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 is a large and important Episcopal church in Atlanta, Georgia. It is often called St. Philip's Cathedral or just St. Philip's. You can find it on Peachtree Road in an area called Buckhead (Atlanta). This spot is sometimes playfully known as "Jesus Junction" because several churches are close by.

St. Philip's is one of the biggest Episcopal churches in the United States. It has about 7,000 members. The church is named after Saint Philip the Evangelist, who was an important leader in the early Christian Church. The Cathedral of St. Philip is the main church for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, which means it's the central church for many Episcopal churches in the area.

The Cathedral's Story

Early Days in Downtown Atlanta

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

Moving to Buckhead

In 1933, St. Philip's moved to its current location at 2744 Peachtree Road NW. A temporary wooden building, known as the pro-cathedral, was built there. This building served as the church while the main cathedral was being constructed.

Over the years, more buildings were added. Mikell Chapel was finished in 1947. De Ovies Memorial Hall was completed in 1951. In 1955, the Hall of Bishops was built, which is now called Child Hall. The main cathedral building was finally completed and opened in 1962. The main architect for these buildings was Francis Palmer Smith. The cathedral was officially dedicated in 1980. In 2004, St. Philip's updated its buildings and added a new large section. They also added a glass area that covers what used to be an open courtyard.

Past Leaders of the Cathedral

Many important leaders, called deans, have guided the Cathedral of St. Philip over the years. Here are some of them:

• 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 Campus Today

The Cathedral of St. 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, a former Dean of the Cathedral.
• Child Hall (built in 1955): This building was first called the Hall of Bishops. It was later renamed after C. Judson Child Jr., another Bishop of Atlanta.
• The Cathedral (built in 1962): This is the main church building.
• Good Faith Chapel (under construction since 2024): A new chapel is being built.

Church Leaders and Staff

The Cathedral of St. Philip has many clergy and staff members who help lead the church and its activities:

• The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler: He is the Dean, the main leader of the Cathedral.
• Dale Adelmann, Ph.D.: He is the Canon for Music, in charge of all the music programs.
• The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr.: He is the Vicar, helping the Dean with church duties.
• The Rev. Julia Mitchener: She is the Canon for Mission, focusing on the church's outreach work.
• The Rev. Salmoon Bashir: He is the Curate for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, working with other churches and faiths.
• The Rev. Juan Sandoval: He is a Deacon for Hispanic Ministries and Pastoral Care, helping the Hispanic community and offering support.
• The Rev. Deacon Linda Rosengren: Another Deacon who helps with church services and care.
• The Rev. Thee Smith, Ph.D: A Priest Associate who assists with various church activities.
• The Rev. David Boyd: He is the Canon for Pastoral Care, providing support and guidance to members.

Community Programs and Services

Because St. Philip's has so many members, it can offer many helpful programs and services to the community:

• The Cathedral Bookstore: This bookstore opened in 1949. It offers books, gifts, music, and more for all ages. It serves the Cathedral, the Diocese of Atlanta, and the wider community.
• The Cathedral Thrift House: Also started in 1949, this thrift store sells good quality clothing, home items, and books at low prices. It helps people find affordable goods and is a non-profit organization.
• Cathedral Giving by Design: This is a big event held every year. It's a festival of decorative arts that raises money for different charities in Atlanta. Since 1969, this event has raised over $5 million for local non-profits.
• The Cathedral Farmer's Market: Also known as the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, it started in 2007. It's a place where people can buy fresh, local produce and goods.
• The Cathedral Preschool: This preschool began in 1970 as a playgroup run by volunteer mothers. It has grown into a well-known preschool in Atlanta.
• The Cathedral Counseling Center: This center offers counseling and support to individuals, couples, families, and groups. It's a way the church helps people with their mental and emotional well-being.
• The Cathedral Towers: Established in 1972, these are homes for senior citizens (age 62 and older). They offer affordable housing and are sponsored by the Cathedral.
• Friends of Cathedral Music: This group supports the church's music programs. They organize concerts and bring famous musicians to Atlanta.

Worship Times

The Cathedral of St. Philip has regular worship services throughout the week:

More to Explore

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