Bishop Duncan blesses St. Luke’s new school

By Cindy McCrory, Editor
Special to The Coastline

Board Chairman Allen Chapman (on left) joins Bishop Duncan and Headmaster Palmer Kennedy (far right) for the blessing and celebration. Photo courtesy of Mike Turnipseed, Coastline Communicator/Photographer and St. Luke's Parishioner

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Photos by Cindy McCrory and Mike Turnipseed

MOBILE, AL — Students and teachers at St. Luke’s new middle and supper school welcomed Bishop Philip Duncan Tuesday when he joined The Rev. Ken Cumbie and Headmaster Palmer Kennedy for a Convocation in the newly renovated Performing Arts Center followed by a short blessing outside. The convocation mirrored an Episcopal church worship service beginning with students acolytes processing down the theatre’s aisle to the stage carrying the school banner and the Episcopal flag and continuing with scripture readings, “congregational” music and prayer. Father Cumbie welcomed everyone and Bishop Duncan gave the homily.

The group then processed outside to the main quad of the campus where a beautiful gazebo is centered.  The weather was unusually cool and breezy for a day in August and enhanced the perfect setting as Bishop Duncan turned to each corner of the campus and blessed the school.  The students celebrated and cheered and Headmaster Palmer Kennedy and Chairman of the Board, Allen Chapman, thanked everyone for attending.

“From the beginning this project has been a faith endeavor.  Our prayers for guidance and success continue to be answered in numerous ways,” said Allen Chapman, Chairman of St. Luke’s Episcopal School Board of Trustees.

Headmaster Palmer Kennedy remarked, “One of the most important decisions a parent will make is what school community will serve their family, and Mobile is fortunate to have a number of quality educational choices.  The development of this beautiful, centrally located, 32-acre campus makes it possible for St. Luke’s to grow with Mobile by expanding its offerings through an Upper School.  This new facility, addition to the elementary campus on Japonica Lane, positions St. Luke’s to build upon its tradition of college preparatory excellence.”

History and Mission

Founded as a mission of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in 1961, St. Luke’s Episcopal School is a college preparatory co-educational school committed to academic excellence. The first year the school opened its doors with two kindergarten classes, one first grade class and only size employees.  Parents and volunteers were called upon to do many things, including the cleaning of classrooms and restrooms! Nearly fifty years later, the school remains true to its founding precepts:  excellence in education in a Christian environment, excellence in faculty qualification, and excellence in curriculum.

Through the years, grade levels were added to meet the growing needs of the Mobile community.  The school’s first 8th grade class graduated in 1974.  In March of 2008, St. Luke’s, with overwhelming support from the Mobile community, announced plans to purchase the former Julius T. Wright School for Girls. The purchase and renovation the 32 acre campus allows for the addition of an Upper School as well as the expansion of the Early Childhood, Lower School and Middle School grade levels. The Early Childhood and Lower School programs will continue to be located on the original school campus at 3975 Japonica Lane in Mobile.  The Middle and Upper Schools will be located on the new campus at 1400 University Boulevard South.  The close proximity of the campuses provides all students an opportunity to benefit from facilities at either location.

Student Life

Students at St. Luke’s have the opportunity to be involved in enrichment activities such as Student Council, clubs, organizations and athletics.  During the Middle and Upper School years, St. Luke’s emphasizes the value of service to others and are encouraged to “give back” to the community and must obtain a pre-specified number of community service hours each year.  Middle and Upper School students also attend weekly chapel services.

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