Grace Episcopal Church

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Now, if you're passin' through Llano County and you spot Grace Episcopal Church, know that building has been through more lives than a barn cat. It started out as the Llano Academy, back in 1881.

A grand idea, no doubt. Education, ambition, the whole vision. And then, well, the venture failed.

Just like that. A building with plans and no future, sitting there in the Texas heat. But 1883 brought a second chapter.

The West Texas Missionary District of the Episcopal Church came along and purchased the property. They saw something worth saving in those walls. And they were patient about it, too.

It wasn't until 1889 that the building was finally completed, and Bishop James Steptoe Johnston held the first worship service inside. Think about that. A place that started as a failed academy, bought by a missionary district, and it took until 1889 before anyone sat down in it for its intended purpose.

Sometimes a building just needs the right congregation to find it. Grace Episcopal Church did.

What the marker says

Begun as Llano Academy, 1881. Venture failed. Purchased 1883 by West Texas Missionary District, Episcopal Church. Building was completed and first worship service held 1889 by Bishop James Steptoe Johnston. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965