St David’s Episcopal Church is a pretty accurate reflection of Austin as a whole – progressive, forward-thinking and filled to the brim with good old Southern hospitality. The church welcomes anyone looking for a place to worship regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and their year-round events are very much open to all. From church sermons to the enchanting Candlelight series, everyone and anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the fabulous array of events they hold throughout the year.
Thanks to Austin’s exceptional public bus system, it’s super easy to get to St David’s. The 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 103 buses stop less than a five-minute walk from the church and the building is nestled in the heart of the city.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about St David’s Episcopal Church
1. The church is a bit of an Austin veteran
The church was constructed between 1854 and 1855, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Its congregation was briefly organized around 1848, which is only nine years after the city was actually founded. Because of its historical and cultural significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
2. Jacob Fontaine spent part of his life here
At the time of the church’s construction, Jacob Fontaine was a slave who was ordered to maintain the building’s grounds and general upkeep. Over the years, Fontaine practiced and perfected his pastoral skills and later founded six churches as he became a prominent figure in Austin’s black community. He even created the first black-owned newspaper in Texas.
3. The church has welcomed some prominent Texan figures
As one of the city’s oldest buildings and most historic worship sites, it’s no surprise that a host of famous faces have walked through its halls before. Members of the church’s congregation over the years include Texas Governor Elisha Pease, novelist Amelia Barr and even four Texas Supreme Court judges.
Candlelight concerts at St David’s Episcopal Church
The enchanting Candlelight series has dazzled audiences inside this gorgeous church on many occasions. Magical tributes to Coldplay, Vivaldi and Zelda continue to enchant concertgoers with magnificent live music performances and thousands of twinkling candles. Candlelit concerts celebrating the spookiness of Halloween and the magic of the Holidays will also be lighting up this stunning venue, and you won’t want to miss out.
What else can you do at St David’s Episcopal Church?
Alongside providing a warm and welcoming space for people to worship in, St David’s Episcopal Church hosts a range of events throughout the year. Visitors and church members can attend meditation classes, choir recitals and multiple youth workshops, and even grab a coffee and a cake at their Holy Grounds coffee shop.
Not only are these awe-inspiring Candlelight concerts lighting up St David’s Episcopal Church, but they’re also enchanting audiences in other fabulous venues across Austin. This season, Candlelight invites you to hear talented musicians interpret chart-topping hits and timeless compositions in some of the city’s most historic venues for a special night to remember.