The picturesque and thriving southern city of Chattanooga is home to more than just a rich history, Lookout Mountain and that famous locomotive. It’s now also home to one of the Anglican Mission in The Americas’s newest congregations—the Anglican Fellowship of Chattanooga. “This has been a process over the last couple of years,” explained Dick Gruetzemacher, one of the church’s leaders. “People are very excited.”

The group traces its beginnings to the fall of 2003, following the General Convention of the Episcopal Church (ECUSA) and a visit to Chattanooga by Lord George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. “A number of us from different churches in the region gathered at that event, then began to communicate. We were very concerned about things happening in our own church (ECUSA) and were looking for a faithful way forward,” reflected Gruetzemacher. About 100 people attended a meeting in November of 2003 and by the following spring had begun Sunday worship services. “We were independent yet orthodox Anglicans looking for a home. We had been very aware of the Anglican Mission in The Americas—it was the most visible group,” remembered Gruetzemacher. “Ultimately we determined it was the best prepared to help us develop and grow as a vital church.”

The Anglican Mission in The Americas (AMiA) is a missionary outreach of the Anglican Province of Rwanda aimed at reaching out to the 130 million un-churched people in the United States. The nearly 80 churches in the AMiA, through their relationship with Rwanda and other international leaders, are members of the world-wide Anglican Communion even though they are not a part of the Episcopal Church USA.

At the same time it joins the AMiA the Anglican Fellowship of Chattanooga, served over the months by supply priests, has called its first full-time Rector. The Rev. Steve Kelley, Deacon and Administrator at Church of the Holy Spirit in Roanoke, Virginia is being ordained to the Priesthood as he steps into this new leadership role at Chattanooga. “We’re excited by this call and opportunity. We see the Lord’s hand in this in every way,” expressed the Rev. Kelley, whose house in Roanoke sold in one day. Kelley is moving from one of the AMiA’s largest churches to a congregation that averages 70 in worship. “The folks in Chattanooga are very dedicated—strong leaders with long experience in church leadership. They are very focused on evangelism and growth,” stated the new Pastor.

Before his call to minister at Roanoke three years ago, Steve Kelley had a background in business and finance, leading large organizations. He brings that experience, as well as his heart for ministry, to the task in Chattanooga. “One thing I hope to see us do is to reach out more to youth and students,” added Kelley from his office in Roanoke. “There is a lot of potential there for growth and energy as part of the overall ministry of the Anglican Fellowship of Chattanooga.”

Steve will be ordained to the Priesthood in the Anglican Mission on June 28th, after which he and his wife Lorita will move to Chattanooga for their first official Sunday on July 10th, and he is anxious for the move. “The Anglican Fellowship of Chattanooga has chosen as a slogan ‘A New Day for an Ancient Faith’; and a new day it certainly is—for all of us.”

The Anglican Fellowship of Chattanooga worships Sunday evenings at the Psychological Studies Institute (formerly Central Presbyterian Church) on McCallie Avenue. For more information visit their website, www.anglicanfellowship.org, or call 423-855-9337.

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