Historic South Highland Presbyterian Church Welcomes New Senior Pastor
@ReadWhatRickWrote 
South Highland Presbyterian Church, a historic architectural gem in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood, has appointed a young and dynamic new leader. The congregation has chosen the Rev. Cort Gatliff, a graduate of Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School, as its new senior pastor.
At 32 years old, Rev. Gatliff was serving as the associate pastor for discipleship at South Highland before being elected senior pastor in a congregational vote on Sunday, July 14.
“Cort exhibits all the traits that our congregation felt were important for our next senior pastor,” stated Laura Ray, chair of the pastor nominating committee. “He is compassionate, relationship-oriented, and an extremely effective preacher.”
Hailing from the Detroit area, Gatliff grew up with both parents serving as pastors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media from the University of Tennessee and spent five years working at an advertising agency before pursuing his calling in ministry.
Gatliff’s wife, Abby, serves as the associate minister for student and family discipleship at South Highland. Married since 2015, they have two young daughters, Eleanor, 4, and Ruthie, 2.
In 2020, Gatliff completed his master of divinity degree at Beeson Divinity School. Demonstrating his diverse talents, he penned a cover story for "Christianity Today" in December, exploring the impact of light pollution on our ability to marvel at the stars and appreciate God’s creation.
South Highland Presbyterian Church, founded in 1888 and located at 2035 Highland Ave., stands as one of Birmingham’s oldest and most storied congregations. The Rev. Ed Hurley, who served the church since 2001, retired as senior pastor at the end of 2023, paving the way for new leadership under Rev. Gatliff.
