St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church (Atlanta)

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St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church is an active parish in Atlanta, Georgia. It belongs to the Episcopal Church, within the Diocese of Atlanta, in the East Atlanta Deanery. The church is located at 1790 LaVista Road.

A welcoming place: “Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome to this place and to this table.”

History in brief: The church began in the early 1950s as DeKalb County grew and Episcopalians needed a new church. In February 1954 it became an organized mission, bought land on LaVista Road, and moved a former barracks building to serve as church, parish hall, Sunday School, and more. By January 1955 the group had grown, and on January 27, 1957, St. Bartholomew’s became a full parish with more than 250 members. A new church building was constructed (now the Parish Hall), and in 1960 St. Bede’s parish was formed from its members. Over the years the church expanded its facilities and began a long tradition of outreach and service, including hosting a major organ project, responding to homelessness, and opening spaces for community programs. In 1995 a new worship space was completed, and the old church became the parish hall and chapel. The Rosales organ and renovations to the Amerson House (the former rectory) were completed in the early 2000s, with leadership continuing to focus on hospitality and community.

Architecture and music: The main church buildings are modernist in design, with notable features such as a blue-toned nave ceiling. The parish hosts a robust music program with four choirs totaling about 60 singers. The Rex Rector Memorial Organ (Rosales Opus 29, installed in 2003) is a highlight and the church hosts concerts and welcomes visiting music groups.

Outreach and community: St. Bartholomew’s has a long history of outreach. Current projects include Open Hand Atlanta (formerly Project Open Hand), which provides meals and nutrition education; Jerusalem House for AIDS-affected residents; the Emmanuel Center for Pastoral Counseling; the St. Joseph of Arimathea garden; and the Toco Hill Community Ministry. The Amerson House serves as a gathering and meeting space, and the parish continues to support local families in need.

Leadership: The parish is led by Rector The Rev. Dr. Angela F. Shepherd, with a team that includes The Rev. Alex Sherrill, III (Assistant to the Rector), The Rev. Shirley Porter (Associate Priest), The Rev. Bill Deneke (Assisting Priest), Deacon Katherine Hilliard-Yntema, and Stephen Frketic as Director of Music. Vicki Brewer serves as parish administrator, with John Ford and Margaret Jones as church wardens.