Christ Episcopal Church

Christ Church was organized in April 1848 by Henry Sansom, then a deacon, who was ordained in January 1849 and served as first rector until 1854. Its first Episcopal service was held in the courthouse on June 14, 1848, and the congregation met there until 1852, when it had its own building on Church Street. Work on a wood-frame church began in 1851 and finished in 1854. The parish moved to the corner of Starr and Mound in 1939, and the building there was dedicated on May 12, 1940.

What the plaque says

Christ Episcopal Church Founded 1848 when the Rev. Henry Sansom (1821-1903) came as a missionary to East Texas at request of Mrs. Frances Cox Henderson, wife of Gen. J. Pinckney Henderson, first governor of State of Texas. This was one of original churches in the Diocese of Texas. Christ Church congregation, after holding services in the county courthouse, built (1851) first Protestant church in Nacogdoches. A lot was donated for church by former empresario Haden Edwards, but structure was erected at 108 N. church Street, a site given by Frost Thorn, one of earliest Anglo-American settlers and husband of Susan Edwards, an early communicant. Second church for this parish was erected 1902 on Washington Square, campus of Nacogdoches University. Architect-builder was Dietrich A. G. Rulfs (1848-1926). In 1937, this replica was erected, using plans and materials from that structure, including altar and woodwork carved by the Rev. George L. Crocket (1861-1936), who served intervals as rector, 1888-1936. Under the Rev. Scott Field Bailey, rector 1946-51, later suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Texas, a day school was founded. In later years, the parish expanded its buildings and increased its ministry to students of Stephen F. Austin State University. (1973)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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