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History
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After an early attempt in 1836, the congregation of the Church of the Nativity was organized in December of 1842. The name was chosen because of the approaching Christmas season. The official life of the parish began in May 1843, when it was admitted to the Diocese of Alabama. In 1845, a lot was purchased and construction began. The first church building was of brick and the first service was held in August of 1847.
The second building, the present main sanctuary, was constructed alongside the first with the initial service on Easter Eve 1859. Called the finest example of Gothic Revival architecture in the South, the edifice has a nave and aisles lighted by windows of tracery, a vestry and organ
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chamber. The spire is 151 feet tall and the nave accommodates 500 people. There were 53 members of the congregation at its construction and its sole support came from renting of the pews. Offerings were not taken until 1864. Renting of the pews continued until 1913. The original church and present church stood side by side until 1878, when the original building was razed. This building, the second structure, was accepted as a national historic landmark in 1992.
In addition to the church, buildings now in the Nativity complex include: Bibb Memorial Chapel, erected in 1883; Ridley Hall with basement, hall, classrooms and kitchen, built in 1953; Annex, two floors, purchased, enlarged and connected in 1979; Joffrion Hall, with four floors, added in 1982.
Historical images of Nativity can be found in our photo gallery. Click here to be taken to the "Historical" section of our on-line photo gallery.
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