ABOUT US
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
Genuine Love. Genuine Faith.
The mission of Epiphany Leeds is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
Our vision is to be a church that is united through Christ in loving God and our neighbor.
Community Outreach
We’re known around the community as the church with the big red box. This is our blessing box. The blessing box is where all may be blessed, those that have needs and those who have something to share. The church fills it, our members fill it, and the community fills it.
There are no restrictions on who may take food from the box. Anyone who is hungry is welcome. Our only request is that those who need food take just enough for a day or two and leave some for others.
In addition to the blessing box, have a free library. Leave a book. Take a book. (Children’s books are very popular.)
As part of our food ministry, Epiphany also supports Leeds Outreach
Because some of our members encouraged us, we also support The Wellhouse and The Lovelady Center, and other charities that speak to any of our members from time to time.
Our Rector
The Reverend Monica A. Carlson became rector for our parish in 2015. Monica received an M.Div. from Sewanee: The School of Theology, where she earned the honors prize for Practical Theology. She received a B.A. from Duke University with a double-major in History and English. Prior to attending seminary, Monica lived in Nashville, TN where she worked for many years as a real estate paralegal.
For several months after seminary, Monica lived with the nuns of the Community of St. Mary, where she deepened her experiential knowledge of Benedictine Spirituality. She continues to live by a Rule of Life, to pray the Daily Office, and to practice Centering Prayer.
Monica is on the faculty at the Metagem Institute, and she was an instructor at the Alabama Integrative Ministry School (AIMS), which prepared postulants for ordained ministry. She’s active in the Diocese of Alabama and Alabama Cursillo.
Monica enjoys long walks and cheering for the Duke basketball team, the New Orleans Saints, and the Tennessee Titans. Now living in Alabama, she has become a fan of local sports teams, as well.
Our History
In 1979, a few families in Leeds became tired of commuting Birmingham to attend an Episcopal church, so an organizational meeting for a new parish was held shortly before Christmas. The idea to open a church in Leeds took hold.
In 1980, the first service was held on Epiphany Sunday, at the Leeds Presbyterian Church. Later, services were held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church until Epiphany had permanent church. Bill and Ruth Brazil donated land, and the parishioners built the church with their own hands. On December 24, 1981, Epiphany celebrated Christmas in the still uncompleted building. Surrounded by the bare walls, warmed by kerosene stoves, the air filled with the scent of fresh straw, these few determined members gathered around a small wooden creche and celebrated the birth of Jesus.
In 1991, Epiphany added a mobile home and remodeled it for a parish hall. With the Diocese’s help, Epiphany purchased more land. Two years later, the parishioners began planning to build a new worship space. Our parish has come a long way. The original building now serves as our parish hall, where we host a variety of events and classes.
