NEWPORT — The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation is welcoming Brian Austin as its new priest. He is the first full-time priest the church has had since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Father David Garrett served the church for 38 years before retiring in 2016.
Father Jim Sharp then served the church for about two-and-a-half years before he retired before the pandemic. For the past five years the church has used people to fill-in. Austin, a native of Danville, Kentucky, grew up Baptist and took an interest in the Episcopal faith about 15 years ago, he said.
A philosophy professor at Carson-Newman University, Austin has made his home in Dandridge for the past 30 years. Austin worked in Baptist churches in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky before converting to the Episcopal denomination. He was ordained as a deacon in January and called to lead the local church later that month.
He explained the process involves going through six months as a transitional deacon before being ordained to preach. He was recently ordained to preach. He said he was drawn to the denomination because of its “ancient liturgies, open mindedness and the beauty of the eucharist.
” Looking ahead, he said the church hopes to grow in size as it focuses on “being faithful to the church and God’s call.” He said they hope having a priest there on a regular basis will help them follow their mission and calling. “We have loving people here,” he explained.
“Our congregation is filled with caring, loving people.” At one time as many as 70 to 90 people attended Sunday eucharist, but now, he said, attendance is around 30 people. However, the church was filled with 105 people at his ordination service.
Austin describes the Episcopal church as “an ancient rite that is very alert to modern situations.” He referred to the mystery behind everything and how the church supports asking those difficult questions and understands there is mystery involved. “We welcome everyone,” he said.
“There is no dress code and we have a really relaxed environment. Our liturgy is very orchestrated.” “We live by the Book of Common Prayer,” he said.
“Come give us a visit. We would love to get to know you.” Holy Eucharist is at 9 a.
m. Sunday mornings. There will be a meet and greet on Sunday, Sept.
25, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.
m. at the church. It is a drop-in event with the opportunity to chat and receive a goody bag.
Father Austin encourages everyone to drop by and say “hello.”.
