But despite their differences, members of the church were willing to come to a compromise, but then the diocese removed the license of their beloved minister, the Rev. Donald Wilson, for insubordination when he refused to meet with the diocese in Concord to discuss the issue of Robinson.

"If it wasn't for the Diocese of New Hampshire's decision to remove his license, we probably wouldn't have left Redeemer," Lewis said. "That was the climatic turn for us."

So on the evening of Wednesday, June 24, 2004 members of Redeemer walked away from their church and into an uncertain future. Luckily, that future became a little more clear that same evening when Jerry DeLemus, senior warden at the Church of Redeemer, was approached by Bill Powell, pastor at Grace Baptist Church in East Rochester. Powell offered to share his church with the former members of Redeemer. That offer became the stepping stone for what now is St. Michael's Church.

It has now been one year since St. Michaels's was formed and they are celebrating what Lewis is a calling a very successful year where all expectations were met.

"We are doing very well and couldn't be more pleased," Lewis said.

Wilson, who currently gives the Sunday services at the church, echos Lewis' sentiment.our unit moved on as one."

"It went smoother then I expected. There were no rough spots - everyone did what they said they would do," he said. "It's certainly better now because the conflict and agitation are no longer there."

The church currently has 75 members and has an average attendance on Sundays of 40 people. Along with their usually Sunday services the church also holds baptisms, Sunday school, youth group, goes on outings, and is preparing to host it's first two weddings.

"It's been a whirlwind year," Lewis said. "We are very pleased that God helped us get through this year."

The church has also hosted events in conjunction with the Grace Baptist Church, a relationship that Lewis says has been a positive one.

"They really involve us with everything and are generous with advertising," she said.

Even with the success that the church has experienced in its first year they are still looking ahead to the future and thinking of ways to grow. One thing on the church's future agenda is looking for their very own building to hold services in and are currently in the process of doing so, as they wanted to get a year under their belt before moving forward with the process.

"The Grace Baptist Church has been good to us but we don't want to wear out our welcome, Lewis said. "We want a place to call our own."

When the church does find a place to call it's own it will not end its relationship with the Baptist church as it plans on staying very close with the church that gave them their first home.

Other future endeavors on the church's radar screen include expanding their youth group and taking part in an outreach mission to the children in Africa and Sudan.

St. Michael's is a member of the Anglican Communion Network and holds services every Sunday at 1 p.m.

"It's hard to start a new church, so many things could have gone wrong," Lewis said.

END