July 30, 2019 [For immediate release]– St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church in Galveston, the first Episcopal Church in the state of Texas established in June 1884 for a predominantly African-American congregation, will celebrate its 135th anniversary.
The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle, the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, will lead the commemorative service and celebrate the eucharist. He will be assisted by Deacon Michael Brady, who will assume his role as lead deacon and spiritual leader of St. Augustine’s on that day as well. Brunch will follow at Sutton Hall, named after the Rev. Fred W. Sutton, vicar in the mid-1950s.
St. Augustine of Hippo, Galveston was organized in response to 50 Black seamen who petitioned the Rev. Charles M. Parkman, then rector of Grace Episcopal Church, for their own parish and to worship on the sabbath.
Prior to 1884, the African-American Episcopalians on Galveston Island could attend services held for them at Grace Episcopal Church only Wednesday and Friday evenings. The Rev. William F. Floyd, Ph.D., a black physician and clergyman from Louisville, Kentucky was the first vicar of St. Augustine of Hippo appointed in summer 1885.
WHO: The Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle, the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the Rev. Michael Brady, deacon-in-charge of St. Augustine of Hippo, Galveston, and parishioners of the church.
WHEN: Sunday, August 18 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: St. Augustine of Hippo’s, 1410 Jack Johnson Blvd. (41st Street), Galveston TX 77550
