Beneath the Texas sun stands Saint Lukes African Methodist Episcopal Church. It stands as a testament to faith and community. Saint Lukes is more than just a building. It is a beacon of hope in Houston.
Saint Lukes African Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich history. It began as St Clements Episcopal Church in 1923. The first service was held in May 1920. It took place in the basement of the Carnegie Library. Reverend George Walker of St Augustines in Galveston preached. Dr R O Roett is credited with making it happen.
From the library basement, the church moved to Hadley Street. The first service in the new chapel was in December 1922. Only seven people attended. A kindergarten opened in September 1923. Sixteen children attended with Reverend W Payne Stanley as teacher.
Saint Lukes was the third church for African Americans. It belonged to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. It was the first in Houston. St Augustines Church in Galveston started in 1890. St Johns Church in Tyler began in 1892. Although listed as a mission in 1923, Saint Lukes grew later. The arrival of the Wesley, Eppes, Ford, McClean, and Mitchell families helped.
In 1931, a permanent building was constructed. It stood at Simmons and Burkett Streets. The Right Reverend Clinton S Quinn provided a grant. Church members raised 1500 dollars. This building served the congregation for thirty years.
In 1960, businessman Lamar Fleming donated land. It was two and a quarter acres. This allowed for the construction of the current Saint Lukes building. While building the new Saint Lukes, the congregation met at the YMCA. It was across from Wheeler Street. Today, TSU student dormitories stand where the YMCA once was.
Saint Lukes was occupied in November 1963. The mortgage was paid off on St Lukes Day 1979. The sanctuary seats about 200 people. It has a marble altar beside a wall of Colorado river stones. Stained glass windows fill the space with light. A large Redwood cross hangs in front of the stone wall.
Jewel Doris Cheney was the first child baptized in the new Saint Lukes building. The first confirmation class was in December 1931. The first marriage was in June 1935. The first burial service occurred in February 1931. Bishop Quinn ordained John D Eppes as Deacon.
Saint Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church is inclusive. Everyone is welcome here. The church communicates Gods word through Jesus Christ. It opens doors of fellowship. Saint Lukes celebrates Christ through worship, education, and music. The church develops ministries for the community.
Saint Lukes is near Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. The church supports the Manna House Food Pantry. Saint Lukes hosts the Community Music Centers Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra. It also hosts the childrens summer String Camp. An annual Fall Festival raises funds for activities.
Saint Lukes African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to serve. It provides worship, prayer, outreach, and music. It is a culturally diverse church. Saint Lukes conforms to the beliefs of the Episcopal Church. It welcomes all to experience its embrace.