Cathedral Church of the Advent (Birmingham, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Episcopal Church of the Advent
|
|
The church in 2006
|
|
| Location | 2017 6th Avenue North (at 20th Street) Birmingham, Alabama |
|---|---|
| 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 is the main church for the Episcopal group in Alabama. On March 30, 1983, this beautiful building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a special historical place.
History of the Church
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 first churches built in the new city. The first church building on this spot was finished in 1873. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire on November 24, 1892.
The church you see today was already being built when the fire happened. It was designed by a group of architects called Wheelock, Joy, and Wheelock. People started using the new church in the fall of 1893. The tall tower and front entrance were finished by 1895.
One of the church's early leaders was John Gardner Murray. He was in charge from 1896 to 1903. Later, he became the first elected main leader of the whole 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 group in Alabama chose it as their main church.
The Church in the 2000s
Between 1999 and 2005, the church worked on a big project. They wanted to protect the outside of the building, which is made of sandstone. During this time, the Rector's Garden was also updated. They made it better for drainage and added a special place for ashes.
The belltower also got new bells. These fifteen bells were made by a company in France called Fonderie Paccard. In both 2005 and 2012, people who read the Birmingham News newspaper voted the cathedral choir as the "Best Church Choir." Today, the Church of the Advent has almost 4,000 members. This makes it one of the ten largest Episcopal churches in the United States.
Over the past few decades, the Advent church has been known for its traditional beliefs. In 2003, the church's leader, Paul F. M. Zahl, showed his disagreement with a decision made by the wider Episcopal Church. The church also prefers older prayer books that reflect their Protestant beliefs. In 2016, the Advent hired Zac Hicks to help with their worship services.
From 2013 to May 2021, the main leader of the church was Andrew C. Pearson Jr. In 2021, he decided to leave the Advent church. He then joined a different Anglican church group. In September 2021, he started a new church in Birmingham called Grace Church. The Reverend Canon Craig Smalley became the interim leader in May 2021. After a search, he was named the permanent leader in May 2022.
In June 2021, the Advent church and the main Episcopal group in Alabama agreed to work together. They recognized the cathedral's commitment to its Protestant beliefs. They also agreed to return to using a specific prayer book for their main services. In August 2021, Zac Hicks, who helped with worship, also left the church staff.
In December 2021, there were some public differences between the Advent and the main Episcopal group. The bishop, Glenda S. Curry, held a ceremony at the cathedral. During this ceremony, four people became priests. One of these individuals had a different family situation than what the cathedral leaders expected. The cathedral leaders said they were not told about this detail. The bishop, however, said it was not a secret. She also said that the ceremony was a wider church event, not just for the Advent's specific views.
The church campus is also home to the Advent Episcopal Day School. This is a school for children. Carpenter House, which is the main office for the Episcopal group in Alabama, is connected to the cathedral building.
See also
