Downtown Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Although this site was designated on the Original Plan of Houston as the School Reserve, its only occupant has been Christ Church. Founded on March 16, 1839, Christ Church was designated the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in 1949.
In 1845 parishioners of Christ Church began to erect their first building, seen in this 1852 watercolor painting by English artist Thomas Flintoff. The small brick church, which faced Fannin Street, was finally completed in 1847. However, it was soon outgrown and plans were made for a larger one.
Photo: Jean D. B. Salvado
According to tradition, workmen were constructing the new church when a man on horseback came riding down Texas Avenue with a herd of cattle. When he noticed the work alongside his route, he roped a steer and gave it as a contribution to the congregation’s building efforts. The seal of the Diocese of Texas, adopted almost a century later, commemorates this early gift.
Photo: Christ Church Cathedral
The present church, a Gothic Revival building designed by J. Arthur Tempest and Silas McBee, was erected in 1893. Christ Church Cathedral continues as an active and vital parish, ministering to a broad spectrum of the downtown community and drawing its communicants from throughout the greater Houston area.
Photo: Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Man-Made Features. A significant historical date for this entry is March 16, 1839.
Location. 29° 45.56′ N, 95° 21.68′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Downtown Houston. Marker is on Texas Avenue east of Fannin Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houston TX 77002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Christ Church Cathedral (a few steps from this marker); San Jacinto Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Busy Corners (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Former Site of Capitol, Republic of Texas (about 500 feet away); Site of the Organization of Lady Washington Chapter, NSDAR (about 600 feet away); Site of Capitol of the Republic of Texas (about 600 feet away); Republic Building (about 600 feet away); Kress Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 1, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.