Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Philip (Atlanta) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of Saint Philip
The cathedral in 2013
Cathedral of Saint Philip Location in Atlanta
33°49′51″N 84°23′14″W / 33.83083°N 84.38722°W / 33.83083; -84.38722
Location	2744 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta, Georgia
Country	United States
Denomination	Episcopal Church
History
Founded	1848
Consecrated	1980
Architecture
Architect(s)	Francis Palmer Smith
Style	Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	1933
Completed	1962
Specifications
Materials	Limestone
Administration
Diocese	Atlanta

The Cathedral of Saint Philip, often called St. Philip's Cathedral, is a large Episcopal church in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It is located on Peachtree Road in an area known as Buckhead (Atlanta). This church is one of the biggest Episcopal groups in the United States. About 7,000 people are members here.

The cathedral is named after St. Philip the Evangelist. He was an important helper, called a deacon, in the early Christian Church. The Cathedral of St. Philip is also the main church for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. This means it's where the bishop of the Atlanta area has his official seat.

The Cathedral's History

Where Was the First Cathedral?

The very first location for St. Philip's was in downtown Atlanta. It was across from the State Capitol building. By 1875, this small church had grown. It became the largest Episcopal church in the state of Georgia. In 1907, St. Philip's was officially named the cathedral for the new Diocese of Atlanta. In 1928, the church chose Raimundo de Ovies as its new leader, called a dean. They then started looking for a place to build a new, bigger cathedral.

Moving to Buckhead

In 1933, St. Philip's moved to its current spot. This is at 2744 Peachtree Road NW. A simple wooden building was put up first. It was called the "pro-cathedral." This building served as the church while the main cathedral was being built.

Other parts of the church campus were built over time:

• Mikell Chapel was finished in 1947.
• De Ovies Memorial Hall was completed in 1951.
• The Hall of Bishops was finished in 1955. It is now called Child Hall.

The main cathedral building was finally completed in 1962. It was officially dedicated to God in 1980. The main architect for most of these buildings was Francis Palmer Smith. In 2004, the cathedral updated its buildings. They also added a new large section and a glass-covered area.

Past Leaders of the Cathedral

Here are some of the past deans, or main leaders, of the Cathedral:

• 1893–1904: Albion W. Knight
• 1905–1914: Charles T.A. Pike
• 1914–1915: John T. Atkinson
• 1916-1928: Thomas H. Johnston
• 1928-1946: Raimundo de Ovies
• 1947-1951: John B. Walthour
• 1952-1965: Alfred Hardman
• 1966-1984: David Collins
• 1986-1997: John Sanders

Buildings on the Campus Today

The Cathedral of Saint Philip has several important buildings on its campus:

• Mikell Chapel (built in 1947): This chapel is named after Henry J. Mikell, who was a Bishop of Atlanta.
• De Ovies Hall (built in 1951): This hall is named after Raimundo de Ovies. He was a former Dean of the Cathedral.
• Child Hall (built in 1955): This building was first called the Hall of Bishops. It was renamed after C. Judson Child Jr., another Bishop of Atlanta.
• The Cathedral (built in 1962): This is the main church building.

Who Works at the Cathedral?

The Cathedral has many clergy members, who are like ministers or priests. They help lead the church and its activities.

• The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler: He is the Dean, the main leader.
• Dale Adelmann, Ph.D.: He is in charge of music.
• The Rev. Lauren R. Holder: She helps with community and education programs.
• The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr.: He is the Vicar, another important leader.
• The Rev. Julia Mitchener: She helps with the church's outreach missions.
• The Rev. Cathy Zappa: She helps with church services and caring for people.
• The Rev. Salmoon Bashir: He works on connections with other religious groups.
• The Rev. Juan Sandoval: He is a Deacon who helps with Hispanic ministries and caring for people.
• The Rev. Thee Smith, Ph.D: He is a Priest Associate.

What Does the Cathedral Offer?

Because the cathedral has so many members, it can offer many different programs and services. These are called "parochial entities."

• The Cathedral Bookstore: This store was started in 1949. It sells books, gifts, and music for all ages. It serves the church, the Atlanta area, and the wider community.
• The Cathedral Thrift House: Also started in 1949, this shop sells used clothing, home items, and books at low prices. It helps people find affordable goods.
• Cathedral Giving by Design: This is a big event that raises money for charities in Atlanta. It's a festival of decorative arts. It includes antique dealers, home tours, and talks by designers. Since 1969, it has raised over $5 million for non-profits.
• The Cathedral Farmer's Market: Also known as the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, it started in 2007. It's a place where local farmers can sell their fresh produce.
• The Cathedral Preschool: This school began as a playgroup in 1970. It has grown into a well-known preschool in Atlanta.
• The Cathedral Counseling Center: This center offers counseling and support for individuals, couples, and families. It's a way the church helps people with their mental and emotional well-being.
• The Cathedral Towers: These are homes for senior citizens (age 62 and older). They offer affordable housing and were established in 1972.
• Friends of Cathedral Music: This group supports the church's music programs. They help bring world-class musicians to Atlanta for concerts.

Worship Times

The Cathedral has regular services each week:

See also

• List of the Episcopal cathedrals of the United States
• List of cathedrals in the United States
• List of cathedrals