St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Jacksonville, Alabama
Serving Christ Since 1844

Steeped in History
Intentional in Tradition
Progressive in Reason

Welcome to St. Luke's Episcopal Church
in Jacksonville, Alabama.

At St. Luke’s, we believe that when Jesus said God loves the whole world – every race, every group, every heart – he meant it. We invite you into a living faith tradition rooted in God’s unconditional love.

Worship with us at 400 Chinabee Ave SE, Jacksonville, AL 36265

Plan Your Visit

Worship With Us

Here at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, you’ll find welcome no matter who you are or what you believe. Our services are easy to follow, inviting, and open to all. If you have questions, reach out. 

Sunday Worship:
  • 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II
  • 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II with Choir
Wednesday Worship:
  • 5:30 p.m. Healing Service w/Holy Eucharist Rite II

The nursery is covered by two certified adults every Sunday. Children from infants to 1st grade may go there during church.

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About Us

As Episcopalians, we believe in fighting for justice, standing up for the marginalized, and welcoming the stranger. Join us as we seek to bring life and hope to the world, leaving a legacy of peace in Alabama and beyond.

Who We Are

Although Christ Church in Albertville was founded in 1977, the history of Christ Church began in Piedmont, Alabama in 1871 with Reverend J. Smith and the McCollister family.

The church edifice was erected in 1889 and the church was consecrated in 1892 and was named Christ Church. Mary Daily McCollister requested that Christ Church may ever stand to the Glory of God. Unfortunately, the congregation stopped meeting shortly after.

In 1977, fifteen families in the Albertville/Boaz area wanted to start a new church. In January, Sand Mountain Episcopal Chapel began meeting over Bains Appliance Store with the permission of the diocese. Eventually, Ellen Bains Perryman, a member of the chapel, heard of the little church in Piedmont that was about to be torn down. The worn-down church was partially dismantled, put on wheels and was moved up to Albertville, where it was about to begin a new life.

“When the restoration began, heart pine board and batten put together with wooden pegs and cut nails were discovered. The original bricks from the foundation were cleaned and used as flooring in the narthex. Lovingly and painstakingly, the members and others in the community came together to restore and retain as much as possible of the original church,” tells Mary Elizabeth M. Daugette, great-granddaughter of Major Dailey.

To honor the church’s rich history, the members decided to keep the name Christ Church and to remember Mrs. McCollister’s request. Many of the pieces from the original church remain in our place of worship today, not to mention a beautiful three panel Gothic-style stained glass window that traveled all the way from England is displayed behind their wooden cross in the sanctuary. The bell from the original church now rings every Sunday when the members meet for worship.

In 2010, when the tornado came through Albertville, a hole was ripped in the roof of the church and moved it off of its foundation. Although the parish was unharmed, the church couldn’t be salvaged due to the severity of the damage. Two years later, the church was rebuilt and consecrated for the third time. The church is now twice the size, holding many artifacts from the original church, and even handmade stained glass windows from a church member.

Today, Christ Church is very active in the community with their many ministries. They run Canterbury Club at Snead State Community College, a community food bank, host Room in the Inn and have a Beans and Rice ministry.

Meet Our Rector

The Rev. Robert F. Fowler, III

Fr. Robert arrived at St. Luke’s in December of 2015. He came to Alabama from St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Carrollton, Georgia, where he served as Curate after his graduation from Sewanee: The University of the South in 2013. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he grew up in the United Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia. The oldest of three children, he was active in the church as well as the church-sponsored Boy Scout troop, where he received his Eagle award. He was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1988 at St. Luke’s in Atlanta. He attended Georgia Tech and has post-graduate degrees from Georgia State University and Georgia Southwestern State University.

The father of two grown children, Rick and Rainey, he enjoys movies, baking, travel, and trivia. During his seminary time, he traveled to Tanzania on a mission trip, serving with a local priest in the central portion of the country. His chaplaincy work was completed at NCH Healthcare in Naples, Florida, in 2011. Fr. Robert was active in the Diocese of Atlanta before moving to Jacksonville. He is delighted to be serving as Rector to the people of St. Luke’s parish, as well as working with the students, faculty, and staff at Jacksonville State University. In his spare time, he enjoys playing (at) the piano, an occasional game of tennis, and performing on stage in Anniston and Gadsden.

He serves on the Board of Trustees of Sewanee (representing the Diocese of Alabama), the Board of the Exchange Club of Jacksonville, and the Meals on Wheels Board. He is working to obtain his Doctor of Ministry from Sewanee (which will take about 5-6 years). He also serves as the Secretary of the Diocese of Alabama. 

Prior to the ministry, Fr. Robert worked first in the real estate and construction business and then for 20 years in the investment business. Pastoral care is a ministry near and dear to his heart. He feels that working with clients on their financial goals prepared him for a ministry of listening and counseling. He genuinely enjoys people, likes to laugh, and feels that everyone has gifts and treasures to contribute to the mission of the Church..

Ministries

Find ways to grow and serve, whatever your age and life stage. For a more complete list, contact us.

Kids and Students

  • Nursery available 
  • Kids Sunday School

Adults

  • Adult Sunday School

  • Book and Bible Studies

  • Education for Ministry

  • ECM

  • ECW

Small Groups

  • ECM
  • ECW
  • Daughters of the King DOK

More

  • Cursillo/Ultreya Activities
  • Beans and Rice
  • Canterbury Club – Snead State Community College
  • Room in the Inn
  • Food Pantry
  • Sunday Servants
  • Flower Guild
  • Altar Guild
Contact Us

Your Generosity Has an Impact

Thank you for giving! Your contributions equip us to spread the life-changing love of Jesus through word and action.

Events & News

Learn what’s going on around St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

St. Luke’s Annual Chili Cook-Off

Join us for a fun-filled evening of food and fellowship. The Jacksonville Fire Department will…

Learn More
Annual Parish Meeting

Annual Parish Meeting

The parish will gather on Sunday, January 12, after the 10:30 service to elect three…

Learn More
  • Episcopal Church Women

    Our ECW is an active group, with activities supporting the church and missional outreach. They oversee special meals and receptions, as well as the January Chili Cook-Off, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (prior to Lent), and the Silent Basket Auction/Luncheon in October.

  • Men's Breakfast

    8:45 a.m. - 1st Sunday of each month


    The men of the church have fed generations with a variety of rib-sticking breakfast treats. They also deliver plates to our town's first responders at the Jacksonville Fire and Police Departments and Jacksonville State University Public Safety.

  • Coffee Hour

    All are welcome at coffee hour in the Parish Hall after the 10:30 a.m. service every Sunday. It's the best time to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones. It's also a great place to learn about volunteering opportunities!

  • See Events and News

    Contact Us

    Mailing Address

    P.O. Box 55, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265

    Contact Info

    256-435-9271
    stlukesal@yahoo.com

    What can we help you find?

    2025-01-24 17:30:00 -

    St. Luke’s Annual Chili Cook-Off

    Join us for a fun-filled evening of food and fellowship. The Jacksonville Fire Department will judge the entries at 4:30, and the festivities begin at 5:30. Enjoy samplings of all sorts of creative concoctions on a chilly January night. Whether you like your chili mild, spicy, or three-alarm, there’s something for everyone! There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as raffle items and door prizes.

    2025-01-12 11:00:00 -

    Annual Parish Meeting

    The parish will gather on Sunday, January 12, after the 10:30 service to elect three new vestry members, recognize the three outgoing vestry members, hear reports from the various ministry groups, and enjoy food and fellowship.