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Calvary Episcopal Church

Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas

Marker Inscription

This congregation grew out of Episcopal missionary efforts that began soon after Texas gained its independence from Mexico. In 1859, through the effort of Judge W. E. Kendall, the first church building was erected, and the church became a parish. Early clergy included the Rev. Hannibal Pratt and the Rev. William T. Dalzell. Members have included statesman Mirabeau B. Lamar and many descendants of early Texas colonists. The congregation's rich heritage provides a significant link to the early history of the Episcopal church in Texas. (1984)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

This congregation grew directly out of the Episcopal Church's missionary push into Texas in the years right after the republic won independence from Mexico. In 1859 the efforts of Judge W. E. Kendall produced the first church building, and the mission became a full parish. Its early rolls carried names that run through Texas's founding story, including statesman Mirabeau B. Lamar and many descendants of Stephen F. Austin's early colonists.

Why it matters

The church is a living link to the religious and civic institutions that took root as Anglo colonists organized community life in the earliest years of Texas statehood.

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Related people

  • · Mirabeau B. Lamar
  • · Judge W. E. Kendall
  • · Rev. Hannibal Pratt
  • · Rev. William T. Dalzell

Themes & tags

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