St. Mark's Episcopal Church

315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, TX
St. Mark's Episcopal Church is today a downtown San Antonio complex spanning a century of architectural evolution, anchored by an early Gothic Revival style sanctuary designed in 1859 by master architect Richard Upjohn of New York. Completed in 1875 after prolonged wartime and Reconstruction delays in construction, the church later expanded to the current configuration with 1926-27 additions of a Parish Hall and Education Building designed by the Alfred Giles Company and Albert Felix Beckmann, and 1949 narthex, bell tower, and cloister additions to the sanctuary designed by architect Henry Steinbomer. The historic additions display variations on Gothic detailing and reflect the evolution of St. Mark's as an institution, particularly as its role in the religious community of San Antonio greatly expanded during the early 20th century. With its timeless limestone walls, art-glass windows, projecting buttresses, steep roofs, and angled walls, the 1859-1875 sanctuary is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in a 19th century church building, as well as the only building designed by master architect Richard Upjohn in the state of Texas. The sanctuary today is somewhat modified from the Upjohn design and original construction, but combined with historic additions connecting as one significant interrelated complex, St. Mark's Episcopal Church meets National Register Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the local level, and within a period of significance extending to 1951.
Bibliography
Barnes, Lavonia Jenkins. Nineteenth Century Churches of Texas. Waco, TX: Historic Waco Foundation, 1982.

Brewster, Olive Nesbitt. SL Mark's Church 1943-1973. San Antonio: St. Mark's Church, 1973.

Carson, Chris, AIA and William B. McDonald, AIA, ed. A Guide to San Antonio Architecture. San Antonio: San Antonio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 1986.

"Common Bond: The Gothic Revival." The New York Landmarks Conservancy: American Religious Buildings: On-line: http://www.preserve.org/nylc/gothic.htm. 1997.

"Common Bond: Trinity Church." The New York Landmarks Conservancy: On-line: http://www.preserve.org/nylc/trinity.htm. 1997.

Ferguson, John C. "St. Mark's and St. James': The Upjohns in Texas." Texas Architecture (July/August 1983): 57-60.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.