Sky Watch Friday: Church of the Heavenly Rest

churchoheavenlyrest

Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal church is an impressive landmark on Abilene’s south side. It began in 1881 as St. Paul’s Episcopal Mission. St. Paul’s met in the Northside school building at corner of Pine and N. 13th streets. In 1884, the church’s first building was built at the corner of North 3rd and Orange street. One of Abilene’s major landowners and devout Episcopalian Colonel Josiah Stoddard Johnston donated the land. Johnston was also credited with naming Abilene. At this time St. Paul’s Mission became Church of the Heavenly Rest. According to the churches website I believe it may be the first Episcopal church in Texas west of Ft. Worth. In 1951, the church moved to its current location at S. 6th and Meander. The church acquired the property that once was the Legget Mansion. The north side property was sold to First Baptist Church. A temporary structure was built on the current location. The cornerstone for the new building was laid on Pencetcoste Sunday 1953. A year later on All Saints day, All Saints Chapel was opened. Construction of the church was completed in 1956.

I thought this was a cool shot with the steeple hiding behind the tree.

chrwindow

Thought the church has some interesting looking doors and courtyard areas.

This door reminds me of the doors of the CD covers from Rich Mullins Songs & Songs 2.

Okay I was having fun playing with sky shots and angles. — Okay I was having fun playing with sky shot. See the birds on the roof?

Had to play with the camera settings too.

Couldn't resistant playing with angles either.

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12 comments

Great photos with the bright blue sky.

We just don’t have architecture like this here. Love those angles.

You did capture some great photos, i love the architect of old churches.

great shots and a beautiful church! love the photo of the red door…

That is an absolutely beautiful church, and what a pretty sky.

Ty all.

i would have thought the church more like 150, than 50 years old – so many classic elements in the design!!i love that leaning tree! not what i would have expected – not “perfect” enough
wonderful series of photos of a wonderful old building!!