Historic Worship

Austin’s first Episcopal church was organized in 1848.  It reorganized as Church of the Epiphany in 1851 and began construction of its building in April, 1853.  The Church of the Epiphany merged with the separatist Christ Church in 1859, creating St. David’s Episcopal Church.

Since its construction in 1853 – 54, the St. David’s Episcopal Church building has been modified and expanded to meet the changing needs of the growing parish.  It obtained its Gothic Revival appearance in 1870, when it was stuccoed and enlarged by construction of a bell tower with flanking, crenelated bays. Further changes were made in 1885, 1887, the 1920s, and 1980.

Key Restoration Issues

1. ★Definition of an appropriate philosophy for restoration of the church’s interior.
   

2. ★Cost effective and minimally invasive masonry consolidation.
   

3. ★Accommodation of modern liturgical needs and acoustical improvements without loss of architectural integrity
   

4. ★Energy efficient lighting, audio/visual,  and mechanical systems integration.
   

Scope of Services

1. ★Condition Assessment, 1987
   

2. ★Parish house roof and gutter replacement, 1991
   

3. ★Restoration of bell tower, 1994
   

4. ★Rehabilitation of the Chapel of the Good Samaritan, 1996
   

5. ★Exterior repair and restoration, including installation of protective glazing, roof repair, consolidation of stone buttresses, waterproofing, and limited underpinning, 1999-2001
   

6. ★Selected stained glass window restoration, 2001
   

7. ★Measured drawings and mechanical system assessment, 2005
   

8. ★Moisture monitoring and structural assessment, 2007-10
   

Location

Austin, Texas

Historic Designations

1. ★National Register of Historic Places
   

2. ★City of Austin Landmark
   

Links

St. David’s Episcopal Church