Our History
An Episcopal ministry for University of Alabama students had its origins in 1936 with the Episcopal Student Forum, which met in the rectory of Christ Episcopal Church. Early activities included joint meetings with Stilllman College students to help overcome racial prejudice and misunderstanding. By 1942, the diocese had leased a building in downtown Tuscaloosa to serve as an Episcopal Student Center. This Center housed the first Chaplain, The Rev. Charles H. Douglas, and ten male Episcopal students. It also had a kitchen and rooms for study, activities, and worship. The Rev. George Murray was named Chaplain in 1948.
Under The Rev. Murray’s leadership, plans were developed to construct the current Canterbury Chapel complex adjacent to The University of Alabama. The chapel building (seating 225), a student center, and a home for the Chaplain were consecrated in October, 1951. Shortly thereafter, The Rev. Murray was named Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Alabama, and was succeeded as chaplain by The Rev. Emmett Gribbin.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Canterburians were active supporters of the Civil Rights Movement, and The Rev. Gribbin was directly involved in the first efforts to integrate the University in 1956. In the 1960s, Ku Klux Klan and White Citizens Council members attempted to intimidate Canterburians working for racial equality and harmony. On the 50th anniversary of UA’s desegregation, Canterbury was honored by UA for its “historic role within the faith community in fostering justice, demonstrating courage, and laying the foundation for positive change.”
After more than 20 years of ministry at Canterbury, the Rev. Gribbin was succeeded by The Rev. James Woodson. The Rev. Woodson served as Chaplain and Rector from 1973 until his retirement in 1995. During his tenure, the Canterbury complex was substantially renovated. Changes included the installation of a Holtkamp pipe organ, creation of additional space for the Chaplain’s and parish assistant’s offices, and the construction of what is currently known as Carroll Hall, with classrooms, meeting rooms, and a choir room. The Chaplain’s home was converted to Gribbin House, a residence for students, and a second student residence was built immediately adjacent to the chapel and called Murray House.
The Rev. David Bargetzi served Canterbury for two years, and he was followed by The Rev. Ken Fields who was Chaplain and Rector from 1997-2008. During The Rev. Fields’s tenure, the Student Center kitchen was renovated and a number of outreach activities began. These were spearheaded by the Rev. Deacon Dr. Roland Ficken, who became Canterbury’s first deacon in 2002. Outreach activities included participation in Tuscaloosa’s Sunday Meals on Wheels program and creation of a weekly food pantry named the Deacon’s Deli. The Rev. Jon Chalmers, Canterbury’s first curate, joined Canterbury toward the end of The Rev. Field’s ministry and was named Priest-in-Charge when The Rev. Fields resigned in 2008 to assume a ministry in Texas.
Since 2009, The Rev. Marc Burnette has been Canterbury’s Chaplain and Rector. The Rev. Burnette earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at The University of Alabama. He was active as a Canterbury student while at UA, where he began his discernment for holy orders. During The Rev. Burnette’s tenure at Canterbury, the church has been served by two curates, The Rev. Brandt Montgomery and The Rev. Dr. Tommie Lee Watkins, Jr. Following her ordination in 2011, The Rev. Deacon Dr. Cindy Roff became Canterbury’s second deacon, succeeding Deacon Ficken.
(For more detailed information about Canterbury’s history click here. We are indebted to The Rev. Kelley Hudlow for her work to compile Canterbury’s history.)