On January 4, 1954, eighteen Episcopalians, including the Reverend A.H. Zinser, met at the Monroe High School Auditorium to organize a church in Monroe. Some of them had been attending the Church of the Good Shepherd, Covington, located approximately twenty-one miles from Monroe. They had discussed plans to organize a new parish with Bishop Claiborne who gave his blessings.

Sally Launius, wife of prominent Monroe businessman Harry Launius, was one of the organizers. Mr. Launius was engaged in buying some land on Monroe's Main Street at the time of the meeting. Though not an Episcopalian, he stood and asked, "If I buy this lot, and build you a building, will you continue to organize this Episcopal Church?" The group gulped hard and said with enthusiasm, "Yes, sir and thank you!" He did this in honor of his beloved wife. The group then worshiped temporarily on Sundays in the Rural Electric Association (REA) building boardroom.

The group of churchmen built a simple wooden altar which remains today in the small chapel. A neighbor to the "church lot" allowed the congregation to store that altar in an outbuilding behind her house. Every Sunday morning the men had to "tote" the altar across Main Street to the REA building where the ladies dressed the altar with linens for service.

Mr. Launius built the church as promised and the first service was held on June 20, 1954, with thirty-six attending. St. Alban's initially shared a priest with services held at 8:00 a.m. Because of the early hour, breakfast was prepared for the visiting priest. The building was small, but adequate and was filled with the aroma of eggs, bacon or sausage, and coffee.

St. Alban's slowly grew under the guidance of Father Zinser. In 1958, Mr. Launius gave a large donation to build a large sanctuary connecting to the original church. The new church was adorned with a hugh limestone Celtic cross and is an outstanding and beautiful addition to Monroe's Main Street. In 2001, an addition, including an Education Building and spacious Parish Hall, was built.

On August 17, 2008, St. Alban's welcomed a new Rector, The Rev. Brent Owens.

St. Alban's worship is traditional, meaning that their worship is grounded in the Book of Common Prayer. Their identity as Episcopalians centers on their worship life together. They hold the view that the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation and to be the ultimate authority of the Christian faith; they subscribe to the ancient creeds; and attach special and unique significance to the two sacraments ordained by Christ, Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion).

St. Alban's is proud to be an integral part of the community of Monroe and Walton County.

Church Office: 770-267-2893

Email Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ST. ALBAN'S MISSION STATEMENT

To be a hospitable fellowship of believers in order to reach others in the love of Jesus Christ:

To worship God in meaningful praise and thanksgiving.

To know God by the study of scripture, prayer, and the breaking of bread.

To serve God in the face of a stranger.

To honor God by caring for one another.

To obey God in training all his children in principles of His word.