Grace Episcopal plans for west side expansion

A longtime area church is in the process of establishing a permanent presence in West Georgetown with the purchase of a future site.

Grace Episcopal Church is in the final stage of closing on a slice of land at the corner of County Road 245 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, where the congregation plans to construct a new campus. The church has had a presence in the city since 1885, when it was based out of the small chapel now housing Preservation Georgetown just off the Square. They started construction on their current campus at 1314 East University Avenue in the late 1980s, but quickly saw a need to expand to the west side of the city.

“Because of the growth in West Georgetown driven by Sun City, we knew we needed to serve that area,” said Father Bertie Pearson, who has been the rector of Grace Episcopal for seven years.

He said their west campus started as a “teeny tiny” storefront, but they had plans for the future.

“We’ve always known we wanted to create a permanent home for our west campus,” he said.

The purchase of the land is in escrow and Mr. Pearson said they are waiting on their site development permit from the city. Once approved, he estimates they will break ground in a year and a half and be open and ready for new members six months after that.

The church worked with an Austin design firm to create the vision of the new building, which Mr. Pearson said is a great physical representation of what the church stands for.

“In some ways we’re very old school, but we’re also very modern and welcoming,” he said. “The building will have references to early Christian architecture, but will also be a very warm and light-filled, welcoming space.”

There are around 120 residents who worship regularly at the temporary west campus location. Mr. Pearson said he hopes the expansion will allow for more members to join, regardless of their faith.

“Our goal is not to build a church for Episcopaleans, but for people who want a relationship with Christ,” he said. “We invite anyone in to grow together.”

Associate rector Mother Mary Ann Huston, who oversees a large part of the west campus services, said they also hope to attract people who are new to the area and drawn in by Sun City.

“I think it will end up being a nice mix,” she said. “We’re so excited tohaveitandwanttobegood neighbors to new people coming, as well as our current members.”

A construction company has not yet been selected for the project. Mr. Pearson said this will be a fundraising-driven project for the church.

Most will be done in house, but the church will accept donations as well.