Who is St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church?

Since 1902, we have faithfully served the Southside of Birmingham. As we live into our second century, St. Andrew’s seeks to extend our ministry more deeply in both our parish and our wider community. We strive to reveal the face of God to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and its surrounding area. We strive to become the hands and feet of Christ, nurturing those in need and feeding the hungry. We strive to celebrate the Holy Spirit with vibrant “high church” liturgy, Christian Formation programs, joyful gatherings, and the celebration of Fine Arts. We hope you will tread this path of service, compassion, and faith with us.

Do you have an official mission statement?

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is a community that seeks unity with God and neighbor through Christ in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of liturgy and service, promoting justice, peace, and love.

How do you live out this mission statement?

We share the Gospel of Jesus Christ both at the altar and in the street.

What should I expect in a “high church” service?

​St. Andrew’s worships in a “high church” style: music-filled and enriched by the use of Eucharistic vestments, incense, intoning, and bells. In this way, all our senses are engaged, involving our whole being in prayer. We know this can be unfamiliar and even intimidating to visitors who are new to this style of liturgy. Participate in the parts in which you feel comfortable doing so. But if this is your first “high church” experience, just take it all in. If you have questions, ask our rector, an usher, or the weekly welcomer . . . or really any member. We would love to tell you why we are so moved by this type of church experience. Most of us didn’t come to to St. Andrew’s knowing this style of liturgy, so there is no need to feel “behind.”

How do you nurture those in need?

A cauldron of soup prepared by a rector one day during the 1970s for homeless persons evolved into Community Kitchens, which serves meals every weekday of the year. In 2020, the parish opened St. Andy’s Pantry, which provides food for hundreds of persons every other week. The parish was ahead of its time in encouraging women to have leadership roles and in welcoming LGBTQ persons. In 2015, the parish began conducting same-gender weddings, and in 2018 it became the first parish in the diocese to have an openly gay rector, who also was African American. In 2021, it welcomed its first full-time woman priest, as interim rector.

Do you have a history of social justice ministry?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the parish became engaged in social activism, which remains one of its principal characteristics. Many parishioners and two rectors participated in the Civil Rights Movement, and the parish promoted programs to assist mentally challenged adults and feed the hungry.

All this sounds great, but do y’all have any fun?

Of course! Our ushers, altar guild and acolytes enjoy setting the stage for our liturgy. Choir practice is filled with laughter as much as singing. And of course, Parish Life is central to St. Andrew’s. Though we find deep friendships in creating good liturgy and dedicated service together, celebration of fellowship, arts, and learning are important aspects of our parish as well. We gather for Coffee Hour each Sunday after the 10:30 service. We enjoy a weekend at Camp McDowell each year for Parish Retreat. Our Red Door Arts program presents concerts, art shows, and workshops throughout the year. We have numerous options for Christian Formation for adults and youth. You can find more detail on this site about many of these programs.