Our Epiphany Story
Blessings Abound
Here at Epiphany our parishioners express at true connection to this community. When asked what they love most about this parish, we have found that there are two very prominent aspects that draw people to Epiphany. One is the thankfulness of a strong community as a church family and the other is the love of our worship services.
A Strong Community
Parishioners often express deep joy and fulfillment in being a part of our church family, appreciating the strong sense of belonging that it provides. Whether through worship, fellowship or service, members feel a deep connection not only with God but also with one another. The community’s warmth and welcoming spirit make newcomers feel at home, and long-time members find it to be a place where relationships are nurtured and spiritual growth is encouraged.
Our church offers a variety of activities and ministries that help parishioners connect on a deeper level. From prayer groups and Bible studies to volunteer opportunities, there are so many ways to get involved. Many parishioners find these gatherings to be life-changing, as they allow for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and opportunities for personal reflection.
Love Of Our Worship Services
The parishioners of Epiphany are deeply devoted to our style of worship services, which has a sense of reverence, tradition, and spirituality. For them, the liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer offers a timeless structure that elevates our worship experience. The words of the prayers, hymns and creeds are familiar and comforting, creating a sense of continuity with centuries of Christian practice. There is a profound beauty in the cadence of the service, with its carefully prescribed movements and responses, that draws the faithful in a deeper connection with God.
Traditional music plays a central role in our church services, with hymns and anthems sung with passion and precision. Whether the organ swells through the soaring walls of the church or the choir lifts their voices in harmony, the music serves as a conduit to the divine.
The church is seen as a space where each voice is valued, and there is an great sense of support, especially during times of personal struggle or celebration.
For many, the sense of community extends beyond Sunday services. Parishioners often form lifelong friendships, offering each other support in all aspects of life - whether it’s lending a helping hand during tough times or celebrating milestones together. Through the church, they not only grow in their faith but also feel very empowered to reach out and serve others, embracing a mission that extends beyond the walls of the building. Being a part of the Epiphany community is seen not just as membership but as a shared journey of faith, love, and service.
We often express how much we treasure these familiar tunes, whether they are ancient hymns or classical compositions, all of which reflect the majesty and grandeur of the liturgy.
Taking communion is perhaps the most cherished moment in our services. The act of receiving the Eucharist brings a sense of unity, not only with Christ but with the broader community of believers. It is a sacred, intimate moment, made all the more meaningful by the solemnity and reverence surrounding it. Our church worship service, with its richness in liturgical elements and deep spiritual tradition, provides us with a space where we can experience the fullness of God’s presence and grace. These services are more than just routine; they are vital part of our faith and spiritual lives, offering nourishment for the soul.
On June 7, 1870, Judge Louis Wyeth generously deeded four lots in Guntersville, Alabama to the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal churches.
On September 11, 1905, Bishop Charles Beckwith came to Guntersville to create interest in the Episcopal Church. At that time the Methodists had the only church in town. The only Episcopalians in Guntersville belonged to the Albert Ayres family but several families expressed interest. The first meetings were held on Sunday afternoons in an old wooden schoolhouse. Even though only two to three families might attend, Mr. Ayres regularly lead services. The priest in charge was a Reverend Claybrook from Huntsville. Later, the meeting place was a room over the Citizens Bank in the very heart of town.
As attendance and interest grew, it was decided that a church building was needed. In 1917, the members began to make preparations for a new building. The valuable downtown lot given by Judge Wyeth was sold and a less expensive one further south of town was purchased. The church was built in 1918 at a cost of $1,000.
Perhaps the ladies provided the impetus needed to build the church. The “Guild,” which they organized on January 21, 1918, had four members including, Mrs. Bessie Samuels, Mrs. Margaret Farrow, Mrs. Lane Moss and Mrs. Hodge Alves.
The congregation was not financially able to have a resident minister. Until 1931, the need was supplied by lay readers and visiting priests. In 1931, Captain Charles Conder of the Church Army was sent to work in Jackson and Marshall County. After Captain Conder, other Church Army men worked in Guntersville until 1939. Under this group the church began its active growth. By 1938 there were 46 confirmed members. Still, the Episcopalians could not be called well-to-do by any stretch of the imagination.
By 1941, the church was strong enough to take steps toward becoming an Organized Mission under the leadership of Reverend Robert Marlow of Gadsden, Alabama. For the next ten years, the pulpit was filled by lay readers, visiting ministers, and many students from Sewanee Theological Seminary, Sewanee.
In 1952, the Reverend Allen Sykes, who had been the student minister, became the church’s first resident minister. In the same year, a pipe organ was purchased and installed in the church.
Under the leadership of Reverend Allen Sykes, plans were made for the building of a parish house. The parish house was finished and formally dedicated by the Right Reverend George M. Murray, Suffragan Bishop of Alabama.
In 1957, the church had taken a big step and applied for Parish Status and it was approved and granted by the Diocesan Convention meeting in Birmingham on January 12, 1958. The Reverend Charles K. Horn was our first official parish priest.
In 1976, Epiphany witnessed the departure of the Sand Mountain Episcopalians to their anticipated Christ Church located in Albertville.
In 1980, Epiphany thankfully and joyously celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Due to growing anticipation of needing a new church, a three-acre site at the corner of Sunset Drive and Lusk Street was donated by the Alves family in 1984. This property overlooks beautiful Lake Guntersville and its shoreline park.
In 1990, ground was broken on Palm Sunday and the new building was complete the following December. In 1998, Epiphany completed the second phase of the building project and we have since continued substantial investments in our facilities and continued to grow as a parish family. We give thanks to God for this amazing parish, and will forever continue to be committed to this community.
