Our mission: Continuing the work of Constance and her Companions, Martyrs of Memphis, we provide advocacy and service for the well-being of our community.
Constance Abbey is an intentional community of Episcopalians who practice prayer, study, and action as a New Monastic community in the Memphis, Tennessee, medical district near St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. Visit our Stories blog for timely updates.
Constance Abbey acts as a cornerstone of relationships by hosting social gatherings and worship services, distributing goods, and advocating for neighborhood causes.
Constance Abbey co-founders to receive reflective leadership grant
In the local news – Constance Abbey’s mission with the homeless
In the national news – Constance Abbey’s chaplain, helping others on the margins
Jesus spent time with people—answering questions, healing, and giving hope. Constance Abbey follows Jesus’s model of ministry by spending time with people, listening to them, and seeking the Good News of God together:
- We invite neighborhood friends over for family-style dinner and conversation.
- Our showers and laundry machines are available to those who have none.
- We feed and clothe guests in need.
- We guide neighbors to the services that will help them and advocate for them in those systems.
As we serve our neighbors, we also listen for Christ’s spark in their voices. Through relationship as siblings in the family of God, we learn what the Holy Spirit is doing in our neighborhood, and what we are called to do to prepare the way.
Our chapel hosts daily Morning and Evening Prayer, open to all.
- Morning Prayer: 7:00 a.m. (Daily)
- Evening Prayer: 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
- Eucharist: Following Morning Prayer (Monday & Thursday)
- 12-Step Borderline worship and Eucharist: 9:00 a.m. (Sunday)
Other scheduled activities:
- Hospitality mornings: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. We offer coffee, sandwiches, clothes distribution, and laundry.
- Bible study: 9:30 a.m. on Monday
- Relationships class: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday (Anthony Hardaway, Friends for Life)
- Art class: 10:00 a.m. on Friday
- Pathways to Peace (Open AA group with literature): 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday and Saturday
- Writers group: 1:00 p.m. every Saturday (Aaron Banks)
- Advocacy afternoons: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Assistance with housing, legal, medical, addiction and employment services.
You may support Constance Abbey by:
- Volunteering in the community garden or the clothes closet
- Donating goods, especially toiletries and clothing (see below)
- Making a financial contribution (Constance Abbey is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization)
- Worshiping with us and our neighbors
Our on-going needs:
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Men’s underwear m/l/xl
- Men’s T-shirts l/xl
- Women’s underwear m/l
- Bras 34-38 b/c cup
- Outer coats (men)
- Hoodies l/ l/xxl
- Men’s jeans and pants 34-42
- Belts (all sizes)
- Men’s sneakers size 11-15
- Washcloths
If you would like to learn more, contact us! Ask about opportunities to participate in the Constance Abbey community and about membership criteria.
Like us on Facebook @ constanceabbey.org
About our name:
Constance was a nun who was martyred while caring for the victims of the 1878 Yellow Fever Epidemic. She remained in Memphis because of her commitment to the poor who could not leave the affected area. An abbey is a place where people pray, work, and live together. We are called Constance Abbey as we pray and work together for the good of Constance’s neighborhood.
About our history:
Constance Abbey was formed as a ministry of the Rivendell Community and is currently operating under their sponsorship. Constance Abbey founders, Roger & Margery Wolcott, and Constance Abbey board member, Murray McKay, are Companions in the Rivendell Community. The local Emmaus Chapter of Rivendell invites your participation in our ministry of prayer and hospitality.
Our worship community: St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Where to find us:
