Here stands the Church of the Holy Communion. Founded in 1963 this Anglican church holds a unique place in Dallas history.
The Church of the Holy Communion began as a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. For over 40 years the congregation worshipped in the historic Frankford Church. This initial church dates back to the mid-19th century.
The land was once a popular spot for cattle drivers along the Shawnee Trail. William C. McKamy and his family settled here in 1852. They provided supplies and camping space for travelers. A community grew around the site. By 1872 a Masonic lodge also served as a space for services from multiple denominations. A cemetery was established in 1862.
Frankford declined when the Southern Railway bypassed it. Most buildings including the Masonic lodge were torn down. In 1899 McKamy built a white wooden church. Though used by various denominations it was primarily a Methodist church.
In an interesting twist John W. McKamy and his wife started holding Episcopal services in the old church. He was the great-grandson of William McKamy. This led to the founding of the Church of the Holy Communion.
In 1986 the Church of the Holy Communion sought independence from the Diocese of Dallas. This was after the 1979 Book of Common Prayer was mandated. The congregation wished to continue using the 1928 version. For 16 years the Church of the Holy Communion remained independent.
Ray Sutton became the rector in 2001. This led to affiliation with the Reformed Episcopal Church in 2002. The Church of the Holy Communion then dedicated a new building in 2006. It stands next to the historic Frankford church and cemetery.
The Texas Historical Commission recognizes both the cemetery and the old church as historic sites. The Frankford Preservation Foundation manages the now vacant Frankford Church.
In 2012 the Church of the Holy Communion became the pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Mid-America. Charles Camlin succeeded Sutton as rector in 2017. Sutton became bishop ordinary of the diocese. In 2019 the Church of the Holy Communion was designated as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Mid-America REC.
The Church of the Holy Communion is home to a campus of Cranmer Theological House. It also hosts the Anglican Way Institute. The church has hosted ecumenical dialogues. These dialogues were between Anglican Lutheran and Orthodox leaders.
Reflecting its diverse community the Church of the Holy Communion holds services in both Spanish and English. It also supports Holy Communion Christian Academy. This is a preschool for children ages 6 weeks through kindergarten.
From its humble beginnings as a rest stop for cattle drivers the Church of the Holy Communion has become a significant spiritual center in Dallas. It holds firm to its traditions and embraces its role as a cathedral.