About
Who We Are
St. Bartholomew’s — or St. B’s, as we’re often called — is an Episcopal church in the heart of Nashville. For more than 75 years, we’ve gathered to worship God, serve our neighbors, and live out the Gospel in word and deed.
We are a community shaped by grace and committed to the flourishing of others through the love of Jesus Christ.
Our identity is rooted in four key commitments:
Biblical – We believe God speaks through Holy Scripture.
Trinitarian – We affirm the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as expressions of our faith.
Liturgical – We worship using the Book of Common Prayer, which helps shape our daily lives.
Sacramental – We celebrate Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and other sacramental rites as visible signs of God's grace.
Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, and wherever you are on your spiritual journey — you are welcome here.
Our History
St. B’s began with a vision from Bishop E.P. Dandridge, who dreamed of planting an Episcopal church in the growing Green Hills neighborhood. With support from members of St. George’s, the first worship service was held in 1954 at Glendale School.
Services were initially led by seminarians from the University of the South (Sewanee), with Holy Eucharist celebrated once a month. Just a year later, St. B’s became an official parish of the Diocese of Tennessee.
At the dedication of the sanctuary in 1965, a cross, newspaper, Bible, and Book of Common Prayer were placed in the cornerstone — symbolizing our commitment to Christ, the Church, and the world.
Today, St. B’s is the third-largest parish in the Diocese of Tennessee, continuing to grow in faith, fellowship, and service.
Safe Church, Safe Communities
Children and Other Vulnerable Members of Our Community
At St. B’s, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, caring environment for everyone—especially children and youth, older adults, and those who are differently abled. Guided by our baptismal covenant and the policies of our diocese and the wider Episcopal Church, we take seriously our responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable among us as we grow together in Christ.
All staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers who work with children and youth or participate in pastoral care are required to complete Safe Church, Safe Communities training. This training equips participants with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse—both within our church community and in everyday life.
Member of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee
The Diocese of Tennessee was organized and held its first convention in Nashville in 1829. While originally encompassing the entire state, it now comprises the Middle Tennessee region. The Diocese split into three (East, Middle, and West) as part of the vision to further develop the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church along the lines of the three “Grand Divisions” of the state.
Today, the Diocese includes over 16,000 baptized members in 45 cathedral, parish, mission, and chaplaincy churches, as well as two mission stations and other affiliated ministries. It includes urban, suburban, and rural congregations alike.
The Diocese of Tennessee is part of the Episcopal Church, a member of the world-wide Anglican Communion.
