The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-10-07
ST. JOHNS EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

in the union. Yet such is the case, and it
can be proven by recent statistics. There
are more than fifty Methodist churches,
forty-six Baptist, seventeen Episcopal,
sixteen Presbyterian, twelve Catholic, six
Lutheran, several Christian and a variety
of other denominations. Many of the
churches are large and handsome, and a
large number of them are remarkable for
graceful, pleasing architecture. st. Johns
Episcopal church is one of the most ven
cradle and wellknown church structures
in this country. 1t was commenced in
1916, under the direction of the distin-
guished architect of the capitol, Latrobe,
and was consecrated on Christmas day of
that year by Bishop Kemp. In those
early days of the republic, the still loved
customs and institutions of the mother
country had not given way so much as
now to the new and vigorous life of the
young nation. The Episcopal church
was the church of the higher
classes, especially in the south, and
extent the control of the government, the
Episcopal church naturally became the
most fashionable" and fundamental
place of worship in the capital. One of
its pews is set apart for presidents of the
United States, many of whom from the
time of President Madison, have wor-
shipped in the venerable edifice. Monroe
was the second president to worship at st.
Johns, but in 1919 the vestry of Christ
church, East Washington, of which Com
modore Tinsley was chairman, appro-
priated pew No. l to the use of the chief
executive. Mr.. Monroe, in reply, re-
quested the commodore to express to the
vestry his thanks for their polite atten-
ton"
Andrew Jackson was also an occa-
regularly went to the First Presbyterian
on Four anda-half street, which was
erected during his administration. Mar
tin Van Buren, attended St. Johns church
during his entire administration. Mr..
Tyler, typical Virginia gentleman, OBJ
served the Virginian custom by attending
the old church. Four out of the five Vir
ginia presidents were Episcopalians and
three of them worshipped in this church.
The other George Washington, never
lived in the city of his name, but attended
the Episcopal church in Philadelphia and
Alexandria, the latter of which was des-
cribed in the preceding letter of this cor
respondence. Both General Pierce
and Mr.. Buchanan followed the ex-
ample of their distinguished predecessor
in occupying the presidents pew IN st.
Johns. Mr.. johnson was also an attend
ant here. Having successfully so many
distinguished attendants the church be-
came very fashionable, and deserves more
than a passing notice on account of the
historical associations that hover around
it. The building is beautifully situated on
the north of Lafayette square, Immediately
fronting the presidents mansion. 1t is
built of brick, covered with rough stucco
and its open position is very favorable for
setting off its form and peculiar ar
chitecture to advantage. Built in
1916. in the form OF Grec1an
cross. as was the custom at that time,
it was soon found to be too small for the
congregation. SO, in 1920 it was enlarged
by lengthening its western arm to the
form of Latin cross. An advanced por-
tico of six columns and steeple were
also added at the same time. The inside
is formed of a nave and transepts arched
with galleries supported by small Doric
columns, Four massive pillars at the
intersection of the transepts support 1t,
and a hemispherical dome rises in the
centre. The whole building, both inside
and out, is furnished in style of sim
plicity which gives remarkably imposing
appearance to so small structure.
Another very old Episcopal church is
Christ church, at the navy yard. 1t was
built in the year 1900, and for some years
was the most prominent place of worship