St. John's Episcopal Church
700 Main Ave, Brownwood, TXAn outstanding architectural landmark in the city of Brownwood, Saint John's Episcopal Church, built in 1892 in the Gothic Revival style, is a fine 19th-century representation of Early English Gothic construction, prevalent in the 13th century. Modest in size and detail, the structure incorporates Early English Gothic design elements and decorative motifs, skillfully produced with high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship.
Although organized in 1857, the settlement and development of Brown County were slow due to the Civil War and the chaotic conditions which followed, and also to the presence of hostile Indians who occupied the surrounding areas until the 1870s. Following the eradication of the Indians, settlers slowly began to populate the county. Brownwood, located on Pecan Bayou in the center of the county, was designated county seat in 1857 and by 1875 boasted a population of 1200. At this time there was no organized Episcopal Church in Brownwood. With three known communicants of the faith, the town was visited annually by the Bishop of the district, and occasionally by visiting priests. In June 1886, the Bishop approved a petition for the establishment of a mission at Brownwood to be called Saint John's. The Reverend Peter Wager of Salina, Kansas, was the first priest of the mission, dividing his time between St. John's and the neighboring communities of Comanche. Coleman, and Ballinger. The completion of the Santa Fe Railroad through Brownwood at this time increased the accessibility of the town and the population continued to grow. In September 1888, the charter for St. John's Parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church was issued by the Secretary of the State of Texas. Church services were held in an upstairs room of a structure in the Brownwood commercial district. The room was furnished with plank benches and kerosene lamps and heated with wood-burning stoves. Although large in neither enrollment nor financial means, the congregation decided to erect a church in 1892. Plans and specifications which allowed for the gradual completion of the structure were donated by Lovell and Hood, Architects, and Builders. With funds donated by the congregation as well as generous non-members, the walls, floor, and roof of the church were completed. In its skeletal form, the structure displayed pleasing proportions, well-defined lines, and simplicity in ornament characteristic of the Early English Gothic style, exemplified in the eastern portion of the Temple Church in London. The use of buttresses, lancet windows, and crenellations reinforced this design statement.
Furnishings at this time consisted of the stove, lamps, and plank benches used in the previous meeting room. The congregation was unable to afford the specified stained glass windows, therefore the window openings were temporarily weatherproofed with heavy ducking. With funds provided through the efforts of the ladies of the church and donations of the congregation and interested non-members, the structure was fitted with stained glass windows imported from Belgium in 1894. Gradually the interior was furnished with decorative pews and various religious implements which contribute to the overall theme of the church.
Local significance of the building:
Although organized in 1857, the settlement and development of Brown County were slow due to the Civil War and the chaotic conditions which followed, and also to the presence of hostile Indians who occupied the surrounding areas until the 1870s. Following the eradication of the Indians, settlers slowly began to populate the county. Brownwood, located on Pecan Bayou in the center of the county, was designated county seat in 1857 and by 1875 boasted a population of 1200. At this time there was no organized Episcopal Church in Brownwood. With three known communicants of the faith, the town was visited annually by the Bishop of the district, and occasionally by visiting priests. In June 1886, the Bishop approved a petition for the establishment of a mission at Brownwood to be called Saint John's. The Reverend Peter Wager of Salina, Kansas, was the first priest of the mission, dividing his time between St. John's and the neighboring communities of Comanche. Coleman, and Ballinger. The completion of the Santa Fe Railroad through Brownwood at this time increased the accessibility of the town and the population continued to grow. In September 1888, the charter for St. John's Parish of the Protestant Episcopal Church was issued by the Secretary of the State of Texas. Church services were held in an upstairs room of a structure in the Brownwood commercial district. The room was furnished with plank benches and kerosene lamps and heated with wood-burning stoves. Although large in neither enrollment nor financial means, the congregation decided to erect a church in 1892. Plans and specifications which allowed for the gradual completion of the structure were donated by Lovell and Hood, Architects, and Builders. With funds donated by the congregation as well as generous non-members, the walls, floor, and roof of the church were completed. In its skeletal form, the structure displayed pleasing proportions, well-defined lines, and simplicity in ornament characteristic of the Early English Gothic style, exemplified in the eastern portion of the Temple Church in London. The use of buttresses, lancet windows, and crenellations reinforced this design statement.
Furnishings at this time consisted of the stove, lamps, and plank benches used in the previous meeting room. The congregation was unable to afford the specified stained glass windows, therefore the window openings were temporarily weatherproofed with heavy ducking. With funds provided through the efforts of the ladies of the church and donations of the congregation and interested non-members, the structure was fitted with stained glass windows imported from Belgium in 1894. Gradually the interior was furnished with decorative pews and various religious implements which contribute to the overall theme of the church.
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
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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About Brown County
Brown County Timeline
Brown County, Texas, located in the central part of the state, holds a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache and Comanche, prior to European settlement. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, followed by American explorers and traders in the early 1830s.
The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.
Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.
Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.
The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.
Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.
Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.
Brown County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brown County, Texas.
- 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
- 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
- 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
- 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
- 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
- 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
- Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
- 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
- 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
- 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.