In the late 1950's, a small handful of Orthodox Christian families in West Palm Beach realized the need for a local Orthodox Parish to fulfill their spiritual needs. On November 17, 1959, at the Syrian Lebanese American Club, or SLAC, held an organizational meeting where the Very Reverend Fr. Michael Husson from St. George of Miami presided. With this meeting, an Orthodox Mission was officially started in West Palm Beach. It was named St. Mary's, according to the recommendation of our late Metropolitan Antony Bashir. Following the meeting, liturgical services were celebrated at the SLAC by the V. Rev. Fr. Abraham Zaine.

 

After the arrival of our first full time priest, Fr. John Newcome, services were held in downtown West Palm Beach's Carefree Theater. Through the support of our local Orthodox families, friends within the community, and other Orthodox support, beyond the geographical limits of West Palm Beach, land was purchased and construction began on the church. It was subsequently sold and a new parcel of land was purchased, which is the present site of our St. Mary's.

 

On Friday, April 4, 1963 the late V. Rev. Fr. Wakeem Dalack arrived replacing Fr. Newcombe. Construction had already commenced and through the untiring efforts and leadership of Fr. Dalack and his dedicated parishioners, the church was finally completed and our first Divine Liturgy was celebrated during the Holy Paschal period in 1965. On occasion and in the absence of Fr. Dalack, the late Fr. Anthony Stangry assisted Fr. Dalack in celebrating the liturgy. When Fr. Dalack announced his retirement, a testimonial was given in his honor. Fr. Basil Wagner replaced Fr. Dalack and served our parish until he was subsequently replaced by Fr. Nicholas Neyman.

 

Fr. Neyman was instrumental in the formation of the Day Care Center as a community service and also to assist the fund raising efforts of our church. The center displayed a high degree of projected success and based upon these projections immediate steps were taken to acquire the property located immediately south of where our church stands. Through the untiring efforts of many of the parishioners and friends, we were able to transform this unique donation into our first Day Care facility.

 

Approximately a 1 1/2 year hiatus transpired without a permanent spiritual leader following Fr. Neyman's transfer to California. A new graduate and ordained Priest, Rev. Fr. Elia Shalhoub was assigned as an interim Priest from May 20th to August 10, 1980. If it were not for the untiring and unselfish efforts of Fr. Michael Lobo, we would not have had any spiritual guidance. Fr. Lobo traveled from Miami to West Palm Beach every Sunday during this period, until the fall of 1981 when the V. Rev. Fr. Paul Moses was assigned to St. Mary's. Fr. Moses rendered invaluable assistance to Khouryie Hilda, who had taken over the administrative duties of our Day Care Center. 

 

With the acquisition of the adjacent property we also transformed this former residence to what was to become known as Day Care Center II. This conversion lasted approximately one year and was accomplished by the many dedicated members and friends who sacrificed every weekend keeping the overall cost of conversion to a minimum.

 

Following Fr. Paul Moses' retirement, Fr. Michael Lewis was assigned as our pastor, where he served us for ten years. Following Fr. Michael's transfer, we received, a newly ordained Priest, Fr. Simeon Corona, who served us for two years. Following Fr. Simeon's transfer, Fr. James Barkett was assigned and he served for nearly four years. Following Fr. James' departure, we were assigned, an interim pastor, Fr. Nicholas Bargott, who served us for six months until our present pastor, the Very Reverend Fr. Elia Shalhoub was assigned to shepherd our flock.

 

Our present facilities include a multi-purpose recreation hall, church office, daycare facility, living quarters and the church itself.  The hall is rented out to various organizations in the community on a daily basis. We have tried to exemplify the good neighbor image in making our facilities available for everything from a meeting hall to banquet and hafli activities. We have ample parking facilities available and additional land for future expansion. With the guidance of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the goals projected will be obtained by our dedicated members and friends. We hope to continue expanding upon the foundation established by our present members, and those who have departed before us.