Saint Stephen’s is Turning 50 -
Come Celebrate with Us!

In May 2023, Saint Stephen’s will celebrate 50 years of Open Hearts, Open Hands, and Open Doors in the greater Birmingham community. Saint Stephen’s first met for worship at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 1973. In 1961, the Rt. Rev. George Murray had arranged to purchase six acres of land in unincorporated Cahaba Heights. Twelve years later, 24 adults and 16 young people gathered in the portable barrack building, on a stormy Sunday evening. The Rev. Doug Carpenter writes that in December 1973, an anonymous note was left on the plywood altar: “The only ray of sunshine through the dark clouds at this moment is the warmth I feel at St. Stephen’s. It’s the healthiest growing organism I have experienced. The people are so refreshing. The discussion makes me feel warm.” 

Almost 50 years later, Saint Stephen’s has retained much of that same character, a place that helps people see the light of Christ, to see beauty and joy in a world yearning for Good News. This May, we will celebrate our 50th anniversary with three distinct events. The schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, May 13 – Packaging of 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger in the Parish Hall. All ages are welcome. We will have 2 shifts spanning 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please sign up here.

• Friday, May 19 – 50th Anniversary Party on the Saint Stephen’s Campus. 21+
  Please join us for an evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment. There is no charge for the event but you will need to RSVP through Realm by clicking here.

• Sunday, May 21 – Festive Eucharist at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Parish Picnic with family games and music by Three on a String.

May is going to be an especially wonderful month in the life of Saint Stephen’s. We are especially grateful for the hard work of Kathryn Dorlon and Ann Carpenter, who are chairing our 50th celebration. We look forward to this landmark moment in our lives and how it can help us hold to this same ideal of Open Hearts, Open Hands, and Open Doors for years to come.