Steps from the University of Memphis, Barth House Episcopal Center sits on Patterson Avenue, offering a place of respite and connection amid the energy of campus life.
Located a block from a dorm and directly across from the university’s International Center, it’s become a welcoming space for students – local or abroad – looking for a quiet study spot, engaging discussion, or just a place to belong. Barth House is open to all, a gathering place where friendships are formed, ideas are exchanged, and faith is explored in an atmosphere of hospitality and acceptance.
A Season of Change and a Gift of Support
In late 2023, Church Home made a generous $750,000 multi-year grant to support Barth House, providing crucial funding for staffing, programming, and maintenance. That support became even more significant in the fall of 2024 when the Rev. Dr. Noah Campbell, longtime College Missioner, accepted a full-time call to serve as vicar at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Fortunately, Barth House was already in steady hands. Maggie Schaumleffel, who had been serving as Director of Ministries since late 2022, took on expanded programming responsibilities following Campbell’s departure. To help facilitate day-to-day operations, Sherrie Lemons joined to provide administrative support, while Mark Henderson was brought on to oversee grounds and maintenance.
A portion of the Church Home grant has also been allocated to a maintenance fund, helping to preserve the beauty and safety of the property. Recently, overgrown tree limbs were cleared just in time to prevent storm damage, making the lawn, benches, and even the parking lot more inviting. On any given evening, you might find students gathered around the firepit, deep in conversation, or engaged in a friendly game of cornhole. There’s always something happening here—whether it’s studying, meeting, or simply being together.
More at the Table
For those seeking spiritual nourishment, the Barth House continues to offer weekly Eucharist and noon prayer services on Wednesdays during the University of Memphis academic session. Since Noah Campbell’s transition to St. Mary’s Cathedral, clergy from across the Diocese of West Tennessee have stepped in to celebrate the Wednesday Eucharist, ensuring that this sacred time of worship continues without interruption.
This rotation of clergy from throughout the diocese has been a gift to the Barth House community, bringing a variety of perspectives and voices to the service. Whether a student is experiencing the Episcopal tradition for the first time or deepening their lifelong faith, these weekly gatherings provide an opportunity to connect with the breadth and diversity of the diocese.
Wednesdays at Barth House aren’t complete without lunch. After prayer, students, faculty, and guests gather for a meal that feels more like a family dinner than a casual bite to eat. Conversations flow from theology to pop culture, from the day’s challenges to life’s big questions. International students, many of whom regularly visit Barth House, often bring their own perspectives and experiences to these conversations, enriching the community even further. It’s intergenerational, it’s sacred in its own way, and it’s open to everyone.
Want to be part of this tradition? Join us! Or, if you feel called to support this ministry, consider providing lunch one Wednesday. Click here to sign up.
Whether as an individual, a family, or a ministry group, your generosity will nourish not just bodies, but spirits.
A Space that Adapts to Every Need
Barth House continues to serve as a multipurpose space that meets a variety of needs. On any given day, it functions as a quiet study area, a meeting place for campus and community groups, or a venue for events such as lectures, recitals, and game nights. It has hosted everything from worship services to academic discussions and social gatherings.
The center remains available for students, faculty, and organizations seeking a welcoming space.
