For the better part of two years now, I've wondered how there ever came to be a "St Helena's" church in a small, south Texas town of largely free-thinking Germans. Our vacation (unexpectedly) gave the start of an answer. About a block from the bed and breakfast that Beks and I called our temporary home--and since 1712--stands St Helena Episcopal church. As it happens, this St Helena was home to generations of Elliotts, one of whom was the Robert Barnwell Woodward Elliott who, in 1874, became the first bishop of the Missionary District of Western Texas. In 1881, seven years into his episcopacy, Bishop Elliott organized St Helena's Episcopal Church in Boerne. Go figure.
Beks and I had a great time visiting with Angie, the volunteer docent of the day. She graciously showed us around and traded stories before taking off to visit family--and await the birth of her 5th grandchild! Senior Associate Mark Avera was equally warm and gracious. Our real-life connection was an incredible reminder of the living, open, and grace-filled nature of history--and (probably more) the open-handed communion of the Body of Christ.
View more pics of St Helena Episcopal here.
This looks like a beautiful church...and what a pleasant surprise to find St. Helena Church in South Carolina!! What a small, grace filled world!
ReplyDeleteKaren