Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Church Of The Nativity, Episcopal
Photographed by Tim Carr, May 24, 2008
1. The Church Of The Nativity, Episcopal Marker Side A
The present church building, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture, was designed by Frank Wills and Henry Dudley of New York. Erected at a cost of $37,500, it was dedicated Easter Eve, April 13, 1859, and consecrated January 29, 1860.
National Historic Landmark - 1990.
Bibb Chapel was consecrated in 1886 as a memorial to Wilson Carey Bibb. Ridley Hall, for parish functions, was completed in 1953 as a memorial to Dr. James L. Ridley. Joffrion Hall, dedicated in 1983 as an educational building, was named for the Rev. A. Emile Joffrion, ninth rector.
For 150 years, Nativity was served by only ten rectors, two of whom became bishops. The Rev. Henry C. Lay, second rector, was consecrated Missionary Bishop of the Southwest (1859). The Rev. Randolph R. Claiborne, Jr. seventh
this page online
Erected 2001 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 29, 1851.
Location. 34° 43.824′ N, 86° 35.01′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. It is on Eustis Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 208 Eustis Avenue Southeast, Huntsville AL 35801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the
Photographed by Tim Carr, May 24, 2008
2. The Church Of The Nativity, Episcopal Marker Side B
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James Gillespie Birney (within shouting distance of this marker); Kate L. Kaufman (within shouting distance of this marker); Calhoun House (within shouting distance of this marker); Tallulah Bankhead / I. Schiffman Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Site The Huntsville Inn (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harrison Brothers Hardware / Daniel Brandon (about 300 feet away); Harrison Brothers Hardware (about 300 feet away); The Clay Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Harrison Brothers Hardware (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Tim Carr, May 24, 2008
3. The Church Of The Nativity, Episcopal
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, April 4, 2014
4. National Historic Landmark
Church of the Nativity - Episcopal has been designated a National Historic Landmark. This site possesses National significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America. 1990 - National Park Service - United States Department of the Interior
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, April 4, 2014
5. The Church Of The Nativity Altar
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,389 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 4, 5. submitted on April 15, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
