About

Trinity Episcopal Church

About

As Episcopalians, we believe in following Jesus’ example of recognizing and overcoming oppression and injustice while standing up for the marginalized, and welcoming the stranger. Join us as we seek to bring life and hope to the world, leaving a legacy of peace in Alabama and beyond.

Who we are

Trinity Episcopal Church is a faith-filled, loving, and welcoming community in the heart of Clanton. Rooted in the rich tradition of the Episcopal Church, we gather to worship God, grow in faith, and serve our neighbors with compassion.

We are proud to be known across the Diocese of Alabama as the home of the first Beans and Rice Ministry, a ministry that reflects our belief that faith is lived out through service, generosity, and care for those in need.

At Trinity, you will find a church that is strong in faith, open in heart, and grounded in grace. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here.

We look forward to worshiping with you!

Our
History

In 1883, an Episcopal mission was established in Clanton, Alabama, serving its congregation in a small wooden chapel. The chapel was destroyed by fire in the early 1900s. In 1954 the Diocese purchased the current church building, located on 2nd Avenue South, from the Seventh-day Adventists. Trinity Episcopal continued to operate as a mission until the mid-1970s. In 1994, the Diocese recommended re-establishing Trinity, and membership grew to 25 members. On Palm Sunday, 2003, the Reverend William “Bill” King was committed to weekly worship and Sunday School. Trinity was received as a permanent parish in 2009. Reverend King and his wife Pat served in this parish until 2016. Reverend Mark S. Likos has served as Rector since 2019 until his retirment in 2024. The Reverend Chris Paul joined Trinity Episcopal Church in January of 2025.

Our Rector

The Rev. Christopher Lynn Paul

The Rev. Christopher Lynn Paul was born and raised in a small rural town in the Panhandle of Nebraska, where he was baptized in the Episcopal Church and first formed in the faith that continues to shape his life and ministry. After graduating from college, Christopher moved to Alabama in 1998 and began a career in radiology, a field in which he has served for many years with dedication and care.

Over time, Christopher advanced professionally and now serves as Vice President of Clinical Operations, overseeing five locations. Alongside this work, his involvement in the Episcopal Church in Alabama deepened significantly. Through parish life, diocesan service, and attending and staffing several Cursillo weekends, Christopher began to recognize a growing call to ordained ministry.

In response to that call, he pursued theological formation through the ACTS program at the University of the South (Sewanee). He was ordained to the Diaconate in October 2024 and to the Priesthood in April 2025 in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Christopher has been serving as Priest-in-Charge at Trinity Episcopal Church in Clanton since January 2025, where he is grateful to walk alongside the parish in worship, service, and community life.

Christopher brings to ministry a deep appreciation for pastoral presence, thoughtful liturgy, and faith lived out in everyday acts of love and service. He is passionate about the Church being a place of welcome, grace, and belonging for all people.

He currently resides in Deatsville and shares his home with his two dogs, Pepper and Gizmo, who keep life joyful and grounded.