St. Luke's Episcopal Church
About
In the tradition of our Lord, who sat at table with sinners and outcasts, we consider it a sacramental duty to see that all are fed. We are strong supporters of the Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center. Our Campus Ministry has an active Beans and Rice program, giving out over 3,000 pounds of beans and rice in 2024 to those in need. We invite everyone in the Jacksonville area, regardless of economic status, to our annual Thanksgiving Day Community Meal. In 2024, we delivered and/or gave out over 900 free dinners. Most importantly, we set the table every week for all Christians to gather in the Lord’s name.
If you hunger, consider this an invitation to visit with us. You may hunger for companionship, for community, or for a welcoming stop on your spiritual journey. Wherever you are on that journey, please know that you are welcome at St. Luke’s.
Handicap access is available. There are two handicap spaces in front of the church on Ladiga Street. A sidewalk goes from the spaces to the inner courtyard, which feeds into the church and Parish Hall.
Please stop in and “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)
We look forward to worshiping with you!
Our
History
St. Luke’s parish was founded in 1844 by John D. and Anna Maria Hoke, with construction of the church completed in 1856 at a cost of $2,200. Bishop Nicholas H. Cobbs consecrated the building on January 4, 1857. Shown is the oldest known picture of St. Luke’s, dating from 1871. The view is looking south, toward the original First Baptist Church, where the Fire Station now stands. The buildings to the right faced the Public Square.
The parish house complex was completed between 1992 and 1994. The church, designed by Richard Upjohn (architect for Trinity Wall Street in New York City), is considered an excellent example of (Carpenter) Gothic Revival church architecture. St. Luke’s was the third Upjohn church built in Alabama and is considered by many to be the most faithful to Upjohn’s original design. It is the oldest church structure in Jacksonville and the second oldest in Calhoun County. The church was added to The Alabama Register of Landmarks & Heritage on March 4, 1976.
Our Staff
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..
Linda George
Michael Greenwood
Laura Leigh Cobbs
Paul Holmes
St. Luke's Vestry
Jennifer Beezley
Senior Warden
Gary Stanley
Junior Warden
Angie Morgan
Clerk
Jane Greene
David Harper
Dennis Goodman
Kim Hill
Richard Lindblom
Jason Sumner
Contact Us
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 55, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265
Contact Info
256-435-9271
stlukesal@yahoo.com