Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Saint David’s Episcopal Church
Located in pioneer Austin at the edge of town on a site never used for a secular building. At first called “Church of the Epiphany.” Cornerstone laid on April 7, 1853, with impressive ceremonies for the capital city’s first stone church. Built of native limestone, its architecture blended Spanish Mission with traditional Gothic elements.
Founders included officials from government of the late Republic of Texas. Rector was the Reverend Edward Fontaine, great-grandson of Patrick Henry and Secretary in 1841 to President Mirabeau Lamar.
Renamed Saint David’s in 1859. Home church of the first Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, the Right Reverend Alexander Gregg.
Although 19th and 20th century additions to the early building have changed it greatly, its sturdy frontier aspect has been preserved. The bell still in use was cast in Philadelphia in 1853. The stained glass windows are mainly of the Victorian period.
Church’s first organist, the novelist Amelia Barr, said that “it stood at the gate of the city like a visible prayer.” As an example of historic stability it stands today in the heart of the city.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 14196.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1898.
Location. 30° 16.099′ N, 97° 44.383′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. Marker is on East 7th Street just east of San Jacinto Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 E 7th Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Platt-Simpson Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Presbyterian Church (about 500 feet away); Driskill Hotel (about 500 feet away); J. L. Buaas Building (about 600 feet away); Sixth Street (about 600 feet away); Site of John Bremond & Company (about 700 feet away); Stephen F. Austin Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Littlefield Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Also see . . . St. David's Episcopal Church. (Submitted on January 16, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 825 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2010, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.