Is it possible for a building to hold the echoes of history? Here at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, they do more than echo – they resonate. This beautiful structure, built in 1882, wasn’t always home to the Texas Historical Commission. It began its life as a place of worship for the first Swedish Lutheran Church in Austin. Gethsemane Lutheran Church quickly became a beacon of faith for the growing community. The church, with its majestic Gothic Revival style, stands as a testament to their dedication. Imagine the hymns filling the air, rising to meet the intricate details of the arched entrance and the stained-glass lancet windows. But Gethsemane Lutheran Church holds more than just stories of faith. Look closely at the exterior bricks. They whisper tales of resilience, salvaged from the ashes of the second Texas State Capitol after it was ravaged by fire in 1881. Even the grand main doors, salvaged from the University of Texas at Austin’s Old Main building, speak of transitions and new beginnings. Gethsemane Lutheran Church stands as a silent sentinel, a testament to the enduring spirit of Austin. It reminds us that history is not just a collection of dates and names, but a tapestry woven with the threads of faith, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
Addcox House Plaque
But that’s not all that makes Addcox House special. It also has an enchanting wraparound porch with arched brick supports.