A red door. That’s what initially drew people to Saint Catherine’s Episcopal Church. Not the grand architecture not the soaring stained glass but a simple red door. It was the entrance to a repurposed building a former K-Springs Church of God building. This unassuming building became the first home of Saint Catherine’s.
Saint Catherine’s Episcopal Church a vibrant community of faith began as a dream. A dream born during the Diocese of Alabama’s Decade of Evangelism. Chelsea a town experiencing population growth was chosen as a prime location for a new parish.
In 2007 a small group of twenty Episcopalians gathered. They held a meeting. It was the first step in a remarkable journey. They decided to hold a monthly Bible study. Soon that grew into weekly Bible studies and Holy Eucharist services. Excitement grew.
The Reverend John Mark Ford became the full-time rector in 2007. Early services were held in Chelsea Middle School. The need for a permanent home became clear. A seventy-five-year-old building sat vacant for over a decade. Deacon Clyde Pearce saw its potential. After a major cleanup and a fresh coat of red paint on that memorable door Saint Catherine’s held its first service on February 3 2008.
The space was small. They quickly recognized the need for expansion. A donated trailer underwent a significant renovation. Church members transformed it into a nursery a kitchen and offices. It wasn’t fancy but it was home.
The name Saint Catherine’s is an interesting story in itself. Bishop Henry Parsley suggested a female saint’s name. Saint Catherine of Sienna was chosen. It made Saint Catherine’s Episcopal Church unique in Alabama. The church started as a worshipping community in 2008. It received full parish status in 2010.
Over the years Saint Catherine’s saw many changes. Several priests served as rector. The church moved again. This time to a twenty-acre site on King’s Home Road. They repurposed two buildings gifted by Asbury Methodist Church. These buildings now house the nave a choir room offices and classrooms. Bishop Kee Sloan consecrated this new space in May 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges. The church community adapted. They recorded services and posted them online. Their faith persevered. Today Saint Catherine’s continues to thrive a testament to the dedication and vision of those who began with a simple red door and a shared belief. Their story is one of adaptation growth and unwavering faith. It’s a story worth remembering. A story that continues to unfold.