Our Community
We are formed as the diverse tapestry that is God’s creation.
St. James’ was known from its earliest inception as “the little church who cares.” Always inclusive, after a visioning process in the 80s the congregation experienced a boom in diversity. We welcome gay persons, mixed race couples and families, artists, musicians, the rich and the poor. We are made of educators, attorneys, Nigerian families, people from the Caribbean, Hispanics. Our community includes people of all ages and with varied physical, mental, and health abilities. Those of many political and theological opinions grace our pews and missions.
Our blend of nationalities, ethnic groups, and gender orientations did not come naturally. We have worked hard to become intentional and accepting of our differences. We learn from each other. We value and live out our black heritage and are proud of our rich cultural community and heritage. We seek to make this place a welcoming home not only for us, but for all the people of God.
Mission and Core Virtues
St. James’ Episcopal Church sets tables of welcome where all can encounter Christ’s love.
We choose multicultural community, inclusion, dialogue across difference, active and prayerful solidarity, and rejoicing in the beauty of new creation.
Core Virtues: Virtues are the ways we reflect the character of God.
Radical Hospitality
Being Rooted in the Courage of our Founders
Being Doers of the Word, and Not Just Hearers of the Word Covenant Relationship: Belonging to Each Other
Walking Together on a Spiritual Journey
Our History
On December 7, 1941, the Church of the Advent, the first name of St. James ‘ Episcopal Church, Austin, TX, was formed by 16 men and woman of African ancestry. Six individuals were confirmed Episcopalians. The 16 were associated with the two Negro Colleges in Austin. Episcopal congregations in Austin did not welcome Negros. Fr. John D. Epps, Dean of the Colored Convocation, in the Diocese of Texas, traveled once a month from Tyler, Tx to conduct services.
In 1947, 45 members moved into the first church building on E. 7th Street across from Tillotson College, located in segregated East Austin. It continues to stand today. During this phase of the church’ s life, St. James ’ came to understand itself as “the little Church that cares,” a community called to share God’ s love beyond its four walls through education, invitation, and care for one another.
In 1970, 106 members moved into the second building on East Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. Now Quakers worship in that building. In 1997, over 400 multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, members participated as St. James ‘ became a Parish in the Diocese of Texas. In the 80s and 90s, St. James ’ discerned a call to be an inclusive and affirming community of faith, and in the early 2000s, leadership from St. James ’ was active in the movement for full inclusion for the LGBTQ community in the larger Church and the Diocese of Texas. The congregation has a solid foundation and heritage in the Black American worship tradition and a uniquely Episcopal expression. The preservation of it is an integral element of the future. And yet, every Sunday we proclaim, “Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome at this Table!”
In 2004, a Spanish-speaking community made its home at St. James ’ by beginning a Spanish-language worship service and active outreach to Spanish-speaking immigrant generation communities. This continues to shape St. James ’ understanding of what it means to be a multicultural and multilingual community of faith in the Episcopal tradition.
In 2007, the Church and School moved to the current location, 1941 Webberville Rd., to pursue its mission: “To foster a loving and accepting Christian environment in the Episcopal Tradition, where all individuals are valued and empowered to use their time, talent, and resources in spreading the Good News. ” Moving to a new location was not without its challenges. In the midst of a season of financial challenge for the congregation, St. James ’ made a courageous commitment to the needs and concerns of its East Austin community by establishing, Welcome Table, Inc., the 501(C)3 which reaches out to build up the Beloved Community through ‘Neighbor to Neighbor ‘ and the ‘Children ‘ s Defense Fund’ s Freedom School’ . ‘N2N’ supports neighbors by attending to basic needs particularly among the elders of the East Austin community and immigrant communities. CDF Freedom School, is a year round literacy and STEAM program for Scholars ages 6 – 11, culminating in six free weeks in the summer.
Today, the congregation continues to be inclusive, affirming, multi-ethnic, and multilingual. St. James ’ Episcopal Church sets tables of welcome where all can encounter Christ’ s love. And we continue to sing with joy, ” …Thou who hast by thy might, Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. ”
Deep gratitude goes to Ms. Ora Houston for her work in revising this brief history of St. James ’ Episcopal Church.