Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West Commission joined together in proclaiming May 6, 2023, as Canon John H. Reece, Jr. Day.
Canon John H. Reece, Jr. became the rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Key West in 1950 and remained until 1975. During his 25 years in Key West, he left an indelible mark on the parishioners as well as the citizens of the city. He was fondly known as Father Reece and was respected as a dedicated priest, community leader, and mentor.
Father Reece was extremely effective with the youth of the church and community, working diligently with the Sunday School, acolytes, youth choir, and summer school students. He strongly believed in education and therefore took it upon himself -- at his own expense -- to establish a “summer school” for children in the community. As the only instructor, he broadened their educational experiences and supplemented their education in the basic subjects.
In the photo: Commissioners Mary Lou Hoover, Lissette Carey, and Jimmy Weekley, Darlene Bennett accepting the proclamation, Mayor Teri Johnston, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow.