St. Mary's Episcopal Church - Bellville, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 29° 57.077 W 096° 15.505
14R E 764599 N 3316550
Anglicans in Bellville began gathering for informal worship services in the 1850s at the home of Bellville attorney Nehemiah Holland. In 1861, Bishop Alexander Gregg held the first official service in the Masonic lodge building.
Waymark Code: WMX4PZ
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/26/2017
Views: 0
Historical Marker:
Under the leadership of the Rev. Daniel Shaver, St. Mary's was admitted to the Diocese of Texas as a new congregation the following year.
A period of marked growth during the 1870s under the leadership of the Rev. Lindsey P. Rucker and dedicated lay members led to the purchase of property, and the congregation constructed Bellville's first church building. Described as a wooden structure with Gothic Revival features and stained glass windows from Munich, Germany, the building was consecrated in 1881. The first funeral in the new church building was for Nehemiah Holland, considered to be St. Mary's founder.
After 80 years of service to the congregation, the original building was replaced with a new structure in 1961. Additional facilities, including a parish hall and education wing, were built to accommodate the ministries of the parish.