Our History
St. Stephen’s began with a bold leap of faith.
On November 17, 1982, a small group gathered at Athens Federal Savings & Loan with a vision: to plant an Anglican Catholic congregation in Athens. That very night, they drafted a letter to the diocese requesting permission to begin—and chose the name Saint Stephen’s.
Eleven days later, on Advent Sunday (November 28, 1982), the first service was held in a bank community room. Worship continued week after week as the mission took root. Soon, an interim vestry was formed, and in February 1983, Fr. Mark Haverland accepted the call to become the parish’s first rector.
After worshipping in temporary locations—including the chapel of Bernstein’s Funeral Home (whose generosity we will never forget)—the parish purchased four acres at Timothy and Rambling Roads in 1983. That December, Evening Prayer was said on the undeveloped land by Father Haverland and twelve parishioners. The vision was becoming tangible.
Choosing a classic “Carpenter Gothic” design, the parish broke ground in April 1986. The cornerstone was laid that September by Archbishop Louis Falk and Bishop William O. Lewis. Inside it were placed a Bible carried through World War II, a Prayer Book, parish documents, coins, and newspapers—a testimony of faith for generations to come.
On March 22, 1987, St. Stephen’s held its first Sunday service in its own building—unfinished floors, plastic-covered windows, and all. It was home.
That same year, St. Stephen’s became the pro-cathedral of the Diocese of the South. In 1998, Fr. Haverland was consecrated Bishop of the South here in Athens, and in 2005, he was elected Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province. St. Stephen’s continues to serve as the pro-cathedral of the diocese.
St. Stephen’s continues to grow and flourish, and is committed to proclaiming Christ and preserving “the faith once delivered to the saints” in the Anglican tradition for generations to come. We would love for you to come visit!