Frequently Asked Questions

St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church is located at 806 Fourth Street, Algoma, WI 54201, just a short walk from the shore of Lake Michigan. You can reach us by phone at 920-487-2015.

The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a global family of churches rooted in the historic Christian faith. Episcopalians worship using the Book of Common Prayer, affirm the ancient creeds, and celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist.

Anglo-Catholic describes a tradition within the Anglican and Episcopal Church that emphasizes the sacraments, reverent liturgy, and the rich heritage of historic Christian worship. At St. Agnes this includes traditional English language, classic hymns, chant, and the ceremonial of High Mass.

Not at all. Everyone is welcome at St. Agnes by-the-Lake, whether you are a lifelong Episcopalian, a Christian from another tradition, or someone simply curious about faith. There is a place for you here.

Come as you are. Some members dress in their Sunday best while others come casually. God cares about your heart, not your wardrobe, and so do we.

You can expect a warm welcome from a small, close-knit congregation, followed by a beautiful traditional service with hymns, chant, Scripture readings, a sermon, and Holy Communion. The service lasts about an hour, and worship booklets help you follow along.

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the Lord’s Table. If you prefer, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing instead. Simply cross your arms over your chest to indicate this to the priest.

Yes, children are always welcome at St. Agnes. Families worship together, and we believe the sights, sounds, and music of the Mass are a wonderful way for children to grow in faith.

Yes. St. Agnes by-the-Lake is a congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin (DioWis), a community of nearly 100 congregations of the Episcopal Church across Wisconsin, and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Rev. Robert Hoppe has served as vicar of St. Agnes since 1989. Fr. Hoppe leads our worship and pastoral care and welcomes questions from visitors and newcomers alike.

The first Episcopal service in Algoma (then called Ahnapee) was held in 1877. The original building, Grace Church, was built in 1878 to a design by famed architect Richard Upjohn. After a fire, the church was rebuilt in 1891 on the same foundation as an exact replica and reconsecrated as St. Agnes-by-the-Lake. The building holds landmark status from the Kewaunee County Historical Society.

High Mass is a sung celebration of the Holy Eucharist that includes chant, incense, and traditional ceremonial. This has been the normative Sunday practice at St. Agnes since 1897, offering our very best to God in worship.

The Daily Office is the ancient rhythm of daily prayer, including Morning and Evening Prayer, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. Anyone can pray it at home. We recommend the St. Bede Productions website as a helpful resource for praying the Daily Office.

Episcopal worship looks and feels similar to Roman Catholic worship in many ways, with liturgy, vestments, and the sacraments at the center. The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican tradition, is not under the authority of the pope, allows clergy to marry, and welcomes all baptized Christians to receive Communion.

Yes. Whether you are a committed believer, returning to church after time away, or exploring Christianity for the first time, you are welcome here. Honest questions are part of a living faith, and our congregation and vicar are glad to walk with you.

The best first step is simply to worship with us on a Sunday. If you would like to make St. Agnes your church home, speak with Fr. Hoppe after Mass or reach out through our contact page. Preparation for Baptism and Confirmation is available for those new to the faith.

Yes. Baptisms, weddings, and funerals are important moments of faith and life, and we would be honored to talk with you about them. Please contact the church office at 920-487-2015 or use our contact form to speak with the vicar.

St. Agnes has a strong connection to the local community, supporting and hosting agencies such as Friends of the Library and the Food Pantry. Our Faith and Arts Outreach program brings artists to the church for concerts and exhibits that benefit local not-for-profit organizations.

You can call us at 920-487-2015, send a message through our contact page, or simply visit us at 806 Fourth Street in Algoma on a Sunday morning. Your presence, prayers, and support all help continue more than 145 years of Christian worship and service on the shore of Lake Michigan.