The Episcopal

Diocese of Lexington

Saint Timothy's, Barnes Mountain

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Outreach Center was begun in 1983 while Bishop Hosea was on Sabbatical. He had instructed the Canon Evangelist to “do something in the mountains.” Upon his return, St. Timothy’s was running. Started with the idea that the best way the church could serve the Appalachian people of this part of the diocese was by showing the love of Christ in ministering to the immediate needs. A summer day camp was begun with activities, games, two meals a day, and the now infamous Commodore 16 computers. Soon medical clinics were held staffed with volunteers from around the Diocese. A second hand store was begun to provide usable clothing at a miniscule price, but that would respect the dignity of the local people. Tutoring, GED, Girl Scouts, Saturday camps, work camps to repair local housing, and outlets for local crafts were some of the activities that resulted in St. Timothy’s being declared a Jubilee Center.

As time passed, the vision of a ministry to non-traditional Episcopalians was not a common emphasis in the Diocese. Several times closing St. Timothy’s was considered by the Executive Council. Upon the election and consecration of Bishop Sauls, he visited St. Timothy’s and asked about its history. Immediately he began asking questions about the feasibility to reinvigorate the ministry. In the spring and summer of 2004 his efforts took root. A half-time minister was appointed, the first paid person in over six years, and plans were made for the Provincial Youth Event to come to St. Timothy’s each day and help top build a new dormitory and repair the property. The work camps were begun again and the first full year had eight groups come and spend a week doing repairs on local homes and helping improve the property of St. Timothy’s for increased ministry. They included a college from Massachusetts, several Reformed churches from Iowa and Ohio, along with several Episcopal Churches from the east coast. Among the youth from the Episcopal Churches were several who had been to St. Timothy’s for PYE and wanted to return. The vision is to increase the ministry at and from St. Timothy’s. As we move towards having a full-time priest to direct the ministry and programs, our aim is to have St. Timothy’s again become a community center that cares for God’s people by living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ not by words, but in action.

Work camp experiences are available year round at St. Timothy’s. For more information, or to schedule a work camp, please contact: The Rev. Canon Bryant Kibler, 820 Hwy. 1746, Irvine, KY 40336. 606-464-9714 or bkibler@diolex.org.