Grace Episcopal Church
Vernon, Tx.

3207 Indian Street

Vernon, Texas

We are located in the very north and somewhat west part of Texas about 50 miles west of Wichita Falls on Hwy 287. We are in the east most part of the Diocese of Northwest Texas, Lubbock.

Being an Episcopalian in Vernon is being part of a history of over 112 years. Today we are few, and in reviewing our history, it seems this state of affairs is not unusual. Grace Episcopal Church was organized on September 30, 1950, and Bishop Quarterman consecrated the current building on May 25, 1953. But the story actually begins sometime in the late 1800s.

In 1893, St. Michael’s and All Angel’s was founded, and records indicate that by 1895, a decline in population left 16 communicants. By 1899, communicants numbered as high as 33, but the list dropped to 1 by 1910. By 1911, services were held in the Methodist Church when the buildings became unusable, and the communicants soared to 4.

Until the late 1940s, there were few regular services. When the Bishop or clergy would visit, those remaining would gather together in a variety of places. Records show services were held in a number of buildings around town including the old Presbyterian and Christian Churches, Boys and Girls Club, CocaCola Clubroom, Canton Café and Henderson’s Funeral Home.

By 1947, The Rt. Reverend Quarterman, the first Bishop of our current Diocese, made his first visit to Vernon, and in July of 1950, numbers had grown enough to secure the services of a resident clergyman, The Rev. Paul Whiteside. And in the 1950’s, funds were found to build the church, mission hall and vicarage.

But as the pattern of communicants repeated itself waxing and waning over the years, resident priests were interspersed with the services of a devoted core of layreaders and visiting clergy. Today, our services are conducted by dedicated worship leaders and a deacon with clergy who visit on at least a monthly basis.

Today we are small in numbers. But we are here and gather together in our church at 11:00 am on Sundays. We share our love and spirit with each other in worship and welcome all to be with us.

(Information is based on an article written by Ann Slaugenhop in the mid-1980s.)