Long Island Parish Reunites at Historic St. Mary’s for Final Lenten Stations of the Cross

Bight, Long Island — On the final Friday before Good Friday, a unique sense of reverence and reunion filled the air as members of the Anglican community in Long Island, led by Rev’d Ruel Strachan, gathered at the historic St. Mary’s Church in Bight for a special Joint Stations of the Cross service.

For weeks throughout Lent, the faithful have walked the Way of the Cross in churches across the parish. But this final Friday was marked by a deep spiritual and historical significance. At the heart of the gathering was a desire to reconnect with sacred ground that holds stories of faith, family, and transformation for many in the community.

“Many of our current members at St. Theresa’s were baptized, confirmed, or married at St. Mary’s,” shared Rev’d Strachan. “So I thought it fitting to gather there once again, to pray together in a place that shaped so much of our spiritual lives.”

St. Mary’s is no ordinary church. Originally built as a Roman Catholic edifice, it was believed to have been constructed by the Spaniards in the late 17th or early 18th century, and it later became an Anglican Church serving the people of Bight and Gray’s for many years. Though no longer used for weekly services, it remains listed among the churches in St. Peter’s Parish and is visited by those eager to see both the church and the nearby shrimp hole hidden just minutes behind the property. The burial locations or graves of the Spaniards are still visible to this day, serving as a solemn reminder of the church’s long and storied past.

Inspired in part by a personal pilgrimage to the ruins of Coventry Cathedral in England, Rev’d Strachan reflected on the sacredness of once-thriving churches across our Diocese. “I began to wonder,” he said, “how we might breathe new life into these spaces—not necessarily through major restoration, but simply by gathering again to pray.”

That prayerful vision took shape at St. Mary’s, where parishioners young and old assembled under the open sky and the blessing of memory. With mosquitoes and sandflies as minor inconveniences, the community came equipped with only the essentials: Stations of the Cross booklets, a processional cross, and chairs.

The result was something profound.

Among those present were individuals baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s, and one couple was even among the last to be married there. For younger parishioners, it was their first time experiencing a service at the historic site. The presence of Roman Catholic guests added another layer of significance, reminding all of the shared heritage and unity of the Christian faith.

“There was a tangible sense of connection and endearment to the space,” Rev’d Strachan noted. “Listening to the stories shared before and after the service of weddings, childhood, and sacred moments long past was both joyful and life-affirming.”

Though the church has undergone several renovations over the centuries, portions of the original edifice are believed to stand within the current structure—a testament to the enduring faith of generations.

Rev’d Strachan extended heartfelt thanks to Catechist Larry Cartwright, whose leadership made the service possible. “Once the idea was shared, he led the way with the preparations,” he said. “And to the faithful, many of whom first wondered if this was really happening—thank you. Your presence made it all real.”

As the sun set behind the old church walls, the Stations of the Cross service at St. Mary’s became more than a Lenten tradition. It became a moment of holy remembrance and sacred reunion—proof that even in stillness, old stones can speak, and sacred spaces can come alive again.

Photos by: Brad S. Mcphee