Garage
Parking in downtown Austin is not always guaranteed, and in The Live Music Capital of The World, mid-week festivals and events can make parking a nightmare. Take the guess work out of your commute and sign a lease with us today! Nestled in the heart of downtown Austin, we cater to professionals, parishioners, area volunteers, 6th street patrons and vacationers.
24 Hour Parking
$135.00/Month
24 Hour Access
PDF Contract
Night Only Parking
$60.00/Month
Access 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
PDF Contract
Long term leases are available upon request. If interested in signing a parking lease, please download and complete the appropriate contract. You can turn your contract in to the reception desk at:
St. David’s Episcopal Church
301 E. 8th St.
Austin, TX 78701
Or email for more information about St. David’s Episcopal Church Parking Garage. Access cards are available one to two days after receiving a completed contract.
Thursday Lunch
Chef Ray Trono
Café Divine is run by local Chef Ray Trono and is a part of St. David’s Episcopal Church. Every Thursday Café Divine is open to the public serving a hearty lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Enjoy a casual setting, convenient location and plenty of good food.
LOCATION
Café Divine is located inside St. David’s Episcopal Church on the 3rd floor, 301 E. 8th Street at San Jacinto. See our directions page for a map.
CHEF RAY TRONO
Chef Ray Trono is a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Ray oversees all aspects of the Cafe Divine Food Ministry which is dedicated to serving fabulous food to St. David’s parishioners, the downtown community, and all those who host events at St. David’s Church. Dining at Cafe Divine helps support the St. David’s mission.
COST
$8 Dine-in, $8.50 Take-out
Cost includes one entree, two sides, dessert and a beverage of water or tea.
MENU—February 2
Cobb Salad
Hickory Smoked Chicken Breast
Chicken Fried Steak
French Fries
Mixed Vegetables
Chocolate Pecan Pie/ Banana Cream Tartlets
New menu posted weekly.
Cakes Now For Sale! Chef Ray is now selling his classic cakes that have become so popular with parishioners, St. David’s Bookshop customers and Thursday lunch diners!
Chocolate Raspberry ($20)
Classic Rum ($20)
Lemon Poppy Seed ($15)
To order, contact .
Customer Review
“During a conference I attended in Austin, I visited your wonderful church. Your staff is very friendly, informative, and courteous. The nice gentleman at the desk when I first came in suggested that I come by on Thursday to eat lunch at Cafe Divine. I did just that. It was wonderful. My wife had visited the kitchen last year. She gave it high marks! I was also given free reign to wander the church. It is a beautiful place. The labyrinth was so peaceful. I love this church and I wish I attended far more frequently than I do. I will visit St. David’s at each visit to Austin. I really appreciate the hospitality.”
- Mike G
Want to preview Thursday’s lunch menu? Subscribe to our weekly menu email. You will be prompted to check the Thursday Lunch menu list.
Chef Salad
Café Divine Dining Area
Dessert Table
Yvette Aguilar
Assistant Director Day School and Childcare
Yvette has been with St. David’s Church and Day School from the year 2000 to present. She began working in Church childcare and later became the Lead Teacher for the Toddler II class. She continued to move with her class as they became older and remained as the four-year-old teacher for three years. In 2004, she became the Assistant Director for the Day School and the Assistant Director for Childcare in 2007. Yvette worked in Dallas and Austin before coming to St. David’s
She has a B. S. in International Economics from Texas Tech University with hours in early childhood. Yvette is married to Michael and they have one daughter who attended St David’s and now attends St. Austin’s Catholic School. Yvette has a genuine love for children and looks forward to creating a special place for children to love and build fond memories of St David’s.
Lisa Carlton
Director of Children’s Ministry
Lisa Bain Carlton joined St. David’s as the Director of Children’s Ministry in July 2011. Lisa was born and raised in the Episcopal Church with wonderful memories of Sunday School, VBS, and Youth Group. At the Church of the Epiphany in San Carlos, CA, Lisa organized and led the transition to Godly Play. In addition, she has been active in pastoral care, contemplative prayer, and women’s retreats. She has an undergraduate degree in Marketing and a Masters of Education in Marriage and Family Counseling. Professionally, Lisa has worked in education and nonprofit administration for the past 25 years.
Lisa met her husband, Bob, in the 10th grade at an Episcopal Happening event. Lisa and Bob have two daughters, Katie (15) and Mary (23). Lisa is a native Texan, but lived in California and New York before settling in Austin four years ago. In her free time, Lisa enjoys yoga, strong coffee, good conversation, and art. Lisa is passionate about finding creative ways to involve children and families in the life of the Church.
Kim Ehardt
Bookshop Manager
Kim joined the St. David’s staff in the summer of 2011, shortly after moving to Austin. She enjoys working in the coffee shop, where she can invite church guests and parishioners alike to grab a snack and relax. Kim moved here from Olympia, WA where she graduated from Evergreen State College. She loves Austin for its green spaces and year-round outdoor fun.
Fernando Erdman
Sexton
Fernando has been a Sexton at St. David’s for almost four years. He particularly helps in the kitchen as we seek to maintain clean and beautiful facilities. Prior to working at St. David’s, Fernando worked as a Sexton at the Headliners Club in downtown Austin for five years. Fernando is from Tampico, Mexico where his two grown sons now live. When not at work, Fernando enjoys watching action movies and cooking Mexican food.
Josh Estrada
Building Engineer
Josh was raised in Austin and graduated from the American Youthworks’ Charter School. Prior to coming to St. David’s, Josh worked for his mother’s company, Bea’s Cleaning Service. Josh came to St. David’s by way of his long-time friend, St. David’s own Richie Martinez. Josh enjoys St. David’s welcoming environment and the friendly people who frequent the church. When he’s not working, you can usually find him either working out at the gym or listening to music. Josh also enjoys watching sports. His favorite professional teams are the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs.
Laura Faulk
Director of Childcare & Head of St. David's Episcopal School
Laura Lancaster Faulk is a long-time Austin resident. She and her husband have been parishioners at St. David’s for over 20 years. During her time at St. David’s, Laura has been involved in many different aspects of the church including the Children’s Ministry Vestry, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School Teaching, Foyers Groups, and various Bible Studies. Laura graduated from Southwestern University, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. After taking off time to stay home with children, she began working with the Day School in 1998 and became the Head of School in 2003. Laura also coordinates Church Childcare. Her goal is to create a welcome and safe place for all children whether in Day School or Church Childcare.
Barbara Grove
Hospitality Ministry Staff
Barbara Grove first became a member of St. David’s in the early 1960s, but moved to Dallas in 1963. Barbara spent the next 22 years as a professional orchestral musician, and she returned to Austin and St. David’s in 1985. She joined the staff of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1988, ultimately serving as Director of Visitor Services for nine years. After retirement in 2003, she began volunteering for Chef Ray in Café Divine. Barbara joined the Hospitality Ministry staff in October 2008. Barbara has a long involvement with the Downtown Austin Alliance and local arts groups, and she champions environmental causes in her spare time. She has three grown children – Mark, Kevin and Claudia - and three beautiful grandchildren!
Peter Hahn
Administrative Assistant
Peter Hahn joined the St. David’s parish family in 2001 after moving to Austin from a teaching assignment in Taiwan. Prior to that time he had a 24 year career as a boarding school master in New Jersey. Peter became the St. David’s Administrative Assistant at Christmas 2008 and may be seen greeting parishioners and visitors at the Reception Desk. Along with other responsibilities, he coordinates the schedules of the receptionists, orders supplies and schedules venues for many of the events that occur at the church. He loves the constant interaction with staff, visitors, and parishioners as well as the highly energetic atmosphere that comes with the serious spiritual and social commitment of this church family. Simply stated, Peter is having a great time.
Rebecca Hall
Director of Adult Education and Spiritual Formation
Rebecca Hall joined the St. David’s staff in April 2007. She has a degree in International Studies/Romance Languages from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Although originally from Vermont, she has been in Austin for 12 years, and at St. David’s since 2003. Rebecca is married to Bob Hall, and they have two children, Adam and Jonas.
Austin Haller
Organist and Associate Director of Music
Austin Haller was pleased to join the St. David’s staff in 2007. His responsibilities include playing for worship services, organizing the many seasonal and other concerts of the parish, and conducting the St. David’s Singers. He has previously served as organist at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church and St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, both in Austin. He has performed with many local ensembles, including the Austin Symphony, the University of Texas Concert Chorale, and the Austin Children’s Choir; and he has been heard as a recitalist in Texas, Colorado, Montana, and South Carolina. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists.
Austin also serves as music director of regional theatre productions, having conducted and played with such groups as TexArts, Zilker Theatre Productions, Austin Musical Theatre, St. Edward’s University, and Zachary Scott Theatre (including B. Iden Payne nomination for Music Direction). His jazz performances with singer Kara Bliss and band can be seen regularly at a variety of Central Texas venues. He has also worked in politics in Washington, D.C.
Katie Keenan
Design and Production Coordinator
Katie Keenan joined the St. David’s staff in May 2008. She has a degree in Sociology with a minor in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and over 10 years experience in graphic design and marketing.
A member of St. David’s since 1998, Katie enjoys many activities at St. David’s including Friday Moms, Journey Groups, and occasionally volunteering with Joyous Expectations and Vacation Bible School. She also enjoys yoga, swimming and the Town Lake Trail. Katie is married to Nick Mehl and they have two daughters, Megan and Allison.
Lara Lowman
Director of Stewardship
Lara Lowman joined the St. David’s staff as the Director of Stewardship and Planned Giving in August 2011. Lara moved to Austin from Atlanta in December 2009. In Atlanta, Lara worked at the Cathedral of St. Philip and was involved with the Diocese of Atlanta and the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes. This experience has given her a great understanding of Episcopalians and stewardship and how to bring these two together to make a difference. Her fundraising experience includes serving as the Director of Stewardship and Communications for the Cathedral of St. Philip where she coordinated the annual fund, capital campaign and endowment in addition to managing the weekly newsletter, website and other external communications. She has also worked in the development offices of St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas, Abington Friends School near Philadelphia, The Blake School in Minneapolis, and The Lovett School in Atlanta. Most recently, Lara worked as a fundraising and marketing communications consultant for a variety of non-profit and corporate clients in Austin and throughout the country. Lara is a parishioner of St. David’s and is involved in the Women’s Group, Jim Nash’s recent Journey class, and attended last year’s Eckhart Mission Series.
Amy Moehnke
Young Adult Ministry Coordinator
Amy Moehnke joined the St. David’s team in May 2008 as Director of Young Adult Ministries. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Amy moved to Austin in August 2005 to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, and graduated in May 2008. Amy received her undergraduate degree in Religion and Psychology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas in May 1995. Amy has worked in various churches all her adult life doing youth, college and young adult ministry. She is passionate about her red-haired daughter, Hannah, studying and teaching the Bible, designing liturgy, running, reading, eating good food, and drinking good coffee.
Terry Nathan
Parish Administrator
Terry is a long-time member of St. David’s, having joined when he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. Prior to joining the staff in the summer of 2007, he had a career in IT, having worked for the public and private sector, and starting 3 successful companies. Since 1999, he worked as a management consultant, helping small businesses plan and deploy IT and telecommunications networks.
Terry has served on many charity and non-profit boards, including St. David’s Vestry. His primary focus as a volunteer at St. David’s has been the integration of the church into the downtown neighborhood. With the growth in the number of residences in the center city, the role of the church is changing from that of an historic church to that of a neighborhood parish. Terry has spent the last few years working both inside the church and inside the various downtown organizations to make that transition successful. As Parish Administrator, he is working to restructure the church’s business model to meet the challenges the growing downtown community will present.
Robert Newsome
Facilities Manager
Robert joined the St. David’s team in 2010. He was born and raised as a “military brat” all over the world. He has lived in Germany, Spain and the United States (FL, TX and CO).
Robert comes from a unique and talented family. His mother, sister, nephew and niece are all in the music/ acting/ fashion designing industry. Growing up, he and his brother helped their father in the auto body shop working on vehicles. It was there that I learned many skills as a “jack of all trades”. Prior to St. David’s, Robert was employed as a contractor for a variety of small businesses and consulting firms. He attended college in Texas and plans to go back and complete his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and ASE Certification.
During his free time, Robert works on cars and jet skis. When time permits, Robert and Annette enjoy spending time outdoors with family, friends and their dog, Chico.
Nancy Parish
Accountant
Nancy came to St. David’s in the fall of 2003 as a temporary accountant and ended up becoming a permanent employee. The church was so welcoming that she also became a member. Nancy comes to us from northern California, and she’s pleased to be able to continue her California hobbies of camping and horseback riding in the Austin area.
Currently living in Elgin with her two horses, three big dogs she rescued from various sources and one cat. She has shown horses since she was nine years old and competes now as often as possible. The outdoors is where she’s most comfortable, even in the summer heat. She is on the board of Warm Heart International, Inc., an organization that raises money to build wells, send medical supplies, books and money for micro loans to Southern Malawi.
Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel
Director of Special Events
Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel came to St. David’s in January 2008. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Lisa has a family history of catering and food management. Her parents owned a small restaurant and ran a wedding catering business on the side.
After living in Cheyenne, Wyoming for 8 years, Lisa and her husband, Paul, moved to Austin in 1997. Lisa graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a B.B.A. in Finance. Prior to joining the St. David’s staff, Lisa was the Development Director of Literacy Austin, where she oversaw all aspects of fundraising, including donor relations and solicitations, grant writing, and event planning.
Lisa has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, the Texas Book Festival and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Her primary responsibilities at St. David’s are to bring outside business and non-profit events into our facility.
Lisa enjoys live music, traveling and all kinds of animals.
Catherine Roberts
Executive Assistant to the Rector
Catherine Roberts is originally from Orlando, Florida and made her way to Austin via Alabama. Catherine is married to Paul Brownell, and they have a son – Nathan Hugh Brownell. Catherine graduated from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama with a degree in Computer Science and Marketing. She has worked primarily in customer service in the computer industry, holding jobs with Intergraph Corporation, BMC Software and the City of Austin.
Catherine previously served St. David’s as Stewardship Director and Wedding Coordinator before becoming Executive Assistant to the Rector.
Jeanie Sablatura
Director of Communications
Jeanie Sablatura became a member of St. David’s in 1996. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism, she moved to Sherman, Texas to begin her television reporting career. In 2000, she came home to Austin to continue her career at KVUE News.
Once back home, Jeanie began teaching Sunday school at St. David’s, where she learned the younger faces of the church long before the adult ones! Jeanie joined the staff at St. David’s in 2008 as the Director of Communications. She brings with her 10 years experience as a television news reporter and three years as Sr. Vice President of Communications at the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Jeanie has two daughters, Lily and Sophie. Family time includes going on walks and enjoying outdoor events around the city such as the Farmer’s Market and live music performances at Central Market.
David Stevens
Director of Music
David Stevens has served St. David’s Parish as Director of Music since August 1990. Dr. Stevens hales from Palestine, Texas and received degrees from Hardin-Simmons University and the University of Texas, Austin. Along with his responsibilities at St. David’s, he sings in the Oregon Bach Festival’s professional chorus, enjoys a solo conducting and singing career, teaches voice, and serves on the Diocese of Texas’ Commission on Music. David and his wife have made their home in Austin for 21 years and have three children: Andrew, Alex, and Alyssa.
Heidi Trevithick
Manager, Parking Garage & Coffee Divine
Heidi Trevithick graduated with a degree in History from the University of Texas. Born in Plano and raised in Houston, she decided there was no place better to start a life with her husband Sean than Austin, Texas. Heidi joined the St. David’s staff in January 2007 and currently manages the parking garage and Coffee Divine. If she’s not at work, she and her husband are camping, fishing, gardening or constructing something. Heidi spends a great deal of time with her two dogs Sake and Sashimi, whose photos are prominently displayed in her office.
Ray Trono
Director of Hospitality Ministries
Chef Ray comes to St. David’s with years of culinary experience. Working in the foodservice trade since he was 15 years old, Chef Ray has cut a lot of chicken and made gallons and gallons of soup. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, he understands the finer points of the culinary arts. Prior to coming to Saint David’s, he spent 2 years selling groceries for US Foodservice in Austin. There, he gained much experience in disposable goods, heat and serve foods and getting the most out of a dollar’s worth of food. If you have a troubling culinary question or need some advice, give him a call at 472-1196.
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Labyrinth
Labyrinth
Please join us the first Friday of every month for our First Friday Labyrinth Walk. Our labyrinth meditation garden will remain open from 6 - 8:30 p.m. We will have a short meditation at 6 p.m. Facilitators will be available to assist those who have never walked a labyrinth. We will have music, candles and a prayerful space in the midst of the city. A labyrinth walk usually takes about 20 minutes. The labyrinth is open on weekdays until 6 p.m. If you are unable to join us this month, mark your calendar for First Fridays and join us when you are able.
Labyrinth Garden Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM
Sunday 8 AM - 10 PM
The St. David’s labyrinth is a replica of the ancient one on the floor of the Cathedral at Chartres near Paris. Walking the labyrinth is a way to pray and meditate, just as kneeling is, or folding one’s hands and bowing one’s head. In walking the labyrinth in prayer, we seek to know God’s presence in our lives…
Bring The Labyrinth To You
Our canvas labyrinth is available to other churches and groups. Our trained facilitators are also available. For details on fees and schedules, contact Sally Miller at 891-0392.
Communications
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead is our newsletter which is published weekly and distributed on Sundays.
February 5: Book Shop Gets New Look and Name
January 29: Annual Meeting Update and Bridge Builders
January 22: Annual Meeting Today
Placing announcements in Looking Ahead
If you’d like to submit an announcement for Looking Ahead, the deadline is every Wednesday at Noon for the following weekend’s edition. Your entry should be no longer than 60 words. Make sure to provide the proper contact info including phone number and email. Refer to previous editions of Looking Ahead for what a typical entry looks like. We reserve the right to edit. Submit your copy to .
E-Newsletter
Our e-newsletter is a weekly email blast sent on Fridays to update folks on last minute events and preview Sunday’s offerings. It features pictures, unique URLS and the community at large. If you would like to subscribe to our e-newlsetters, please Click Here to register.
Placing announcements in our E-Newsletter
If you’d like to submit an announcement for the e-newsletter, the deadline is every Wednesday. Your entry should be no longer than 60 words. If appropriate, please include a jpeg no larger than 400 x 400 pixels at 72 dpi and a supplemental URL. Make sure to provide the proper contact info including phone number and email. We reserve the right to edit. Submit your copy to .
Catering
Whether it’s a mug of coffee and a sweet snack or a multi-course plated dinner, our catering is the most memorable aspect of our hospitality and event services.
Since 1999, Chef Ray Trono has offered his Café Divine specialties to the St. David’s community. Now the secret is out. See for yourself why our clients come back again and again for our special meals. It’s okay to step into the kitchen and watch as the magic happens—you will not be alone in asking—What’s the secret?
View Sample Menus
We can tailor the menu to meet your needs and budget. For more information, please contact our .
Thursday Lunch
To try out Chef Ray’s delectable cooking, come join us for lunch every Thursday from Noon to 1 p.m. Bring your friends and office-mates!
Vestry Minutes
Below is a list of Approved Vestry Minutes for 2011. All are in PDF format.
January
February
March
April
May
June
There was no July 2011 Vestry Meeting.
August
September
October
November
December
Below is a list of Approved Vestry Minutes for 2010. All are in PDF format.
January
January Special
February
February Special
March
April
May
June
August
September
October
November
December
Below is a list of Approved Vestry Minutes for 2009. All are in PDF format.
January
February
February Special
March
April
May
July
August
September
October
November
December
Vestry
The vestry is the “board of directors” of the church, and its officers, the senior warden, junior warden, treasurer, and clerk, correspond to the president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary of secular nonprofit organizations.
The vestry operates under the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Texas, and the Bylaws of St. David’s Episcopal Church. The canons state that “the Vestry shall be agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy.”
There are 15 parishioners on the vestry, each serving staggered three-year terms. Five new members are elected at the annual parish meeting, in January. Vestry candidates must be at least 18 years of age and enrolled confirmed communicants in good standing of the parish. Before taking office, each elected vestry member must agree to the parish’s Vestry Expectations and Covenant, and must sign the following statement:
“I am persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain all doctrine required as necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ; and I accede to the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church.”
2012 Vestry
Carole Gebhard, Senior Warden
Anthony Chapple, Junior Warden
Ed Sharpe, Clerk
Gail Findlay, Treasurer
Clay Carsner
Laurie Eiserloh
Barbara Grove
Carolyn Connerat
Dan McLendon
Ben Philpott
Gene Shepherd
Marc Bove
Ellen Jockusch
Alison Riemersma
Jennifer Scariano
Minutes of the Vestry meetings are available by clicking here.
You may also read a copy of our 2011 Annual Report that was presented at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 22, 2012.
Event Planning
We offer a variety of services including conference materials management, nametags, flowers, audio & visual tools, parking and catering.
• Menu Design
• Conference Materials Management
• Coordinate with all vendors, including all Rental
• Coordinate floral and other décor
• Provide Floral design or other decorative items
• Coordinate Audio Visual
• Coordinate Transportation and Parking
• Conference Nametags (in-house materials and technology)
Our Event Coordinator will work with you to plan an event that your guests will love and also one that YOU will enjoy, Stress-Free!
Floral: Please ask our event coordinator about how an affordable floral package can enhance your banquet, meeting, meal, or performance.
Wedding Receptions & Rehearsal Dinners: If you are planning a wedding at St. David’s, we want to speak with you about wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, pre-wedding mini-receptions, special packages for the bride’s and family rooms, etc. St. David’s is the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner—to avoid the headache of parking and coordinating transportation, relax in our loving space.
If you are planning a wedding elsewhere, we would still love to host your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner.
Members of St. David’s who are interested in being married in the church should contact Julie La Chance, our Wedding Coordinator at 512-472-1196. Please visit our Wedding page.
Our Facilities
All our spaces are completely accessible (two elevators, reserved parking, automatic doors). Capacity Chart
Room & Resource Rate Sheet
Crail Hall
This is our primary conference and banquet space. With an area of over 3700 sq. feet and room dividers that can create three separate spaces, it’s the perfect room for meetings, banquets, conferences with meals and break-out sessions.
Features:
* Built-in sound system
* High speed internet access
* New and attractive design that complements any special décor
* Generous Pre-function space
Capacities:
* Theater Style 350
* Seated (60” rounds) 250
* Reception 300
* Classroom
Bethell Hall
This is one of our Sanctuaries. The beauty of light and sound are built-in features of this sacred space. Bethell Hall is perfect for music performance, theater, film, readings, lectures, conferences or workshops. With few exceptions, Bethell Hall is not a venue for food or beverages. We do have reception spaces near-by.
Features:
* Built-in Sound and Lighting systems
* Yamaha Grand Piano
* Capacity: Theater Style 175-300
Sumners Hall
This is our primary dining space, also equipped for programs and performance. High, Vaulted ceilings and rows of windows create a feeling of space and light in this spacious room. Receptions, dinners, banquets, presentations, and dances all fit perfectly into Sumner’s Hall. The space is adjacent to our kitchen, near Bethell Hall and is entered from our beautiful slate staircase & foyer (elevator available). Also adjacent to the Historic Sanctuary, our main worship space. 3,850 sq. feet
Features:
* Built-in sound system
* Excellent acoustics
* Accent color & design complement any special event décor
* Very flexible room design, an open canvas
Capacities:
* Theater Style 250
* Seated 180
* Reception 300
Other Spaces
Vestry Conference Room: State of the art meeting room, perfect for Board Meetings and Executive meetings of up to 25 attendees. Food and beverage service available, built-in white board also serves as a screen, internet access, adjacent restrooms and sitting area for breaks.
* Conference Style 25
* Theater Style 50
* Classroom Style 35
Library: Private Conference room for up to 12. White board is built-in. Food and beverage service available. Perfect small break-out room for groups meeting in Crail Hall. Also perfect for pre-and post-conference meeting space for committees or boards.
Guild Room: Lovely meeting space for 16 conference-style and 30 theater-style. Nicely appointed with antiques, crystal, chandeliers, even a piano; the room has a the comfortable feel of a family estate.
Labyrinth: Our outdoor labyrinth and adjoining courtyard are available for gatherings and receptions. It is a calm and meditative place amidst the traffic and concrete of downtown.
Create a space for your event by piecing together our many wonderful rooms. Events at St. David’s often fill more than one space and still feel cohesive. Our event coordinator will help you find the perfect place for your particular group.
Check out our room and resource material rates. Please email our or call 512-610-3532, to plan your next event.
Envision Report
To the St. David’s Parish Family,
In the latter part of 2005, the rector and vestry of St. David’s resolved to establish the Envision Task Force to lead the parish through a process to discern what St. David’s will look like in 25 years. More specifically, the commission of the task force included articulating core values, identifying needs of the congregation and the Austin community, and developing St. David’s call to respond.
The response that we, as a community, established is challenging. With this in mind, we should take comfort in the words of the late Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero regarding the future:
“We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection; no pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the Church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
“This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.
“We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.”We are pleased to submit the enclosed strategic plan and assessment to the parish.
Peace,
Envision St. David’s Task Force
Our Core Values
Core values are defined as an “organization’s essential and enduring tenets” (from Build to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by Jim Collins, 1994). They help define who we are as a community. As St. David’s meets the opportunities of the future, the vestry, ministries, programs, and guilds will use these core values as a guide for decision making.
The core values of St. David’s are:
* Faith: believing in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as articulated in the scripture and Baptismal Covenant and as lived out in prayer and worship
* Learning: deepening our relationship with God through education, reflection, and application
* Diversity: welcoming in the spirit of the New Covenant all people who are seeking God
* Serving: doing Christ’s work in the world by serving others
* Tradition: honoring our Anglican heritage as well as our history of civic engagement in Austin since 1848
* Participation: encouraging all parishioners to participate actively in our community of faith
* Authenticity: striving for truth and openness in our relationships with one another
Our Strategic Direction
In defining a path for the future of St. David’s, the Envision team identified six categories to encompass all we do as a church:
* Worshiping
* Caring
* Educating
* Serving
* Growing
* Operating
We encourage you to read the complete Envision Report 2006.
Strategic Plan: Our Goals
St. David’s is a parish committed to a continual process of strategic planning- which, to say it another way, is how an organization intentionally, actively, and prayerfully seeks to discern God’s call to us as a body. In the past year, the Vestry adopted five goals as a response to our series of discussions and surveys with members of both the parish and the larger community. Please read these goals and reflect on how you see them in the many ministries of our parish and how they could be brought to life in our work together.
ST. DAVID’S GOALS FOR 2010-2013
• Through radical hospitality, invitation and evangelism, we will welcome all and seek those who are not yet part of the St. David’s community.
• St. David’s will embrace the faithful stewardship of creation: the human, financial, physical, and spiritual gifts with which we have been entrusted.
• Recognizing our call as One Body, united in Christ, we will foster intentional, effective communication among our vestry, staff and community.
• St. David’s will actively assist all in attaining the sacraments, the spiritual nurture and the pastoral care to equip them to carry out Christ’s mission in the world.
• St. David’s will help carry out Christ’s mission in the Church and the world through leadership and service at the local, regional and international level.
In fulfilling these goals we will strive to reflect the 5 touchstones of: Worship, Study, Service, Fellowship and Invitation.
For questions or more information, please contact the .
Cafe Divine
Chef Ray is now selling his classic cakes that have become so popular with parishioners, St. David’s Bookshop customers and Thursday lunch diners!
Chocolate Raspberry ($20)
Classic Rum ($20)
Lemon Poppy Seed ($15)
To order, contact .
This Week’s Menu: Week of January 30
Tuesday Dinner
Caesar Salad
Roast Turkey/ Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
French Fries
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
Assorted Sweet Treats
Wednesday Dinner
Garden Salad
Chicken
Chicken Tenders
Macaroni and Cheese
Mixed Vegetables
Cake
Thursday Lunch
Cobb Salad
Hickory Smoked Chicken Breast
Chicken Fried Steak
French Fries
Mixed Vegetables
Chocolate Pecan Pie/ Banana Cream Tartlets
Sunday Breakfast
Eggs, fruit, bacon and pastries
Meal Schedule
Enjoy a plate of Chef Ray’s delicious homecooking in the heart of downtown. You can’t beat the price and you might just make some friends.
Sunday Breakfasts
Café Divine serves breakfast each Sunday morning from 8-10:45 a.m. Sunday breakfast is $6 for a large plate, $4 for a small plate, and $.75 for each donut.
Tuesday Dinners
Dinner is served every Tuesday from 6-6:45 p.m. Cost is $7 or a half plate for $4. Summer schedule: Tuesday dinner will not be held during the summer, ending on May 24 and resuming on September 6.
Welcome Dinner
On the 4th Tuesday of each month except December, a special “Welcome Dinner” is offered for visitors and newcomers. The meal is free and this is a casual opportunity to meet some others, tour the Church facilities, and learn more about St. David’s. Childcare is available. For more information, contact .
Wednesday Dinners
A parish dinner is served on Wednesday nights from 5:30-7 p.m. (Summer schedule is 5-6:45 p.m.) Cost is $7 or a half plate for $4. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday Lunch
Lunch is served on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Cost is $8.00 per person or $8.50 for take-out. Visit the Thursday Lunch page for more details.
Want to preview Thursday’s lunch menu? Click here to subscribe. You will be prompted to check the Thursday Lunch menu list.
Event Hosting
In the heart of downtown Austin, St. David’s hosts Business Meetings, Club Meetings, Banquets, Wedding Receptions and Special Events. The perfect meeting place by location alone……
Yet we offer so much more!
• Onsite Catering
• Friendly staff create a particularly welcoming environment
• Beautiful campus with ample space to relax, take breaks, even a coffee & gift shop.
• Our Facilities: Numerous meeting spaces, with one or more tailored to suit your organization’s specific needs.
Our goal is to provide affordable meeting and banquet space in downtown Austin.
We’re a vibrant part of the downtown cultural landscape and our doors are open to welcome diverse business, community, family and social groups.
Please email our or call at 512-610-3532, to plan your next event.
Our Customers
A list of some of our regular clients.
We’re proud to name these organizations among our special events clients:
The Rotary Club of Austin
Austin Habitat for Humanity
Downtown Austin Alliance
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Texas
IMPACT Austin
Association of Fundraising Professionals
St. David’s Community Healthcare Foundation
“St. David’s offers a wonderful combination of accessibility and full-service logistics. The church “campus” is within easy walking distance of a number of hotels and restaurants. The space is very open and welcoming and offers full amenities, from a beautiful large hall to comfortable breakout rooms, with free wifi, a coffee shop and outdoor space. Participants raved about the food, which was delicious and very amle as well as the warm and professional staff.”
Andrea Black, Executive Director, Detention Watch Network
“The cost was reasonable for the size and service and I’m sure when we look again for meeting rooms in downtown Austin, we will think of St. David’s.”
Ron Meyer, Director of Training, Backwoods Corporate Office
“St. David’s provides the ideal meeting space….they have a room that meets the needs of any size group and the food, hospitality and professionalism have exceeded our expectations. Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel, the event manager, is exceptional – she cares about every little detail and makes planning any size event seem easy!”
Michelle Sandquist, Managing Director Conley Sports/Austin Marathon & Half Marathon
“Thanks for being such a gracious host on Monday. The room worked perfectly and the food was great.”
Dick Moeller, President and CEO, St. David’s Community Health Foundation
Read a client’s review on Yelp.
Holy Grounds
Coffee, Gifts and Books
Holy Grounds is located in the heart of downtown Austin inside St. David’s church. This coffee and gift shop offers a wide variety of Austin-made food including:
• Torchy’s Breakfast Tacos
• Love Puppy Brownies
• Rockstar Bagels
• Green Cart Sandwiches
Weekly offerings include:
• Wednesday soup feature
• Fresh salads
• Daily baked breads and muffins
• Cakes
And don’t forget that delicious cup of coffee or tea to go with your food! Holy Grounds uses fair trade coffee from Texas Coffee Traders and our baristas are trained to prepare the perfect cup for you! Beverages include:
• Espresso
• Frappes & Lattes
• Smoothies
• More than 30 Organic Teas
Holy Grounds also offers a wide assortment of greeting cards and gifts to fit any occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and baptisms, to name a few. From the famous Tyler Candles to picture frames to bath soaps and fragrances, you are sure to find the perfect present for that special person. We also have a wide selection of prayer books and Bibles. Gift cards for coffee and food items are available.
Holy Grounds is located at 301 East 8th St. You can park in our surface lot in front of the St. David’s main doors.
HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Closed Saturdays
Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Anytime you shop for anything on Amazon, please access Amazon through our site and St. David’s earns 4% of your purchase!
St. David’s is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
For more inforation, contact Holy Grounds Manager .
History
Historic Church
On April 7, 1853 the cornerstone of a more permanent venue was laid at Bois d’Arc (7th St.) and San Jacinto across the street from the two-story mansion where President Lamar had lived. The first service in the new church was held on October 8, 1854.
Unfortunately, the parish was not immune to the tensions building over the questions of states’ rights and slavery. In 1856 about twenty members with Northern sympathies withdrew and called the Rev. Charles Gillette to organize a new parish named Christ Church. The new church held its services in the court room of the new county courthouse.
In 1859 Edward Fontaine resigned as Rector of The Church of the Epiphany and moved to Jackson, Mississippi. At that point there existed two parishes: one with a rector but no church building, and one with a building and no rector. The vestry of the Church of the Epiphany therefore decided to begin negotiating with Christ Church to reunify the parish. They wisely decided on a new name for the combined parish, choosing Church of St. David as an honor to the newly elected Bishop of Texas, Alexander Gregg.
Bishop Gregg (shown at the left) chose Austin as his See City and moved here in 1860. In February, 1861 Texas ratified the Ordinance of Secession. The division was reflected in the relationship between Bishop Gregg and Charles Gillette, who among other things declined to read the bishop’s prayer, which asked for “a speedy close to the unholy war forced upon us.” This rift deepened until October 1, 1864 at which time Mr. Gillette resigned as rector.
When news of the South’s surrender reached Texas in May, 1865, Bishop Gregg responded by urging the churches to rejoin the national church and issuing a pastoral letter instructing the clergy to pray for the president and Congress. The vestry asked Mr. Gillette to reconsider his resignation, to which he agreed but only “temporarily or until an adequate maintenance could be secured,” which was significant in view of the fact that the rector’s salary was already over two years in arrears. Mr. Gillette held services until September 1, 1865, when he left to attend the National Convention of the Church in Philadelphia. In December of that year the Rev. Benjamin Rogers arrived bearing letters of recommendation from Mr. Gillette. He agreed to serve as minister until Mr. Gillette’s return, which never transpired.
After Mr. Gillette resigned for good in January, 1866, Mr. Rogers (shown below, right) received the call to be rector beginning April 1, 1866. He served until the end of 1874, a period during which major changes took place both in the political structure of the state as well as the architecture of St. David’s Church. It was during this period that the sanctuary was moved to the south end of the building and the familiar Gothic towers and parapets were added.
Rogers was replaced in 1875 by Thomas Booth Lee, who served until his death in 1912. This period saw a significant enlargement in both the size of the parish as well as the church building itself. In 1885 the walls were raised two feet and a new apsidol chancel and sanctuary were built on the north end. In 1887 the original east wall was removed, columns were employed to support the extended roof and the side aisle created. It was also during this period that most of the stained glass windows were installed.
Milton Worsham became rector of St. David’s in December, 1912 and served a comparatively short 3 1/2 years. However, the period did see a major increase in the size of the parish, from 215 to 350 communicants. He was replaced by Lewis Harrison, who served until 1923. Although considered a quiet person, Mr. Harrison appears to have been a tireless organizer. Among other things, he is noted for sending the first woman delegate to the annual Council Meeting in 1920.
Mr. Harrison was replaced in 1924 by Lenoir Valentine Lee, an ambitious rector who presided over the founding of St. David’s Hospital and finally resigned in frustration in 1928 when the vestry balked at going deeply into debt to fund a major expansion of the old church structure. He was replaced by Beverly Munford Boyd, who served until 1934. This was a difficult period for the parish as well as the nation and was marked by chronic financial crises. James Allen became rector of St. David’s on June 3, 1934 and served almost 5 years. By 1935 the parish had grown to 850 communicants, though it was still burdened by the financial effects of the Depression.
The Rev. Charles Abram Sumners was called to become rector June 5, 1939 and served almost 36 years. This was a period of explosive growth for the city and the parish. Austin’s wartime growth was such that Bishop Quinn requested that the vestries of St. David’s and of All Saints’ Church found a mission in West Austin, which later became The Church of the Good Shepherd. Mr. Sumners instituted healing services and founded a chapter of the Order of St. Luke. His interest in Christian education was reflected in his involvement in founding St. Stephen’s and St. Andrew’s Schools. He directed the establishment of the church library and Bookshop. He was instrumental in acquiring the land surrounding St. David’s that is now the parking garage.
In 1962 plans for a new parish house caused some on the vestry to call for St. David’s to leave its historic location and move to property near St. Andrew’s School. This effort was vigorously opposed by Mr. Sumners, who refused to leave the old church. A parish meeting on February 6, 1963 resulted in an overwhelming vote of support for Mr. Sumners and for remaining in the historic building at its present location. In 1966 the new parish house was completed adjacent to the Church and was named Sumners Hall to honor the rector who remained steadfast in his determination to keep the church in the heart of Austin.
The Rev. Laurens Hall was called to become rector following the retirement of Charles Sumners in 1975. At that point the parish had grown to 2110 communicants. Mr. Hall instituted a Folk Music Eucharist, inspired the formation of numerous new prayer and Bible study groups, and oversaw the building of the new Edens Youth Center to house a flourishing youth ministry. He was called to become rector of The Church of St. John the Divine, Houston, in 1981, and was succeeded at St. David’s by the Rev. T. James Bethell.
Mr. Bethell expanded the role of women and of music in the life of the church by hiring the parish’s first female priest in 1986 and by instituting the additional Sunday service of Choral Compline at 9:00 p.m. During his tenure as rector, the church dramatically expanded its physical presence in Downtown Austin, completing St. David’s Parking Garage in 1988 and a major addition to the church, completed in 2001. The four-story addition provided much-needed office space, classrooms, day school space, choir and musicians’ facilities, meeting rooms, and a large and dramatic new worship space which was named Bethell Hall in honor of the rector.
After Mr. Bethell’s retirement in 2001, the Rev. David A. Boyd was called as St. David’s rector.
Historic Structure
Our old church, dating back to 1853, has much of interest to visitors, who are welcome to take a self-guided tour during our usual hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30-6:00 p.m. and Sundays 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Guided tours are also available on request. Call 512-472-1196 to make your reservation.
There are twenty stained-glass windows in the church, dating from 1876 to 1969. Eleven are over one hundred years old. Many are simply magnificent. Be sure to visit while the sun is shining if you want to see them at their best.
The Italian-marble altar dates from 1900 with many other chairs, credance, choir stalls, etc. dating from the 1880s. The pulpit dates from 1869.
Preservation is costly and gifts to that end will help insure the continued use of this historic structure and its contents. Call 512-472-1196 for more information. Or, volunteer at the Next-to-New Shop. A large portion of the proceeds raised from that volunteer effort go to historic preservation.
We are in the second phase of planning for the restoration of the historic church, a phase which will determine the most appropriate historic period to recreate.
The Rev. David Boyd
The Rector
The Rev. David Boyd was born in Janesville, WI, April 15, 1955. He graduated from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale with a BS in Physical Education in 1977. David was an All-American swimmer and is still active in Masters Swimming. In 1984, he graduated with a Masters in Divinity from Nashotah House Theological Seminary and was ordained deacon and priest in the Diocese of Milwaukee.
David was called as the 13th rector of St. David’s in August 2003. Prior to being called to Austin, David served as Associate Rector at Grace Church in Madison, Wisconsin, as Rector of the Church of St. John the Divine in Burlington, Wisconsin, as Rector and Urban Missioner of two inner-city missions, St. John’s and St. Andrew’s in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and last as Rector of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, a suburban parish in Lexington, Kentucky.
David has served on Diocesan Standing Committees in the dioceses of Milwaukee and Lexington, has been elected to the Episcopal Church’s General Convention four times and has served on various diocesan and national Church committees. From 2007 through 2011, he served as Dean of the Austin Convocation and on the Diocesan Standing Committee for the Diocese of Texas.
David’s wife, Catherine Tyndall Boyd, is also a priest of the Episcopal Church serving as Chaplain at Trinity Episcopal School in Austin. Cathy previously served the Episcopal Church on local, diocesan and national levels as a professional communicator. David and Cathy have two children, Clare and Marc.
Our Faith
Silhouette, 2007 © Jonathan LaChance
The Episcopal Church is the American province of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide body of over 70 million Christians who trace their origins to the Church of England. Episcopalians are thinking Christians who engage questions of faith with both seriousness and great joy.
Often, The Episcopal Church is called a “bridge church” between Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominations. This is because much Episcopal theology is Protesant in nature, while much of Episcopal worship, spiritual practice, and church structure resembles Catholicism. As a result, individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds will find in the Episcopal Church a home that honors their own faith tradition while providing a new source of shared nourishment.
Episcopalians describe the foundation of our faith by using the image of a ”3-legged stool.”
The first leg is Holy Scripture, which Episcopalians say is “written by people...inspired by the Holy Spirit” (from the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer). The Old Testament chronicles the relationship between God and Israel. The New Testament chronicles the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the faith journey of the first generation of disciples. The wisdom that Scripture provides guides our lives.
The second leg is Tradition. Tradition consists of the interpretation of God’s purposes by past generations of Christians. Especially valued are the interpretations offered by early Church Fathers and the Church Councils, including the First Council of Nicaea. The First Council of Nicaea wrote the Nicene Creed, which Episcopalians recite every week. The Creed reminds us of the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The third leg is Reason. Episcopalians understand that God makes human beings in his image, which includes gifting us with complex, reasoning minds. We honor God’s gift when we use our minds to think deeply about God’s will, consulting Scripture, Tradition, and the myriad ways that God is revealed in the world around us.
The Book of Common Prayer is an important part of Episcopal life and worship. The Prayer Book includes a wealth of prayers and liturgies for virtually every occasion. It serves as a way to center our lives in Christ.
The word “Episcopal” is derived from the Greek word for ”bishop”. Thus, our very name means that The Episcopal Church is structured around bishops. Episcopal bishops, like bishops in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, trace their authority to the first-century Apostles.
Each bishop oversees a geographic area called a diocese. Within a diocese are local congregations called parishes. A parish consists of a body of baptized Christians, often served by an ordained priest and deacon.
The Rev. Ron Smith
Senior Associate Priest, Pastoral Care & Adult Christian Formation
Ron, a native of Kansas City, has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Religion from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Having moved to Austin to attend the Seminary of the Southwest, he received a Master’s in Divinity from the seminary and an M.B.A. and an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin. Ron started serving St. David’s in 1986 and spends his summers as the priest in residence at Trinity Church on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Ron says that St. David’s represents the full spectrum of Anglicanism and, as such, is prepared to be open to visitors from many religious traditions. A circle of tenderness and a spirit of gentleness are the force drawing visitors to our corporate life.
In the spring of 2002, the University of Texas established the “Ronald Nelson Smith Chair in Christian Origins” in the Classics department, a position currently held by Dr. L. Michael White. This chair was established in response to a gift given to the university to honor Ron’s ministry and commitment to biblical education.
The Rev. Billy Tweedie
Director of Youth Ministries
The Rev. Billy Tweedie joined St. David’s as the Director of Youth Ministries in August 2011. Billy graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest in 2009 with an MDiv and was ordained priest in January 2010. Prior to joining St. David’s, Billy served as the curate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco and as College Missioner to the Canterbury Student Group at Baylor University. Before going to seminary, Billy was the Director of Youth Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston. He is married to Laura, who graduated with her MBA from Baylor, and they have 4 1/2 year-old twins, Ella and Liam.
Location
Address:
304 E. 7th St.
(7th & San Jacinto)
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 472-1196
Email:
Fax: (512) 472-6101
Saint David’s Episcopal Church is located in downtown Austin at 7th and San Jacinto.
This location is two blocks east of Congress Avenue, seven blocks north of the river, four blocks west of IH-35, and four blocks south of the Texas State Capitol complex.
