SAINT JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DALLAS -- A GOOD PLACE

Most of us consider Dallas and the surrounding area as a significant part of the Texas Bible Belt.  And when we're talking about the Bible Belt we primarily consider it composed of the churches of Baptist, Pentecostal, Bible and non-denominational.

But even with that in mind, there are twenty-four Episcopal churches in the city of Dallas, and quite a number in the outlining areas like Plano and McKinney.  In fact, one of the top three Episcopal churches in the United States when it comes to membership is in Dallas.  It's Saint Michael and All Angels.  We're all members of the Diocese of Dallas, led by The Right Reverend James M. Stanton.

When Patty and I first moved to Dallas, we began our search for the Episcopal church and congregation that was closest in feel to old Trinity Episcopal in Galveston where I was a lifelong member.

That was quite a chore, although it shouldn't have been.  All in all, we seriously attended three of the churches and visited about five others.  That process took almost three years.

About two months ago, we decided to attend a service at Saint James Episcopal Church.  It's on Audelia between Northwest Highway and Walnut Hill (9845 McCree Road.)

The rector is 59-year old The Reverend Cliford Gardner, and he is one ball of fire.  He reminds me so much of one of Texas most famous and beloved Episcopal ministers, The Reverend John Francis Caskey.  It's a happy place with lots of activities for children and adults.  And the facilities are absolutely lovely...and to think it all started less than twenty years ago in a strip center storefront. 

Interestingly, Saint James is less than twenty blocks from our Lake Highlands home. Why did it take us so long to try it out? Patty said, "Sign us up."

BILL CHERRY, REALTORS 

9936 Windlake, Dallas

214 503-8563