Saint Margarets Episcopal Church

A beacon of faith in Northeast San Antonio, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church has a story to tell. It’s a story of dedication, growth, and resilience. Our journey begins in 1979. A small group gathered, dreaming of a place where faith could flourish. These early members held services at the NE YMCA and then at the Valley Forge Club House. In May of that year, during a special council held for the consecration of Bishop Suffragan Stanley F. Hauser, St. Margaret’s was officially designated a mission. Bishop Scott Field Bailey chose the name to honor St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland. She was the wife of King Malcolm, a figure of strength and devotion during the late 11th century. The mission gained its first vicar, The Rev. A Russel Matthews, in October 1979. The diocese acquired the 5.3-acre property that same year. Services temporarily moved to Stahl Elementary School. The first building, a repurposed barracks from Lackland AFB, arrived in September 1980. The first service within its walls occurred on November 2, 1980. Thanksgiving services, however, were held at the home of Marty and Don Swartwout, due to unfinished utility installations at the church. Bishop Bailey dedicated the building on December 17, 1980. St. Margaret’s continued to grow. Groundbreaking for a dedicated church building took place on August 8, 1981, with Bishop Bailey presiding over the dedication on November 22, 1981. A rectory followed in the spring of 1983. In 1984, a classroom building was added, dedicated by retired Diocesan Bishop Harold Gosnell. St. Margaret’s reached a significant milestone in 1987, achieving parish status. The Rev. William Cavanaugh, who had been serving as vicar, became the first rector. Over the years, St. Margaret’s has seen a succession of dedicated leaders. Each contributed to the church’s spiritual growth. A devastating fire in 2005 severely damaged the church, requiring a complete rebuild. For two years, services were held in the parish hall. The new church building was dedicated on October 19, 2008. St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church stands today as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. It has weathered challenges and celebrated triumphs. It continues to be a place where people gather to worship, learn, and serve.