro in April 1961. Population and businesses were moving rapidly from downtown Goldsboro toward the east and northeast. In an effort to establish a new Episcopal Church, the vestry of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, established in 1853 and located in downtown Goldsboro, began a search for property and subsequently purchased 11 acres in the Forest Hills subdivision. Eighteen families agreed to form the new mission under the leadership of the Rev. James Wilson, Vicar. The first worship service was November 29, 1964 in the administration building of an abandoned prison camp. After one year, the services were moved to a bowling alley. On November 20, 1966, the congregation relocated to its present church in Forest Hills. In 1969, St. Francis went from "mission" to "aided parish" status. Then on February 10, 1973, it became a full parish. Growth has been slow but steady over the years. The Rev. John J. Ormond became vicar in 1967, until 1979. The Rev. G. Edward Dunlap served as third rector from 1980 until 1994. The Rev. Frank D. Russ, Jr., then served from 1996 until August 2004. The parish is now served by Priest in Charge the Reverend Albert O. Vannorsdall.
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