The Story of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Asheville, North Carolina

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church rests in the quiet beauty of Chunn’s Cove, on land that holds a story far older than our own. Long before this church was built, these mountains were part of the homeland of the Cherokee people. We honor their deep connection to this place and remember the hardship and injustice that led to their removal, while recognizing that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians continues to call this region home today.

Honoring the Land

The story of St. Luke’s begins not with a building, but with people.

In 1858, Episcopal services were first held in the home of Hosea and Mourning Lindsey, led by Dr. Jarvis Buxton of Trinity Church in Asheville. These early gatherings were simple and heartfelt, bringing neighbors together for prayer, teaching, and fellowship.

Their daughter, Mary Lindsey, would later marry William F. Rice, who became the first deacon-in-charge of what would become St. Luke’s. From the very beginning, this church has been shaped by relationships, family ties, and a shared sense of calling.

As the years went on, families in the Cove—the Lindseys, Owens, Britts, Armstrongs, and others—helped grow a small but faithful community, gathering for worship and teaching children wherever space could be found.

In 1894, that growing community took a step of faith.

With land purchased from Mathew and Jane Baxter and plans drawn by local resident E.J. Armstrong, the people of St. Luke’s built their church through a combination of diocesan support and their own labor. Much of the work was done by hand—neighbors helping neighbors, offering what they could.

The first congregation was small—just eight communicants—but full of hope. Under the leadership of Rev. William F. Rice, the church began to take root as a steady presence in Chunn’s Cove.

In 1898, Bishop Joseph Blount Cheshire consecrated the church, marking the beginning of St. Luke’s as a lasting spiritual home.

In the early years, ministry required both faith and endurance.

Clergy like Rev. William Rice, Rev. George Bell, and Rev. George Sutherland served not only St. Luke’s, but multiple mountain congregations—traveling long distances, often by horseback or on foot, to bring worship and pastoral care to scattered communities.

Through their leadership—and the quiet, steady devotion of parishioners like Janie Owen, who cared faithfully for the church property—St. Luke’s continued to grow, one relationship at a time.

Like many small churches, St. Luke’s has been shaped not by rapid growth, but by steady faithfulness.

Even during the Great Depression, the life of the church endured. Sunday School gatherings, holiday celebrations, and shared traditions continued to bring people together.

During the 1930s and 40s, clergy such as Rev. James Sill and Rev. Dudley Stroup helped guide the congregation through years of challenge and renewal. Together, they oversaw important improvements—bringing electricity, heat, and new life to the building—while the spirit of the church remained rooted in worship and community.

By 1961, a long-held dream became reality with the completion of a rectory, built under the leadership of master carpenter Odd White and made possible through the hands and hearts of many volunteers. It was paid off the same year—a testament to what a small but committed community can accomplish together.

In the 21st century, St. Luke’s has continued to evolve while holding fast to its roots.

Under the leadership of Rev. Patty Mouer, the church expanded its outreach and deepened its sense of community. New traditions took shape alongside old ones—from the installation of a labyrinth to renewed focus on family life and pastoral care.

In 2017, the congregation celebrated the completion of Louise Hamilton Hall, a long-dreamed-of gathering space that continues the tradition of creating places where people can come together for fellowship, ministry, and shared meals.

Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of St. Luke’s found ways to remain connected—adapting worship and continuing to care for one another in creative and meaningful ways.

In 2023, St. Luke’s celebrated 125 years as a consecrated church—a milestone shaped by generations of faithful leadership, both clergy and lay.

But the story of St. Luke’s is not only found in its past—it is lived out every day in the life of its people.

For nearly 30 years, the St. Luke’s College Scholarship has supported young people as they take their next steps, reflecting a deep commitment to education and encouragement for the next generation. The parish also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters, building relationships that uplift children and families in lasting ways.

Beyond its walls, St. Luke’s is actively engaged in the wider Asheville community. Parishioners regularly serve at ABCCM’s Veterans Restoration Quarters, offering time, compassion, and care to those who have served our country. Through partnerships with Buncombe County Schools and the Reynolds School District, the church participates in Family2Family projects—supporting students and families with practical needs and a spirit of generosity.

These ministries are not separate from the church’s history—they are a continuation of it.

From the earliest gatherings in a family home to the vibrant parish it is today, St. Luke’s remains a place where faith is lived out in community, where neighbors care for one another, and where small acts of love grow into lasting impact.

We give thanks for all who have come before us—and we look ahead with hope as the story continues.