Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church

Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church
The Sanctuary
National Register Listing #2016000351 - June 7, 2016
301 West Church Street, Edna

Courtesy of Texas Historical Commission and The Portal to Texas History

Presbyterians Making Plans For Centennial; Church History Given

By H. K. "Cap" Staples
Member Publicity Committee

As noticed in several previous issues of The Herald, the Presbyterians of Edna and Jackson County and their friends will celebrate the church's centennial September 18 and 19. Plans for the occasion are about completed and next week we hope to publish the full program as well as the list of names of ex-pastors who expect to be present.

Centennial Notes

The writer of these lines was granted the privilege of glancing over the tentative program and we noted that two Presbyterian ministers, direct descendants of one of the church's charter members, Elder John M. White, were on for addresses or talks. Rev. Taft Lyons, pastor of the Rockport church was one of them. Taft is the grandson of Mrs. Leslie Marvin Norwood of Winnewood, Okla., and a great grandson of John M. White. Taft's grandmother was born and reared in Edna. We knew her as Leslie or "Teets" Marvin. The other young minister is George Ervin Staples of San Antonio, pastor of a church at Winston Salem, N. C. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Staples of San Antonio. Ervin likewise was born and reared in Edna and is a grandson of Elder John M. White.

Presbytery Meets Sept. 21

Immediately following the centennial celebration the Presbytery of Western Texas will convene in the Edna church, Sept. 21. As is well known to most of us, this is the largest presbytery in Texas in point of area. It extends from Brownsville on the South, Kerrville on the north, Edna on the east and Sanderson on the west. A full attendance is expected and this means a large delegation.

More Church History

As is generally know the late Mr. J. W. Allen, Edna banker and merchant gave the Edna Presbyterian Church funds with which to build a equip a beautiful new edifice in 1908. The session of the church at that time requested Mr. Allen to write a brief history of the church so that a copy could be placed in the corner-stone. The following is Mr. Allen's history.

The church, known as the "Edna Presbyterian Church," is located within the town of Edna, the county seat of Jackson County. It was organized as the "Texana Presbyterian Church" on the 30th day of September, 1855, in the old town of Texana, the original county seat of Jackson County, and located about seven miles south of the present town of Edna.

In or about the years of 1872, the old church was given up as a place of worship, and in its stead a small church owned in common by the Presbyterians and Methodists, about four miles north of Edna on the Navidad River, came into use. The original name, however, remained unchanged until the old Texana church building was moved to the town of Edna in the spring of 1884, at which time the name of "Texana" was dropped and the new name The Edna Presbyterian Church was assumed. The building was constructed of wood, a very neat, substantial and comfortable frame house valued at about $2,500.

The organization was effected under the direction and control of the Presbytery of Western Texas, and has never been connected with any other Presbytery. There seems to have been appointed no regular commission to do the work. The record merely says that Presbyterians living in that vicinity, previous notice having been given, assembled for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church "by and under the supervision of the Rev. Jno. M. Cochran, who took the chair and constituted the meeting with prayer." There were twelve members of the original organization. Of these, three were chosen as Ruling Elders viz:, Jno. A. Breckenridge, Jno. M. White and J. N. Baylor, M. D., while only one Deacon was chosen, viz., M. B. Matthews. From the time of the organization in 1855 to the first regular supply in 1856, the church received occasional ministrations of the Word and Sacraments by the Reverends J. M. Cochran and Stephen F. Backe. Eight ministers have served this church as supplies, while four have been installed as pastors. A list of these pastors and supplies is here inserted, followed by a similar list of Ruling Elders and Deacons.

List of Pastors and Supplies, with dates of each:

Rev. Joel T. Bare, S., 1856-57
Rev. J. M. Conelly, S., 1858-59
Rev. M. McFeaters, S., 1859-60
(Church was without regular preaching from 1863 to 1871)
Rev. R. M. Loughridge, S., 1871-73
Rev. P. H. Hensley, S., 1874-75
Rev. P. H. Hensley, P., 1875-77
Rev. N. McCain, S., 1877-80
Rev. W. M. Kilpatrick, S., 1880-83
Rev. W. E. Caldwell, P., 1884-85, died during pastorate
Rev. A. H. P. McCurdy, P., 1886-90; withdrew to give more
time to Cuero
Rev. R. M. Hall, S., 1890-91: removed to Westminster Church
San Antonio
Rev. W. E. Shive, S., 1891-93
Rev. S. W. Mitchell, S., May, 1893-Sept., 1893
Rev. R. H. Hall, S., 1894 April, 1894
Rev. J. G. Cunningham, P., 1894-1899
Rev. B. J. Dickey, P., 1899

List of Ruling Elders with terms of service:

Jno. A. Brackenridge, 1855-64
Jno. M. White, 1855-74, died November, 1874
J. N. Baylor, M. D., 1855-64; removed to Navasota Church
B. P. Burwell, 1859-72; died August, 1872
N. A. White, 1873-79; died 1879
J. M. Sellers, M. D., 1881-83; joined the Methodist Church
J. W. Allen, 1881, still in office
E. M. Davenport, 1884, still in office
D. H. Allen, March, 1895, still in office
J. N. Correll, March, 1895; died at Milford, Texas
W. P. Boals, July 1898, still an officer
W. N. Hudson, July, 1898, still an officer

List of Deacons with terms of service:

M. W. Matthews, 1855-59; moved to Victoria Church. Still an officer
A. S. White, 1873, still an officer
Frank W. Milby, 1881, still an officer
A. S. Thurmond, 1886-87, removed to Victoria Church
R. C. Saunders, March, 1895, still an officer
Joseph Gerst, March, 1895, still an officer
H. C. Fristoe, July, 1895, still an officer
M. C. Garrett, July 1898, still an officer
M. D. Pumphrey, July, 1898, still an officer.

From the above it will be seen that during the forty-six years of this church's life, fourteen ministers have served the church, either as pastors or supplies, while there have been twelve Ruling Elders and nine Deacons. The changes herein cover the period to March, A. D. 1901.

As to the Sabbath School and its work, the record, when it speaks at all, is very indefinite and for the most part is silent altogether. Until the year 1885, there was no Sabbath School under the care and control of the Session of this Church. The children labored in a school controlled by the Methodist Church.

On the eleventh day of January, 1885, a distinctively Presbyterian Sabbath School was organized. From that time to the present writing, this school has been operated under the direction of the Church Session, with most encouraging success. The average attendance of pupils is about fifty with seven as an average attendance of teachers. These teachers have been faithful and devoted, the evidence of which is the confession of faith in the Lord Jesus, made from time to time by members of the School.

No remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit has ever been received by the Sabbath School or Church, coming with the force of a sudden and powerful revival. However, the Church has not been without plain and precious tokens of His presence. The total communicants received by examination and confession of their faith in Christ has been about sixty-five and these have come in one by one as the Spirit gave conviction. Forty-five compose the present membership of this Church.

From 1891 to December 8, 1895, there was no special interest manifested in Church or Sabbath School. But at this time when the Rev. J. H. Morrison came on a visit, and under his ministration while here, 15 Sabbath School scholars enlisted themselves under the Banner of the Cross. Since that time there has been no special interest shown, only an occasional one-by-one having their name enrolled. Our Church Rolls at the present time, March, 1901, shows an enrollment of 126 members; our Sabbath School about 50 and 50 Baptized non-communicants up to this date, March 17, 1901.

Our Sunday School has been maintained without intermission since its organization, with Elder J. W. Allen as Superintendent. He was succeeded by Elder D. H. Allen in 1900 or 1901, who continued to serve in that capacity until his death, December 7, 1907. During the pastorate of Dr. Brooks I. Dickey (1899-1904) who served us well and faithfully, quite a number of accessions were made to the Church. Bro. Dickey resigned to accept a call from the Kerrville Church in 1904. Rev. S. G. Hutton came to us as supply in 1903 and resigned to accept a call to Pine Street Church, San Antonio. The Rev. R. E. Porterfield was called as supply in April, 1907 and continues until the present (1908). At this time Mr. W. E. Hudson is Superintendent of the Sunday School which numbers about 60 enrollment. Our Church roll will number about 106, with a retired membership of 17. During the year 1908, the Spirit of the Lord put in the heart of Ruling Elder J. W. Allen to build a more suitable house of worship and he has set aside a sum sufficient for its erection. On account of the erection of this church, we moved out of the old one in June and will continue to worship in the Episcopal Church through the courtesy of our Episcopal brethren while our new one is completed. The old church building was sold to private parties. At the time of this writing work is progressing nicely on the new church and it is the hope of the congregation that the contractors, Messrs. Holdridge and Lemly, will be able to complete it by October or November.

The present trustees of the Church Property are J. W. Allen, A. S. White, E. M. Davenport.

During this present year we have elected three new Elders, viz:, P. M. Clement, R. C. Saunders and F. Hobson, and two new Deacons, viz:, G. W. Knowles, F. F. Welles. The names of whom have been added to their respective lists will be found on a previous page.

These notes are written by Elder J. W. Allen to form a part of the History of the Edna Presbyterian Church, this August, 1908, Edna, Texas.

After completion of the church building and its Dedication it will be known and called The Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church of Edna, Texas.

Signed: J. W. Allen

The original of this item of history will be placed in the cornerstone of the Church Building to remain for all time.

J. W. A.

The Edna Herald, Thursday, September 1, 1955

Presbyterian Women Plan For Centennial

The Circles of the Women of the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church met on Monday. Many plans were made for the coming Centennial Celebration at the church, also activities scheduled during the Presbytery meeting which follows the Centennial.

Circles 1, 3 and 4 met at 3:00 p. m. while Circle 2 met at 9:45 a. m. for a morning session, followed by a covered dish luncheon. The evening circle held its meeting at 7:30 p. m.

All members were urged to attend all the services and social affairs planned for the Centennial and Presbytery. Centennial is a big event in the life of the local church which will serve as the host church for Presbytery.

Circle No. 1 met at the home of Mrs. Joe Fenner and Mrs. Herbert Melton giving the Bible study for the day. Those present were Mesdames Phil Asbeck Sr., Emma Branch, Y. C. Grimland, Medley Hensley, Thomas Hobson, Brownson Malsh, L. K. Miller, Melton, Herbert Lee Melton, B. H. Pearce, Thomas Tatum, John Toppins; a guest Mrs. Lee Tucker and the hostess, Mrs. Fenner.

Circle No. 2 met for luncheon at the home of Mrs. Julius Townsend of Cordele. Mrs. George Clement was the program leader for the meeting. Present were: Mesdames E. A. Beard, Clement, Jim Fiew, Mack Hutcheson, Allen Lay, Jess Kern Evie Malsh, E. H. Middleton, E. D. White, H. T. Williams and Miss Cordie Correll. Guests Mesdames L. Gerald, W. T. Powers, Rolar Watson, Ivan Fenner, and the hostess, Mrs. Townsend.

Circle No. 3 met with Mrs. Frank Power and Mrs. John Stormont of Victoria gave the lesson for the day. Present were as follows: Mesdames Anna Clement, W. C. Noble, H. Fenner, Tom Bolling, S. L. Young, Ivan Fenner, E. H. Seidel, Lawrence Poole, H. B. McDowell, John Stormont and the hostess, Mrs. Power.

Circle No. 4 was entertained by Mrs. Wilmot Splawn, and they heard an excellent lesson by Mrs. R. L. Horne. Members attending were: Mesdames R. L. Horne, Eddie Asbeck, Verna K. Harper, Edna Staples, Claude Branch, Claudius Branch, John T. Vance, Jr. Miss Maggie Staples and Mrs. Splawn, the hostess.

The Evening Circle met with Mrs. Tommy Johnston and the program was led by Mrs. Floyd Schiewitz. Those present were Mesdames S. G. Drushel, Dora Dean Malone, J. R. Miller, Hans Wittenberg, Floyd Schiewitz, Herman Gerjes, R. J. Kluge, R. T. Baker, Alvin Tisdale, Misses Sybil Guthrie, Grace Hodges, Mary Boehl and the hostess, Mrs. Johnston.

The Edna Herald, Thursday, September 15, 1955

Program Given For Church's Centennial

The program was announced today for the Centennial observance of the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church of Edna to be held Sunday and Monday. It was announced by Rev. John Toppins and Cullen Vance, chairman of the steering committee.

The principal program is scheduled for 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon. However, there will be the usual morning worship at 10:55, an organ concert by Woods Kone of Edna at 2:30 that afternoon, the anniversary celebration at 3, a supper tea at 4:30 and the evening worship at 7:30.

Monday, there will be an historic tour at 9 a. m., a family night supper at 6 and a fellowship service at 7:30.

The first Presbyterian church was organized in Jackson County Sept. 30, 1855, at Texana by Rev. J. M. Cochran. The Texana Presbyterian Church met with the Methodists for a time and then erected their own house of worship in March, 1860. The beginning of the church in Edna dates from Monday, Feb. 11, 1884, when a congregational meeting was held to make plans for planning a church. The church was built in 1884 and was used until the present brick building was completed.

Seven of the nine living pastors will be here for the centennial. Two of them will deliver sermons at the anniversary celebration.

C. I. Kelly will deliver the sermon at the morning worship Sunday. George Staples will speak at the 3 o'clock special service and Dr. E. W. McLaurin will present the sermon at the evening worship. All of the previous ministers will be heard at the fellowship service Monday evening.

The public is invited.

The Edna Herald, Thursday, September 15, 1955

Presbyterians End Centennial Celebration

Presbyterians here closed out a two-day Centennial Observance and a Western Texas Presbytery meeting Wednesday. Overflow audiences attended each phase of the program.

Highlights of the 100th anniversary celebration was the Centennial program at 3 o'clock Sunday during which Rev. George Staples of Winston-Salem, N. C., preached. He is a great grandson of Elder John M. White, one of the founders of the original Jackson County Presbyterian Church at Texana, later transferred to Edna.

Other important reasons were the morning worship Sunday, an organ concert by Woods Kone prior to the anniversary program at 3, a supper tea at 4:30, the evening worship at 7:30 and then an historic tour, a family night supper and a fellowship Monday.

As the Presbytery opened Tuesday, Ruling Elder Harvey Horton of McAllen was elected Moderator for the session. Rev. Charles Campbell of Yorktown, retiring Moderator, led the Presbytery in worship as he preached the moderator sermon.

The Presbytery and local congregation met at 6 p. m. Tuesday for a barbecue supper at the cafeteria of the school, the event being moved from the Fair Grounds because of the inclement weather.

At 7:30 o'clock, the Presbytery reconvened for the reception of four young men who were candidates for Gospel Ministry. Following this, the Presbytery was led in worship by the host pastor, Rev. John E. Toppins, who introduced Rev. George Staples, of the Winston-Salem Presbytery who preached.

A Communion service followed, presided over by Rev. Toppins and Rev. Walter Guin, assisted by visiting elders.

There were 144 ministers and visiting elders registered for the two-day session of Presbytery.

Six of nine previous pastors of the local church were present for the Centennial Observance. They were Reverends R. L. Offield of Bristol, Tenn., J. J. Wester of Weatherford, T. R. Elder of Crane, E. W. McLaurin of Austin, C. I. Kelly of Corpus Christi and John Newton of Victoria. Unable to attend were Reverends C. H. Spence of Austin, W. P. Dickey of Junction and John Marse of Taos, N. W. [M.?]

Rev. Kelly gave the sermon at the morning worship hour Sunday, and the Centennial Observance congregation that afternoon heard Rev. Staples, the kinsman of the founder.

Cullen Vance, chairman of the centennial program committee, presided at the afternoon session. He introduced the visiting previous ministers and also Miss Cordie Correll and Mrs. Emma Branch, who became members of the church on Sept. 1893, and thus have been members of the local church for 62 years.

Words of welcome were given by Rev. Webster and greetings from the Presbytery were presented by Wendell Crofoot, executive secretary. Mr. Vance presented a glowing history of the century-old church, which opened at Texana and later moved to Edna.

Mrs. J. L. Andrews Jr. of Corpus Christi, who attended the church years ago as Miss Barbara Isaacson gave a solo. Rev. Staples' sermon was "Making the Most of the Past." Rev. Newton gave the centennial prayer. Mrs. A. J. Isaacson, formerly a member of the church and now at El Campo, was the guest organist.

The supper tea was held in the Educational Building.

Dr. McLaurin delivered the sermon at the evening worship.

The Edna Herald, Thursday, September 22, 1955

Photo courtesy of G. W. Franzen

	Photos courtesy of G. W. Franzen

The Sanctuary

Information from the National Register Application
Courtesy of The National Register of Historic Places

Narrative Description

Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church is located on a .64 acre tract comprised of four lots at 301 West Church Street in Edna, Texas. Though some houses that once stood near the church are no longer standing, the neighborhood still retains a residential character. The original building on the site, known as the Edna Presbyterian Church, was moved here from nearby Texana after the congregation relocated in 1884. The Texana church building served the congregation until it was replaced by the existing, nominated building which was completed in late 1908 and dedicated in early 1909. The church was renamed in honor of Edna banker, J. W. Allen, who made a generous gift to build the new sanctuary. The brick, stone and concrete Gothic Revival church was designed by Waco architect, T. Brooks Pearson. The exterior is noted for its two and three-story tall towers, triple-arched entry, and stained glass windows, including a stained glass oculus set in a projecting gable. The building is topped by a pyramidal hipped roof. Pearson designed the interior in the Akron style, widely used in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Protestant churches. The design is notable for its radial seating, corner pulpit platform, and flexible arrangement to accommodate both worship and educational activities. From 1908 until the congregation moved in 1965, interior modifications were limited to relocation and replacement of the organ and reconfiguration of the space behind the podium screen to accommodate air conditioning equipment. With the exception of these interior changes and removal of two stained glass windows when the congregation relocated, both the exterior and interior of the church retain a high degree of original integrity. A noncontributing educational building stands to west. Both buildings were fully rehabilitated for use as an events venue in 2014-2015.

Overall Setting

Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church is located at 301 West Church Street at the northwest corner of Hanover Street in Edna, Texas, in a neighborhood located just south of the historic downtown. While numerous residential structures that characterized the neighborhood at the time the church was completed in 1908 are no longer standing, the area still retains a quiet, tree-lined ambiance.

Exterior

The primary elevation of the church faces east onto Hanover Street, though the church maintains its address on Church Street to the north. The north façade is the secondary elevation, while the west and south elevations are the least prominent. On the west elevation, a covered walkway connects the church to the adjoining 1941 education building (non-contributing). The south elevation faces an open grassy area with trees that comprises the remainder of the block. The building is constructed of brick, stone and concrete. Church minutes indicate that the specified material was Grey Brick No. 415 supplied by Elgin Butler Brick and Tile Company and laid with Hidvale Lime mortar.

The building is comprised of the auditorium or worship space and adjoining rooms originally used for classes and a pastor’s study. The auditorium is topped with a tall pyramidal hipped roof with projecting dormers on the north, south, and east elevations. Diamond-shaped asbestos French lock shingles cover the roof creating a faux slate appearance. The ridges are capped with barrel shaped asbestos tiles. The west portion of the structure, which includes the study and Sunday school rooms, has a high gable that extends from the west side of the pyramidal hipped roof. Near the western end, the gable steps down to a lower height.

The east elevation, reading from left to right, is comprised of a 2-story tall tower (southeast corner), a center bay dominated by a triple-arched entry, a covered portico, a projecting gable with stained glass oculus, and a 3-story tall tower (northeast corner). The 3-foot tall base is separated from the upper part of the structure by a stone course. Projecting piers with stone caps rise to the second story height at both the southeast and northeast corners. The southeast corner tower is topped with round corner finials and projecting gables with arched windows for ventilation. There is a single rectangular window on the tower’s first floor and a single arched window on the second floor, both with stone sills.

The center bay on the first floor consists of a triple arched entrance to a recessed portico. Two double-hung stained glass windows are set in the portico wall. These window openings originally housed the previously mentioned memorial windows that the congregation moved to its new church in 1965. The two windows seen today were originally located in the north wall in the pastor’s study. The portico is floored in hexagonal white tile with a grey and white diamond patterned border. Stone-faced arches are separated by raised brick piers with stone caps and united by a stone string course. Each entry arch culminates in a tall, pointed gable topped with a decorative stone finial. A stone course and simple brick parapet with faceted, tile-roofed corner spires complete the first floor of the center bay. The tall projecting gable at the second floor level is flanked by brick and stone corner piers with pointed finials. The stained glass oculus is set in a decorative brick archway and surround. Both the portico stained glass windows and oculus emit light to the auditorium.

The northeast corner tower generally reflects the design of the southeast tower on the first two levels with the exception that it is two bays wide. The church cornerstone is set between the base and first floor rectangular windows. The design deviates above the second floor pointed arched windows. Corbelled brick banding and decorative cast stone molding cap the square tower, providing the base for the church steeple. The faceted tile roofed corner brick spires are taller than those on the southeast tower. A raised band of brickwork in an arched pattern unites the spires and tower faces. The steeple base is faced in metal and contains arched ventilation windows. The steeple is roofed in decorative pressed metal and has a simple metal finial.

The north face of the northeast tower reflects the design of its east face above the first floor level The first floor features the most prominent entrance to the church. Wide stone steps with simple metal railings lead to a set of double, paneled wooden doors, each with a large, single pane window. A stained glass transom spans the doorway. The surrounding brick archway has a stone keystone. West of the tower, the north elevation of the auditorium portion of the church is dominated by a large window with three, double-hung stained glass windows and an arched, multi-paned stained glass window with cast stone tracery. The lower, operable windows are separated from upper multi-pane window by a brick spandrel panel. The bay is flanked by raised brick piers and topped with a gable roof.

Proceeding west on the north elevation, a single, double-hung stained glass is set in the wall. To the west, stone steps lead to the doorway that accesses the original pastor’s study and Sunday school rooms. Raised brick piers flank the arched brick entryway and the entry bay is topped with a decorative brick gable. The northwest portion of the north elevation contains two, double-hung wood sash windows with stone sills that emit light to the pastor’s study. These window openings originally housed the stained glass panels now located in the east wall of the portico. The panels were moved after the original memorial windows in the pastor’s study were moved to the new church in 1965. A simple brick chimney rises between the windows to serve the study’s fireplace.

The west elevation contains four bays. It is generally plain brick with a simple brick parapet and center gable. Reading from north to south the first, third and fourth bays contain double-hung wood sash windows while the second bay contains a doorway that connects to the covered walkway leading to the non-contributing education building to the west. (The education building is not related stylistically to the sanctuary nor does it date to the period of significance.)

The south elevation contains four parts. The Sunday school portion at the southwest corner contains three double hung, wood sash windows with stone sills and a single wooden doorway. A five-sided bay with multi-paned windows in three bays emits light to the room behind the auditorium. The bay on the east side adjoining the church contains a wood paneled door with transom. The south elevation of the auditorium reflects the design of its north elevation with its operable lower stained glass windows and upper, multi-paned stained glass window assembly. The south elevation of the southeast tower contains a single arched entry door below and two arched windows above. An accessibility ramp has been added to this entrance.

Interior

On the interior, the dominant feature is the auditorium. The primary access to the auditorium is from the northeast tower vestibule. Two recessed niches flank the main, double entry doors at the northeast corner. A secondary entrance at the southeast corner also contains double wood doors flanked by recessed niches. The primary entryway at the northeast corner is on axis with the center aisle which separates the radiating pews on either side of the auditorium. Pews are dark stained wood and are original. The multi-planed ceiling is paneled in decorative tin and the original pendulum light fixtures are metal and opalescent glass. The pews face the raised podium that is backed with a dark wood paneled screen. Outer walls feature dark wood wainscoting to the chair rail height. On the west side of the auditorium, tall folding wood doors provide access to the adjoining Sunday school room, allowing the two spaces to be combined—a feature typical of Akron plan churches. The portion of the church west of the auditorium also contains two rooms originally used for Sunday school, a pastor’s study and an officers’ room. The auditorium can also be entered through a doorway at the northwest corner that connects to the Sunday school/study area. The space behind the auditorium’s podium screen has been reconfigured to accommodate air conditioning equipment.

Education Building (Noncontributing)

The non-contributing education building is a rectangular, stuccoed frame structure with a standing seam metal gabled roof and projecting eaves. All windows have modern, six-over-six fenestration and plain plastered lintels and sills. A central glass and wood paneled front door on the north elevation is protected by a gabled portico supported by square wood columns. The porch and stairs are concrete and there is a plain pipe railing. The building has no exterior ornamentation. Two windows flank each side of the main, north entry. A modern covered walkway connects the church and primary east entry to the education building. Projecting porticoes have been added to protect two other doors on the east side and one on the west side of the structure. The south (rear) elevation contains five windows. There are louvered attic vents on both the north and south elevations. The interior is divided by a central hallway with a double parlor to each side. Original partitions have been removed from both the east and west side parlors. On the east, a modern accordion door has been installed and on the west, a modern wood and glass partition added. Hallway doors are both wood paneled and wood paneled with glass. The building contains a full kitchen and bathrooms and a large, un-partitioned meeting room spans the south end of the building. The walls and ceilings are textured and the floors dark-finished wood. The utilitarian building is unrelated to the church in both architectural style and period.

Rehabilitation and Integrity

Renovation of the church was begun in 2014. At that time, the building retained a high degree of integrity but had suffered from years of deferred maintenance. Renovation work focused on correcting this deterioration. On the exterior, damaging vegetation was removed, the exterior brick and stone work was cleaned and repaired, and deteriorated wood trim was replaced in kind. Roof leaks were fixed and the metal portion of the roof painted. A handicapped accessibility ramp was added at the southeast corner and a deteriorated covered walkway at the northwest corner connecting to the adjacent education building was rebuilt. A projecting gabled portico was added to the south elevation door leading into the hallway behind the sanctuary. Both the plastered walls and metal ceiling in the sanctuary were repaired and painted. Damaged wood trim and flooring was replaced to match the original. Old carpeting was removed and floors cleaned. The original stained glass windows, podium, pews, folding screen, and light fixtures were retained. Walls and trim in the pastor’s office, meeting room, and remainder of the building were repaired and painted. Fireplace tile work in the pastor’s office was also restored. New HVAC equipment was installed and new wiring and plumbing added. Finally, the missing church bell was replaced.

In 2015, with the exception of the removal and relocation of two stained glass windows and modifications to accommodate the organ and air conditioning equipment, Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church retains a high degree of integrity.

Edna Leaders Restore Church For Community
By Bianca Montes

EDNA - The oldest church in town is getting a makeover.

Nothing that will minimize its picturesque structure or take from the 106 years of charm it has brought to the small Jackson County community - just a breath of life by two guys with a strong love for their city.

Edna Presbyterian Church has a history that dates back to a time where roads were paved in dirt and locals rode to church on buggies.

The church's original structure, an adequate building erected in 1858, now sits as a site to be treasured inside Brackenridge Park.

With time, the congregation grew, and according to church records, "the Spirit of the Lord put it into the heart ... to build a more suitable house of worship."

In 1908, the church built its new home on the corner of Church and Hanover streets, and dedicated the building in 1909 - changing its name to The J. W. Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church.

According to church records, the cost to build the new structure was $11,297 - not a penny was spared or a sight overlooked. Waco architect T. Brooke Pearson was commissioned for the build.

Presbytery met in the new building Sept. 14, 1910.

However, the congregation continued to grow, and with that growth, officials decided to build new again. The last worship service was held in the old sanctuary Feb. 21, 1965.

Over the years, the old building housed many; it was a Lutheran church, a Pentecostal church and even a funeral home. Then, the church sat empty for more than 10 years.

Edna Mayor Joe Hermes said he had always admired the building - he even considered converting it into a house.

"My wife was very adamant to tell me, 'you're crazy,'" he said with a smile.

The architecture is much like one would find in Europe: a towering steeple that seems to reach into the clear Texas blue skies, heavily ornate edges, hand-carved pews - one with its own hat rack underneath - and stained glass windows that stream rainbow-colored light into the building.

Hermes tried talking his friend, former Jackson County Judge Harrison Stafford, into purchasing the church and its adjacent structure - the former Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church Educational Building - "let's do it," he said, and the two purchased the property.

The main building will not serve as a church, the men said, but will still maintain its integrity and be used as a sanctuary for those wanting to rent it as a retreat or wedding location.

The educational building, is being restored with fixtures from other homes, including a floor-to-ceiling window wall and a porch that will connect it to the main building.

The smaller building holds four small rooms, one large room and a full kitchen.

"We're not only preserving Edna's history," Hermes said, "we think we can make it into a very special place."

Part of the duo's plan is to keep the building as close to its original state as possible. Inside, the pews will remain - including the self-made hat rack, and the lighting fixtures shipped to the small town in 1907 will continue to hang.

The men are still in the refurbishing phase but hope to have the side building open for rentals in January.

"When you're fixing up something old, you solve one problem and it opens six others," Stafford said. "We've learned very much about restoring - you're never totally finished."

Stafford and Hermes think the event center will serve their community well.

In the future, the men said they'd like to work with big community events in Victoria, such as the Bach Festival, to bring more culture to their town.

"It's a perfect setup," Hermes bragged.

"A sacred place," Stafford continued

Victoria Advocate, January 1, 2015

Sanctuary Makes National Register of Historic Places
By Jessica Coleman

Nestled in the heart of Edna, overlooking the surrounding homes, stands a church. Most structures in Edna are far newer than the century-old building, which now looks much like it did when it was constructed in 1903 [1908].

The Sanctuary, also known as the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church, sat untouched and overgrown with vines for years until Harrison Stafford and Joe Hermes decided to spruce it up and open it for events.

Painstakingly, the pair restored the old building in persnickety detail, making sure to return it to its original beauty and not add any touches of their own. They took no creative license and made no changes to the original architecture. It needed to be just so to accomplish their goal of getting the old church on the list of the National Register of Historic Places, a goal that many reach for but few accomplish because the slightest change to the original architecture can disqualify a place.

On June 7, Hermes and Stafford saw their dream realized. After a tedious restoration, an arguably more tedious application process, and a meeting with the State Historical Commission in San Antonio. The Sanctuary was approved and will be included on the list, which is formal recognition of a property's historical, architectural, or archeological significance based on national standards used by every state.

"First we had to apply with the State Historical Commission," said Hermes. "They serve as the nominating people to the National Parks Service."

Stafford and Hermes, while they love history and know a bit about it, were unfamiliar with application processes, architectural terms, and all of the ins and outs of the paperwork involved with the process of registering a historical property. Thankfully, they had help in the form of a former member of the Texas State Historical Commission. Her name is Marie Pfieffer, and she helped them meticulously fill out all the paperwork.

"She was so, so helpful in the application process," said Hermes. "It was very complicated and very precise."

"Every subject has its vernacular," added Stafford, "the language of the subject, and when you're making these applications you need to speak in architectural terms. It isn't a brick building it is gothic. Inside it is an Akron model, named after Akron, Ohio. We didn't know these terms."

"All we knew was it was an old church," Hermes laughed.

In the end, their dream came to fruition, and the pair couldn't be happier about it.

The Sanctuary is the third Jackson County public structure on the list along with the Texana Church at Brackenridge Park, and the Edna Theater.

Jackson County Herald Tribune, July 13, 2016

Restored Church Ready for Weddings, Gatherings

Edna--Residents told Edna Mayor Joe Hermes and former Jackson County Judge Harrison Stafford they remember getting married in the sanctuary or attending a service at the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church.

"We have had a very positive reception from the public," Hermes said. "It's amazing how many people you're talking to who would say, 'I used to pass it and think somebody needs to step up and take care of this.'"

The pair completed the renovation of the church in April, repairing some of the dilapidation and restoring much of the original details of the church.

"We've kept it very authentic," Stafford said.

The church is now available for weddings. The pair have many already scheduled for 2017, they said.

The venue is on the smaller side, and the reception hall can hold about 100 people.

They have had some events turn them down because of capacity, but the pair say it provides for a more intimate experience.

The church includes a preparation room for brides in the joined center behind the church, which is filled with pictures of weddings that happened in the church in the past.

There's a grooms' dressing room with knicknacks from the era and a preacher's study with a coal-burning fireplace.

"We're kind of mid-sized," Stafford said. "If you want a smaller venue, this is ideal."

When it was built, it was out of the norm for churches.

"It was a different style, a new type of architecture," Stafford said.

The pews sit just as they were when the building first opened in 1858 [1910], curved around the pulpit with a makeshift wire hat holder in what was surely a specific gentleman's favorite seat.

The vaulted ceilings have kept their ornate structure over the years, with designs delicately etched into them.

The original hardware creaks as doorknobs are turned and hinges swing open.

Some of the stained glass had to be repaired, but it still illuminates colorful patterns on the floor and walls as light filters through.

The pair also refurbished the hall adjacent to the church, which can be used for receptions or parties, complete with a catering kitchen. They've hosted everything from baby showers to retirement parties in the facility, the businessmen said.

And now, the steeples stand just as tall and proud as they did when they greeted churchgoers more than 100 years ago. Today, they greet weddinggoers and whisk off new couples.

Victoria Advocate, September 24, 2016

Eleanor Brackenridge Literary Club Learn Sanctuary history

EBLC held their November meeting at the Sanctuary, and the program was presented by the Honorable Harrison Stafford and Mrs. Jeanette Stafford.

The Staffords, along with former Mayor Joe Hermes, purchased the original Presbyterian Church complex with the intent to restore it for use as a community event center.

Built in 1908, the church was one of the first to have electricity in Edna. Surprisingly the wiring did not have to be replaced as the wires were encased in pipes.

The architect selected as the structural builder was known for diagonal fronting on a block’s corner as well as the slanted flooring, beautiful woodwork and the unique folding doors separating the sanctuary from the office areas.

John Allen, president of a bank, donated $25,000 to build the edifice, and it was completed in six months. Unfortunately, Mr. Allen died two months before its completion. Currently, the Allens residing in Lolita are descendants of John Allen.

Minnie and Medley Hensley were the first couple to marry in the new church; they were not charged a fee. However, the second wedding of a lawyer was charged $100; he reportedly reminded the Hensleys often that he paid for their wedding too.

The building was vacated in 1965 when the Presbyterian Church built one to accommodate the growing congregation.

Prior to the Stafford/Hermes partnership taking ownership of the church, it had served as a funeral home, a Lutheran church, a Pentecostal church and then was vacant for many years. When the Presbyterians moved, they took little two memorial windows and the organ, but little else. Items found later included some pieces of china with the name “Allen Memorial Church” inscribed upon them and two collection pouches with wooden handles.

The re-hab of the church took two years to complete, but first a historical designation was pursued so the owners could obtain financial aid (45%) to defray the personal cost of refurbishing. This did mean there were various rules or regulations that had to be followed; for example, a toothbrush cleaning was required rather than mass washing.

Some things the group faced were rotting ceilings and floors in the back area and entry.

Flooring under the carriage delivery area had to be the original design or simply white. The pastor’s study had the only heat source in the entire building, but the sanctuary windows opened on each end for cross airflow. The stained glass windows are original except for the two memorial ones taken by the Presbyterians. Replacements are replicas of the design of those in the pastor’s study. A slight adjustment to the raised pulpit area had to be made as the removed organ originally sat behind the choir and the pastor, but the open area proved valuable as a space for newly installed air conditioners. The building was and is secured against storms as long metal reinforcement rods are bolted from wall to wall up near the high ceilings helping to keep the walls sturdy. The pulpit itself was made and donated originally by the Hensley family.

The Sunday School addition, which was built much later than the Sanctuary, required a complete electrical and design overhaul. It was 1941 before water and sewer were available. One personal adjustment centers on the replacement glass wall that features window glass from Harrison Stafford’s family home which was built in the same year as the church. The pending sale of the complex must be like losing a child to marriage for the Stafford and Hermes families, but the community and in this instance, Eleanor Brackenridge Literary Club have relished the history and the pleasure The Sanctuary has provided our collective souls.

Our club was the first organization to use the refurbished event center on January 14, 2015 with a lavish Kings Night celebration.

Reported by Diann Walleck

Jackson County Herald-Tribune, December 8, 2021

Copyright 2018- Present by source photographer All rights reserved
Created Apr 25, 2018	Updated Apr 25, 2018

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