Brotherhood Helps Save Commerce Church

On Saturday, 25 June, Members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and some of their associates gathered at Commerce, Texas to help save a church.

What was formerly Epiphany, Commerce, a small church with a big history was facing demolition. Under the leadership of the Rev. Canon Victoria Heard, the story of the church spread and so did support to save it.

Originally located in Paris, Texas, the little chapel was built by German POWs interred during the war as a place for them to worship. Later the church was moved to Commerce, over time declined, the property sold to Texas A&M to enable campus expansion – and the little building was slated to be destroyed.

At the eleventh hour, the order for execution was stayed. Permission to move the building was obtained and support to find the church a new home grew. It is a strong possibility that the chapel may become a primary worship space for campers and those on retreat at All Saints Camp at the Diocesan retreat center at Lake Texoma. Final coordination with the Corps of Engineers is underway.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood of St Andrew was requested to rally to help remove furnishings fixed to the walls and floor so the contents could be stored and the building prepared to be move.

The Brotherhood chapters from Holy Trinity – Garland, Holy Trinity – Heath, Holy Nativity – Plano and St John’s – Dallas sent crews who made quick work of the task and later celebrated over breakfast at a local eatery.