Parish Profile: St. Alban’s, Hixson

St. Alban’s, Hixson, has a tradition of growth. Begun as a parochial mission of St. Peter’s Church, Chattanooga, in December, 1979, the church worshiped in a local elementary school with the Rev. William T. Patten as vicar.

On January 30, 1981, the church was granted parish status by the 149th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Tennessee. The congregation moved into its new nave in February of that year with a small wooden building and a trailer providing space for Sunday School and other parish functions.

As the church continued to grow, more space was needed for a Parish Hall and classrooms. In 1982, construction of two wings off the nave was completed. St. Alban’s latest adventure in growth was dedicated by Bishop vonRosenberg on September 3, 2000. The greatly expanded and refurbished physical plant was the result of a three-year discernment process.

The latest construction included an enlarged nave, a new Christian Education wing, new office space and a refurbished Parish Hall. Still to be completed is a new, separate Youth Building.

As the building process draws to a close, the leadership of St. Alban’s is moving forward to utilize the new space. Already, community groups such as A.A. are using the building for meetings.

And in January, 2001, the refurbished Parish Hall will house an Adult Day Care Center, a shared ministry between St. Alban’s and Memorial Hospital. The Day Care Center will have three full-time employees and will serve adults who can no longer remain safely at home alone. The Center will be open Monday through Friday. Participants may be scheduled for a few hours or longer during the day, and from one to five days per week.

The Rev. Dr. Hugh B. Jones, Jr. is the rector of St. Alban’s. The church is also served by the Rev. Kuulei M. Green and the Rev. Jill C. Fisher.

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Adult Day Care Begins at St. Alban’s

St. Alban’s, Hixson, will open an Adult Day Center in early 2001. The Center is designed to offer care to the mother, father, husband or wife who is no longer able to safely stay home alone.

The idea for this ministry to the community emerged out of St. Alban’s discernment process for its newly expanded and refurbished physical plant. It has come to fruition with the support of Memorial Hospital with the Center being one of Memorial’s Healthy Community Initiative projects. Memorial will provide financial support which includes staff salaries and training and meals.

The Center will be open Monday through Friday and staffed by an executive director and two full-time CNAs. Participants may be scheduled for a few hours or longer during the day, and from one to five days per week.

Eligibility guidelines include those older adults who are mentally or physically impaired, who are able to move about independently within the Center (a walker or cane may be used), and take themselves to the restroom).

Planned activities include reality orientation, arts and crafts, exercise, Bible study, cooking, music, group discussions and the celebrations of special events. A well-balanced lunch and snack will be provided each day for all participants.

The Center is looking for its first 8 to 10 clients. If you are a caregiver for someone who can no longer stay at home alone, the Center can provide a safe alternative when you need to work or run errands or take a break. Contact St. Alban’s via eMail at stalbans-hixson@juno.com or by phone: 423-842-1342. They will provide essential information on facilities, guidelines, programs and costs.