The Grace Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The church started as a mission of the Trinity Episcopal Church to provide a Sunday school for children who lived in the outskirts of the city. By 1876, the mission was granted permission to become its own parish, and parishioners worshipped in a small frame building on the corner of 36th Street and Avenue L. In 1884, wealthy entrepreneur Henry Rosenberg and his wife became members of Grace, and after his wife’s death, Rosenberg left a bequest of $30,000 to replace the small frame church with a beautiful neo-Gothic building that still stands today.
The Leon limestone building at Grace was consecrated in 1895 and was designed by architect Nicholas Clayton, who also designed the First Presbyterian Church and the “Old Red” on the UTMB campus, among others. Rosenberg’s widow, Mollie, donated $10,000 for Grace’s interior furnishings, which include magnificent hand-carved reredos and altar. The church boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and furnishings such as the bronze statue of Gabriel, the brass pulpit, the bishop’s chair, credence table, chancel railings, clergy stalls, and oak pews, all gifts from Mollie.
Grace Church survived the infamous Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which claimed the lives of thousands of people and hundreds of structures. Grace not only withstood the storm, but it served as a place of refuge for many. The original wooden church was washed away, but the stone church escaped unscathed. In the following years, the Galveston Seawall was built, and the entire island was raised in grade. Grace was raised four and a half feet through an innovative system of hand-turned jacks, and not a single stone of the building was cracked in the process.
Membership in Grace declined after Mollie Rosenberg’s death in 1917, and the church returned to a mission status in 1923. It was closed, and members attended the Trinity Episcopal Church. However, Grace reopened as a mission in 1927, and by 1944, it was once again a separate parish. In 1995, the church celebrated the centennial anniversary of its consecration, and the cornerstone was opened. The contents inside included old newspapers and coins, which were returned along with a present-day church directory.
Present-day members of Grace Episcopal Church work hard to maintain the priceless woodwork, stained glass, and other brass, silver, and bronze furnishings. The church is a small but devout congregation that values its history and extends its love to others. The spirit of all who have worshipped at Grace is always present among its members, and they welcome newcomers and visitors. The Grace Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, is not only a beautiful neo-Gothic building, but it also boasts a rich history and a strong sense of faith.
