Our Story at Redeemer
The story of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelby begins in faith, resilience, and a deep trust in God’s future. In 1847, James Love set aside land for worship in what was then a small but growing community. By 1858, a small group of Episcopalians formally organized a congregation, gathering with hope even before they had a permanent place to call home.
Like so many faithful communities, Redeemer’s early years were marked by perseverance. The first church building was completed in 1863, only to be destroyed during the Civil War. Yet the people of Redeemer did what they have always done—they rebuilt. By 1867, a new church stood as a testament to their commitment, and ministries like Sunday School began to take root, shaping generations of faith.
The years that followed brought both challenge and renewal. There were seasons when the congregation struggled and seasons when it flourished. In 1940, with renewed vision, the parish was built again, and in 1950 the Chapel was added—spaces that nurtured prayer, community, and growth.
At the turn of the millennium, Redeemer once more stepped forward in faith, completing a new church home in 2000—built not only with resources, but with the hands and hearts of the people who loved this place.
Through every chapter—loss and rebuilding, small beginnings and bold new steps—Redeemer has remained grounded in a simple truth: God is always making something new among us.
Today, we continue that story. Rooted in worship, formed by community, and sent out in love, we seek to be a place where all are welcomed, all are known, and all are invited to grow in Christ.
The Episcopal Church & The Anglican Way
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion—a global family of churches rooted in the ancient, living tradition of Christianity. Our story reaches back to the earliest followers of Jesus, shaped through the centuries by scripture, prayer, and the life of the Church, and expressed in a way that holds together both tradition and openness to where God is leading us now.
You may notice that our worship is both structured and spacious. We follow a shared pattern found in the Book of Common Prayer, which guides us through scripture, prayer, and the celebration of Holy Eucharist. These familiar rhythms allow us to pray not only as individuals, but as a community—and as part of a much larger Church across time and place.
In the Anglican tradition, we often speak of a “both/and” faith. We honor scripture as central, value the wisdom of tradition, and trust that God continues to speak through reason, experience, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. This means there is room here for questions, for growth, and for deepening understanding over time.
At its heart, the Episcopal Church is about relationship—with God and with one another. We gather at the table, we listen for God’s Word, and we are sent out to love and serve the world in Christ’s name.
Whether you come from another faith tradition or none at all, you are welcome here. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You simply need a willingness to show up, to pray, and to walk the journey of faith together.