National Register Listing

All Saints' Chapel

a.k.a. All Saints Episcopal Church

209 W. 27th St., Austin, TX

All Saints' Episcopal Church is a historic church building in Austin, Texas, United States. It was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1899 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church, located at the northern edge of the University of Texas campus in Austin, was founded in 1899 as a chapel for the Young Ladies Church Institute, housed next door in Grace Hall, under the auspices of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. The founder was the second bishop of the diocese, George Herbert Kinsolving, whose official residence was located in the same block of Whitis Avenue. Because of his vision of a church residence hall and chapel, All Saints' has had a significant influence on the development of the University of Texas and on the lives of many of its students and faculty, as well as on the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the wider Episcopal Church. Designed by Austin architect A.O. Watson in Gothic Revival style and built of white Austin limestone, the chapel, a parish church of the diocese since 1909, has been altered little over the years. It bears mentioning that on June 24, 1908, the church officers adopted resolutions requiring the appointment of a consulting architect, and that all plans for changes in the building and “all permanent decorations and fittings, of whatever sort” be submitted to the consulting architect. Following this policy has stood the church in good stead, as only an extension of the chancel to the east in 1939, enclosure of the narthex in 1951, and additions of stained glass windows beginning in 1930 have changed its appearance. Major preservation work was completed in conjunction with its centennial in 1999-2000 and was performed with great sensitivity to original fabric and design.

All Saints' is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as an intact and well preserved example of Gothic Revival church design and construction. Though small, All Saints’ design—with traditional cruciform plan, offset entry, bell tower with steeple, central nave from baptistry at the west to chancel and altar at the eastend, north and south transepts, lancet stained glass windows, vaulted ceiling, prominent exterior gabled ends, steep roof, and shallow buttresses—exemplifies Gothic Revival church architecture.Because the building is significant primarily for its architectural qualities, it satisfies Criterion Consideration A for religious properties.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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.

Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.

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

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.