Our Story

Our story began in 1828 and continues to this day.

Christ Episcopal Church you will find a joyful, friendly community committed to growing spiritually and serving the community. We appreciate our history and tradition, but we are not afraid to try new things.

Founded in 1828, Christ Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama. In 1831, the University of Alabama held charter ceremonies here. In 1882, the building was enlarged and remodeled from Greek Revival to Gothic Revival style, and the bell tower was added. Thirty-five stained glass windows add colorful inspiration to the buildings on the property: seventeen in the main church, eight in the music hall, six in the chapel, four in the narthex and a domed ceiling in the chancel. A new pipe organ (Létourneau Op. 132) was installed in 2018.

We are also home to the Alabama Choir School and the Christ Episcopal Preschool.

From the Rector

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, exploring the Episcopal Church, or have been part of Christ Church for years, I’m glad you’re here!

Our staff is committed to helping people encounter God’s love through worship, fellowship, formation, and service. We believe the Church is more than a place to attend. It is a community where lives are transformed, friendships are formed and faith grows.

As you get to know our staff, I hope you’ll see a group of people who care deeply about this parish and about the people God brings through our doors. We count it a privilege to walk alongside you in every season of life.

Whether you’re looking for a church home, seeking answers or simply wondering what comes next, know that you are welcome in our community. We hope you’ll discover what so many others have found at Christ Church: you belong here.

Grace and peace,

The Rev. Paul Pradat
Rector

Clergy and Staff

Rev. Paul Pradat

Rector

Rev. Brad Landry

Interim Associate Rector

Rev. Greg Evans

Priest Associate

Dr. Steven Taranto

Music Director + Organist

Barbara Steimle

Parish Secretary

Kathryn Adams

Parish Life + Communications

Cooper McCormick

Children's Ministry Coordinator

Angie Pradat

Membership Coordinator

MK Arthur

Youth Director

Nick Dubose

Outreach Coordinator

Betsy Clark

Financial Manager

Riley O'Rear

Nursery Coordinator

Beth Zark

Preschool Director

Dwayne Aull

Facilities Coordinator

Phillip "Gump" Hunt

Security

Dylan Ayala

Security

Albert Benderson

Security

Vestry

In the Episcopal Church, the vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. Vestry members are usually elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. There are usually two wardens. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the rector. The junior warden often has responsibility for church property and buildings. A treasurer and a secretary or clerk may be chosen. These officers may or may not be vestry members. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.