Cathedral Church of the Advent (Birmingham, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Episcopal Church of the Advent
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The church in 2006
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| Location | 2017 6th Avenue North (at 20th Street) Birmingham, Alabama |
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| Built | 1893-1895 |
| Architect | Charles Wheelock |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002972 |
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1983 |
The Cathedral Church of the Advent is a very important church in Birmingham, Alabama. It's the main church for the Episcopal faith in the state. This beautiful building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 because of its historical importance.
Discovering the History of the Advent Cathedral
The Church of the Advent started in 1872. This was just one year after the city of Birmingham was founded. It was one of the very first churches built in the new city.
The first church building on this spot was finished in 1873. Sadly, it was destroyed by a fire in 1892. The church you see today was already being built when the fire happened.
The current building was designed by Wheelock, Joy, and Wheelock. People started using it in 1893. The tall tower and front entrance were finished by 1895. An important leader named John Gardner Murray served here from 1896 to 1903. He later became the first elected leader of the entire Episcopal Church.
The church is well-known for its great location near Linn Park. It is also famous for its amazing music program. The Church of the Advent officially became a cathedral in 1982. This happened when the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama chose it as their main church.
The Cathedral Today
Between 1999 and 2005, the church worked hard to protect its outside walls. These walls are made of special sandstone. During this time, the Rector's Garden was also updated. A columbarium (a place for urns with ashes) was added there.
The belltower also got new bells! Fifteen bells were made by a company in France called Fonderie Paccard. These bells form a carillon, which is like a giant musical instrument.
The cathedral choir is very popular. Readers of the Birmingham News newspaper voted it "Best Church Choir" in both 2005 and 2012. Today, the Church of the Advent has nearly 4,000 members. This makes it one of the ten largest Episcopal churches in the United States.
The cathedral campus is also home to the Advent Episcopal Day School. This is a school for children. The main office building for the Diocese of Alabama, called Carpenter House, is connected to the cathedral.
See also
