History
The history of Saint Ann's and its influential figures.
Reverend Charles Douglas
(1833–1915)
Founder of Saint Ann’s, was a visionary leader and rector of St. John’s Oakdale. Believing public education lacked depth, he established St. John’s Academy in Sayville and later moved it to the newly built St. Barnabas Chapel in 1866, renaming it the “Daily Parish School.” The school operated until 1871. During this time, he fell in love with Isabella Lawson, a teacher, organist, and Sunday school instructor. After a long secret relationship, both left St. Barnabas, married, and were later buried side by side in Saint Ann’s Cemetery.
Reverend John Henry Prescott
(1848–1923)
In 1873, Reverend John Henry Prescott was called to missionary work in Suffolk County, overseeing St. Barnabas in Sayville and St. Paul’s in Patchogue. He quickly transformed St. Barnabas from a mission into a parish, becoming its first rector. Serving for a record 47 years (1874–1921), he worked closely with local families to strengthen the church. Beloved by his congregation, he played a key role in shaping Saint Ann’s into the beautiful place it is today.
Rev. Henry Prescott
Sarah Elizabeth Homan Snedecor
(1848–1923)
Sarah Elizabeth “Libby” Homan Snedecor lived in a Middle Road home that housed day school students and teacher Isabella Lawson. An active Saint Ann’s parishioner, she kept a journal from 1867 to 1868, with entries continuing sporadically until 1878. This diary is a priceless record of Saint Ann’s early history. Libby preserved a firsthand account of the challenges documenting St. Barnabas Chapel, the day school, and the church’s development.
Sarah Snedecor
Isaac H. Green Jr.
(1859–1937)
Renowned architect Isaac H. Green Jr. (1859–1937) designed Saint Ann’s beautiful stone church. A member of the early congregation, he attended the Daily Parish School run by Reverend Douglas and later apprenticed with Riverhead architect George Skidmore. By 1879, he was designing buildings for his father’s lumberyard clients and Reverend Prescott of Saint Ann’s. Green’s career flourished during Long Island’s late 19th-century building boom, with America’s wealthiest businessmen commissioning his work. While prominent architects designed estates like Vanderbilt’s Idle Hour and Bayard Cutting’s Westbrook, Green contributed to their expansions, designing farm sections, dependencies, and homes for New York’s elite. His work can be seen across the Northeast. A dedicated Sayville resident, Green was a charter member of the Sayville Hose Company, a vestryman and later warden at Saint Ann’s, and an active member of the Sayville Village Improvement Society. He also served as president of the Oysterman’s Bank, treasurer of the Electric Company, and a school board trustee, earning local recognition with support from The Suffolk County News.
Nannie Dillard
(1875–1898)
Saint Ann’s Cemetery is not just for the wealthy — Nannie Dillard is a testament to that. A 23-year-old African-American widow and mother, she worked as a maid at the Delevan Hotel near Saint Ann’s. Without family, she fell ill in suffering from pleurisy, pneumonia, and heart failure. She passed away on August 29. Reverend Prescott led her funeral at Saint Ann’s before a mixed-race congregation. Delevan guests raised funds for her medical and burial expenses. Her coffin was covered in flowers as her favorite hymns were sung. In 2011, the Saint Ann’s Historical Society, led by Constance Curry, honored her unmarked grave with a headstone.
Nannie Dillard - Saint Ann's
Miss Edith Corse Evans
(1875-1912)
Edith Corse Evans (1875–1912) was a young, wealthy parishioner whose family split time between New York City and her grandfather’s estate in West Sayville. At 36, she traveled to Europe for a family funeral, followed by a shopping trip to Paris. She booked a first-class ticket home on the Titanic. During the sinking, Edith and fellow passenger Molly Brown were escorted to Lifeboat D but were told only one seat remained. Edith insisted, “You go first, you have children waiting at home.” Molly survived; Edith did not. Her body was never recovered. A plaque on Saint Ann’s east wall honors her selflessness.
Miss Edith Corse Evans
Reverend Joseph Herbert Bond
(1889-1984)
Reverend Joseph Herbert Bond (1889–1984) served as Saint Ann’s rector from 1922 to 1960, continuing as Rector Emeritus for 24 more years. He was especially dedicated to youth ministry. In 1924, the Church Charity Foundation opened the “Cottages” across from Saint Ann’s, housing orphaned children. Reverend Bond devoted countless hours to their care. He also chartered the area’s first Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, serving as scoutmaster until a replacement was found. His leadership engaged youth in many church projects and services throughout his tenure.
Rev. Joesph Herbert Bond
Reverend Robert Schwarz
(Retired in 2004)
Reverend Robert Schwarz served as Saint Ann’s seventh rector, introducing several impactful programs. Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, and Faith Alive strengthened faith within the congregation, while Homework Haven provided after-school care for latchkey children. He also introduced healing services, baptismal counseling, and parenting classes. During his 18-year tenure, Father Bob was involved in Rotary and as Chaplain for the Sayville Fire Department. He was among the first chaplains on site after 9/11 and admired for his compassion for local youth.
Reverend Robert Schwarz
Reverend Diane Britt
Reverend Diane Britt was a dedicated and transformative leader at Saint Ann’s, serving faithfully for eight years before her retirement. Her impact on the parish was profound, as she worked tirelessly to strengthen the church’s foundation—both spiritually and structurally. A passionate advocate for youth involvement, she revitalized the youth group, creating a welcoming space for young parishioners to grow in faith and community. She also played a key role in improving Saint Ann’s financial stability, ensuring the church’s continued success for future generations. Through her leadership, significant enhancements were made to the buildings and grounds, preserving the beauty and functionality of the church. Beyond these achievements, Reverend Britt was deeply committed to fostering the next generation of clergy. She provided invaluable mentorship to seminarians, guiding them toward placements within the diocese and shaping their futures in ministry. Her dedication to Saint Ann’s and its people was evident in everything she did—leading with compassion, vision, and unwavering faith. Her legacy is one of progress, care, and devotion, leaving a lasting imprint on Saint Ann’s Parish and the community she so lovingly served.
