Our Story
The history of St Anne's began in 1849 under the administration of Bishop Jackson Kemper. His first efforts to establish a mission church met with challenge. By 1865, the house known as "White Pillars," (now maintained as the De Pere historical museum), was purchased by the diocese. For the next 40 years, the diocese maintained it, first as a parish church -- Messiah Parish -- from 1872-1880, then as Saint Paul's Mission from 1880 to 1886. It was then maintained as a chapel until 1915, when it was sold.
The first facility known as Saint Anne's Church, located at 435 Broadway in De Pere, was built in 1927 and consecrated by Bishop Weller. In 1935 Saint Anne's achieved mission status and the Rev. Benjamin Miller was appointed vicar. Saint Anne's officially attained independent, full-fledged parish status in 1961. In 1979 the vestry approved the acquisition of undeveloped property on what was then De Pere's far east side. Four years later work was begun on the new church building, leading to its dedication on October 26th, 1985...the 50th anniversary of the parish having been granted mission status under the name Saint Anne's.
The first facility known as Saint Anne's Church, located at 435 Broadway in De Pere, was built in 1927 and consecrated by Bishop Weller. In 1935 Saint Anne's achieved mission status and the Rev. Benjamin Miller was appointed vicar. Saint Anne's officially attained independent, full-fledged parish status in 1961. In 1979 the vestry approved the acquisition of undeveloped property on what was then De Pere's far east side. Four years later work was begun on the new church building, leading to its dedication on October 26th, 1985...the 50th anniversary of the parish having been granted mission status under the name Saint Anne's.