St. James Episcopal Church

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about St. James Episcopal Church in Fayette County. Built in 1885 for a parish that had already been gatherin since 1855.

That's thirty years of a congregation existing before they ever had a proper building to call their own. Now the lot the church sits on, that came from the Shropshire family, a donation that made the whole thing possible. And here's the part that really gets you.

The original furnishings inside that church, handmade by the rector and the congregation themselves, are still in use. Not in a museum. Not behind glass.

Still in use. The same pews, the same craftsmanship those hands put together, still doing the work they were made for. And St.

James has never stopped. Continuous use, the marker says. The only Episcopal church in all of Fayette County, and it has never once closed its doors.

Some things in Texas get built, get used, get forgotten. St. James Episcopal Church just kept going.

What the marker says

Built in 1885 for parish formed in 1855. On lot donated by Shropshire family. In continuous use as only Episcopal church in Fayette County. Original furnishings, handmade by rector and congregation, still in use. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964