Eric Mancil, the new rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of Andalusia, was recently installed. He is also the first priest to be ordained since Cindy Howard’s retirement in early 2021.
Mancil was born in Andalusia, although he grew up there. Chelsea, his wife of one year, met him at LBW Community College. He received his music education degree from Auburn University. Before he joined the seminary to become a priest, he taught music for six more years.
“I felt God calling to me to be a priest in Episcopal Church. I came back to Andalusia because of my family, but also because I love this place. I felt a pull to return to small-town communities and love it. Mancil stated that St. Mary’s parish’s community outreach, such as the monthly Rice and Beans and the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, was what attracted me to the parish.
He assumed the role of St. Mary’s in the beginning year.
“I understand that the pandemic was hard for everyone and St. Mary’s. They were without a permanent priest for about two years. I want to bring back new life to the parish, and to invite the old members back to the church as well as anyone in the community looking for a home. The Episcopal Church is a great place to be, especially for those who are unsure of themselves or looking for a faith community where they belong. We are a welcoming church that accepts everyone. This is a place where people can feel at ease and find God’s presence.
Mancil said that worship services at St. Mary’s are traditional, with approximately 200 members.
We use hymns from our hymnal and we worship with the Book of Common Prayer. The order of services we use for worship is the same each week. This provides comfort to many people. They know that they can consult the prayer book and feel at ease. We are also an affirming and welcoming congregation. Despite a drop in attendance during the clergy transition period and the pandemic, we are rebuilding it and have seen more people return to us.
He first connected to the Episcopal Church in his junior year at Auburn College.
“I felt God calling me and I was attracted to seminary. It started as a gentle push in this direction. As time passed, it grew stronger. It is a lengthy process to become a priest in Episcopal Church. As a priest, my role is to bring people to Jesus. Christ is the center of worship, and we meet Christ at His altar.” he stated.
Mancil was born in Andalusia to his grandparents. He also had relatives there whom he visited from time to time. He had also been connected to St. Mary’s in the past and visited the church whenever he was in town with his family during the holidays.
“I have always loved this parish. Even though I wasn’t a member, my family visited the church and shared admiration. It has been amazing to receive the support from members of the church and my community. As people have been so helpful and willing to help me settle in, I could not have asked for a better reception. Everyone was excited to see a new priest arrive.
Mancil plans to offer worship services at noon on Wednesdays in addition to those currently held at 9:15 am every Sunday. Mancil also stated that he hopes to start a Sunday night youth group.
“We will most likely do evening activities during Advent and Lent.” These are special seasons for prayer and study, so it is nice to have special events during them.
His wife Chelsea, of 16 years, has two children, Sophie, 13 and Jude, 11. The family invites everyone to a meet-and-greet event at The B downtown Andalusia, Wednesday February 1, 5:30 p.m.
“I want the public know that St. Mary’s Episcopal Church can be a place they belong and come to. Mancil stated that anyone who is devoted to God and wishes to worship Him is welcome here.
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