St. James Episcopal Church
Monroe and Colorado Sts., La Grange, TXThe congregation of Saint James Episcopal Church in La Grange is the only organized group of the denomination in Fayette County and has enjoyed a colorful history since its founding in 1855. The present building in which the congregation worships was designed in 1885 by Richard M. Upjohn, the son of one of the most prominent architects of the 19th century. Significant not only for the role the parish has played in the social and cultural history of the county, but the church also represents an outstanding architectural example of the Stick Style.
The congregation of Trinity Parish was formed on August 18, 1855, with the Reverend Hanibal Pratt as minister. Reverend Pratt was engaged to preach once each month in the community and continued this practice until his death on December 11, 1857. During 1858 the spirit of the church was kept alive by a Sunday School which met either in private homes or the courthouse. The year 1860 was marked by the visit of Bishop Alexander Gregg to the parish and the confirmation of four new members. It was during this period that the name was changed to Saint James Parish.
The congregation grew in membership during the years 1860 to 1876 and included as its parishioners some of the most notable citizens of the community. Services were led once each month by an ordained deacon from Columbus, thirty miles to the east. In late 1876 the parish had grown to the extent that a rector was summoned for two Sundays each month and the first permanent home was purchased. An old school building was adapted by the congregation under the leadership of Reverend N. G. W. Smith. A native of New York, Reverend Smith had moved to Texas to establish a mission there. By 1885 the congregation had outgrown the schoolhouse and established a fund to build a new church. Reverend Smith used his social connections in New York to solicit funds and the aid of Richard M. Upjohn, the son of the renowned ecclesiastical architect of the mid-19th century, Richard Upjohn, Sr.
The cornerstone of the present building was laid on February 5, 1885, with many officials of the Protestant Episcopal Church in at- tendance. Reverend Smith employed his carpentry skills to construct the altar, Bishop's chair, lectern, and communion rail in the church, all of which are intact today. Other features of the building which are attributed to Reverend Smith's decision are the design of the windows and the crucifix on the belfry. The construction of the building was conducted by Mr. C. Michaelis, a local carpenter who also constructed the original pews. The church exists today as one of the finest examples of the Stick Style. to be found in Texas. The original colors of dark red, ivory, and brown have graced its walls since Consecration Sunday on February 28, 1886. The only changes to the facility, a new hardwood floor and asbestos shingle roof, were installed in 1964.
Local significance of the building:
The congregation of Trinity Parish was formed on August 18, 1855, with the Reverend Hanibal Pratt as minister. Reverend Pratt was engaged to preach once each month in the community and continued this practice until his death on December 11, 1857. During 1858 the spirit of the church was kept alive by a Sunday School which met either in private homes or the courthouse. The year 1860 was marked by the visit of Bishop Alexander Gregg to the parish and the confirmation of four new members. It was during this period that the name was changed to Saint James Parish.
The congregation grew in membership during the years 1860 to 1876 and included as its parishioners some of the most notable citizens of the community. Services were led once each month by an ordained deacon from Columbus, thirty miles to the east. In late 1876 the parish had grown to the extent that a rector was summoned for two Sundays each month and the first permanent home was purchased. An old school building was adapted by the congregation under the leadership of Reverend N. G. W. Smith. A native of New York, Reverend Smith had moved to Texas to establish a mission there. By 1885 the congregation had outgrown the schoolhouse and established a fund to build a new church. Reverend Smith used his social connections in New York to solicit funds and the aid of Richard M. Upjohn, the son of the renowned ecclesiastical architect of the mid-19th century, Richard Upjohn, Sr.
The cornerstone of the present building was laid on February 5, 1885, with many officials of the Protestant Episcopal Church in at- tendance. Reverend Smith employed his carpentry skills to construct the altar, Bishop's chair, lectern, and communion rail in the church, all of which are intact today. Other features of the building which are attributed to Reverend Smith's decision are the design of the windows and the crucifix on the belfry. The construction of the building was conducted by Mr. C. Michaelis, a local carpenter who also constructed the original pews. The church exists today as one of the finest examples of the Stick Style. to be found in Texas. The original colors of dark red, ivory, and brown have graced its walls since Consecration Sunday on February 28, 1886. The only changes to the facility, a new hardwood floor and asbestos shingle roof, were installed in 1964.
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
About Fayette County
Fayette County Timeline
Fayette County, Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was first settled by indigenous Native American tribes, such as the Lipan Apache and Karankawa, who thrived off the bountiful natural resources of the region. European exploration and colonization began in the late 17th century when Spanish explorers arrived, followed by French adventurers and American frontiersmen.
The establishment of Anglo-American settlements in Fayette County started in the 1820s under Stephen F. Austin's colony. The town of La Grange, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1826 and named after the ancestral home of General Lafayette. Over the next few decades, more pioneers arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming and ranching. German immigrants, in particular, played a significant role in the county's development, establishing thriving communities and introducing their agricultural practices.
During the mid-19th century, Fayette County became embroiled in the turmoil of the Texas Revolution and the Civil War. The Battle of Fayetteville, fought in 1836, marked a significant event in the struggle for Texas independence. Confederate soldiers from Fayette County fought in various battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Galveston and the Battle of Sabine Pass.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fayette County experienced economic growth and cultural diversification. Railroads connected the county to larger markets, stimulating trade and commerce. The discovery of oil and gas reserves further bolstered the local economy. Today, Fayette County is known for its agricultural industry, with crops like cotton and corn, as well as cattle ranching. It also attracts tourists with its historical sites, including the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate important moments in the county's history.
The establishment of Anglo-American settlements in Fayette County started in the 1820s under Stephen F. Austin's colony. The town of La Grange, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1826 and named after the ancestral home of General Lafayette. Over the next few decades, more pioneers arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming and ranching. German immigrants, in particular, played a significant role in the county's development, establishing thriving communities and introducing their agricultural practices.
During the mid-19th century, Fayette County became embroiled in the turmoil of the Texas Revolution and the Civil War. The Battle of Fayetteville, fought in 1836, marked a significant event in the struggle for Texas independence. Confederate soldiers from Fayette County fought in various battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Galveston and the Battle of Sabine Pass.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fayette County experienced economic growth and cultural diversification. Railroads connected the county to larger markets, stimulating trade and commerce. The discovery of oil and gas reserves further bolstered the local economy. Today, Fayette County is known for its agricultural industry, with crops like cotton and corn, as well as cattle ranching. It also attracts tourists with its historical sites, including the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate important moments in the county's history.
Fayette County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fayette County, Texas.
- 1837 – Fayette County is established as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838 – The permanent county seat is established in La Grange.
- 1861-1865 – Fayette County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
- 1873 – The railroad reaches Fayette County, spurring economic growth.
- 1901 – The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the discovery of the West Point Oil Field.
- 1905 – The monumental Fayette County Courthouse is built.
- 1950s-1970s – Fayette County experiences an agricultural boom due to the construction of the Fayette Power Project and Fayette Nuclear Plant.
- 1998 – Fayette County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
- 2011 – The historic town square in La Grange is added to the National Register of Historic Places.