While searching Google maps I came across this columbarium tucked in between a parking garage and the Saint David's Episcopal Church on seventh Street. It is free to access, but you must check in at the front desk. At this point in time, it looks as though about half of the 221 spaces are occupied. You can pretty much be sure that those who have interred their ashes here were at one time members of this church. It's a fairly intimate space with a small fountain off to the side, a courtyard and a couple of benches. However, the peacefulness of this space is interrupted by all the traffic downtown. This interment wall does not appear to have been here for very long since the oldest decedents are from 2003, although there was one from 1997. Informative photos and video included. read more

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Great tribfestival and I adore James. He always does a great job public school. Comfortable pees.

How interesting to find a bunch of thieves with nonprofit status. Cane down to see a "candlelight" show on a weekday. Parked in their garage. Used the app to pay for parking. No information up front on how much parking works be. $31 for under two hours. Unbelievable. read more

THE GOOD, ANNOYING & UGLY We saw Vivaldi's Four Seasons at St. David's, an old, historical church in Austin, Texas. It was a mixture of good (5 stars), annoying (3 stars) and ugly (zero stars). Thus my 3 star average. THE GOOD: The church is gorgeous, and the acoustics wonderful. I really like the ambiance in the darkened chamber and the feeling of history (Sam Houston attended services as governor here before the Civil War!) Parking is tough with terrible reviews for nearly every nearby location. We opted for the street. We paid for Zone A, got there early, and had front row seats. The musicians, the concert experience, the venue, the quality of the acoustics and even the introductory humorous patter were all wonderful -- AFTER the first movement of Spring. THE ANNOYING: They use the event to film a commercial, and as a result ran a 40 35 minutes late -- keeping us waiting outside. At the beginning of the concert, the production crew clumsily put away their equipment, bumping and rolling and dropping equipment, drowning out part of the music. THE UGLY: We bought a photo package. Big mistake. It turns out their "photo experience" is a cheap, blurry knock-off mini-Polaroid (2.5" x 3.75") with your face so featureless it could be anyone in the audience. (Not surprising considering your head's image is 1/8 inch wide!) No electronic version, so you can't even get a reasonable picture printed at Walgreen's -- just a cruddy photo that looked like a counterfeit Fisher-Price kiddy product. You got much better pictures at the old 3-photo-strip booths for 50 cents in the old days. Heard back from Candlelight Concerts. They say, in essence "We value our quality, but not not enough to do anything about it. Too bad, so sad for you. There's one of you born every minute." Live and learn! read more

Top 10 Reasons St. David's Episcopal is My Church Community: 10.) Engaging, uplifting, and relevant sermons from both the Rector, David Boyd, as well as the other associate reverends. And when I laugh at their jokes, it's because they're genuinely funny; it's never that irritating, obligatory "church" laugh that's actually more of a weak, nervous chuckle. 9,) The eclectic mix of parishioners. You've got the old guard; the new guard; the hip single urbanites; the hip, married urbanites with young kids; the straights; the gays; people who live a block away; people who live half an hour away; the young; the old; the super-involved; the not-so-involved; the lawyer; the blogger; the butcher; the baker; the semiconductor maker, and then of course...me. 8.) A beautiful historic church that, interior-design wise, remains rich in its decor, yet never gaudy and distracting like the Catholic cathedral. The rest of the church is elegant where it counts, as well as functional when needed. Oh and there's a coffeehouse/bookstore called Cafe Divine. And we have a chef who cooks amazing food. The outdoor Labyrinth is perfect for meditation and reflection. (And there's no David Bowie or those terrifying puppets to contend with). 7.) Theology on Tap. Interesting topics, tasty appetizers, fellowship, and of course, cocktails. How many people can say they were at a service for the Feast of the Transfiguration at Paradise on 6th Street? Is anyone actually surprised I *can*? 6.) Journey groups. St. David's provides a selection of small groups during every season to maintain your theological knowledge and satisfy your theological curiosity. I've personally been involved with such groups as "An Examination of the Exodus Story", a focus group on the Gospel of Luke, and a church-wide Lenten journey group where we all studied the same book and dovetailed it with weekly podcasts from the clergy. Currently, I am in a group that is focusing on understanding Gnostic Christianity and the non-canon Gospel of Thomas. 5.) Every potluck--whether in the church or at someone's home-- always consists of a few homemade dishes, yet a dozen bottles of wine. 4.) Can't wake up in time for the 9:00 AM? They've got an 11:15. Missed that one? You can always make the one at 5:00. Have you been out brunching and shopping ALL DAY? You can still make 9:00 PM Compline and listen to their amazing choir. No excuses! 3.) If you listen to Glenn Beck and think that a church espousing "social justice" is a bad thing, then avoid St. David's. This church holds the radical notion that all people are God's children, and that the more fortunate of us should help others in need, both on our doorstep and across the world. There's also a commitment to the earth God gave us and there's a welcoming spirit that turns away no one who is searching for truth in an otherwise confusing world. The Amos Guild also is committed to addressing issues of work, health, education and affordable housing. If you believe this makes a church some sort of beatnik Communist ashram, then you've obviously missed the entire point of Christianity. 2.) Ministry and Fellowship. You can eat steak with your fellow men, or discuss the challenges of marriage with other couples. You can have brunch downtown with other young adults, drop your kids at the day school, or join the other women of the parish in lunch and prayer. I belong to GLEE (Gay, Lesbian, and Everyone Else), and St. David's has marched in the Austin Pride parade for the past two years. I've never felt more comfortable at a church in my entire life. 1.) St. David's reflects the passage from Ephesians: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Eph. 2: 19-22. Bonus: After all this time, they still put up with me. God love 'em. read more

I really wanted this to be my main church given the outdoor architecture, its location downtown, its reputation of outreach is incredibly extensive, but didn't get the bug. Architecture is really important to places of worship and the interior of the church was not what I expected, and as I do like the diverse nature of the congregation, didn't feel the connection I felt at St. James or St. Michael's. Still, the rector did perform an entertaining and engaging sermon on the Easter Sunday I came here, but giving the somewhat gloomy environs and congregation disconnect the one time I was here...hmmm read more

St. David's Episcopal Church - Churches Near Me - Austin, Texas

I visited St. David's while in Austin, after reading Yelp reviews. I am a seasoned Episcopalian who travels often and visits many churches, including other denominations. This is a large, active church. When I arrived, I entered into an open area staffed by a woman at a desk who directed me to the sanctuary. On the same level as the entrance was a coffee shop, "Holy Grounds" and book store. The service was well attended. A visiting women's choir from Texas A&M provided lovely singing. The congregational hymns were familiar and easy to sing, which I prefer. Leave obscure and complicated hymns to the choir! A seminarian gave a good sermon. All was well until after the service. NOT A SINGLE PERSON CAME UP TO ME to introduce themselves or welcome me to the church, even the person sitting next to me. It seemed as if everyone immediately dispersed to some unknown place. I thought perhaps they had gone to coffee hour, so I ventured out to find that. I passed the rector and thought perhaps he would say hello, but he seemed to glance through me and then turned to a member and reminded him of a board meeting in a few minutes. I found a room with donuts on trays, but I think this was left over from the visiting choir's snacks before the service. Again, no one directed me or said anything. I left the church feeling sad and somewhat dejected. While the quality of music, liturgy, and sermons are all important to me in evaluating a church, the most important factors are a commitment to outreach and social justice, and warmth of the congregation. St. David's failed miserably on friendliness. While everybody, and every institution, can have a "bad day", not everyone goes back for another try. I will always go to church. But you never know when that new person in the pew is someone who is searching and, consciously or not, waiting for an invitation to join. read more

Thursday Public Lunch is always delicious! ALWAYS! Chef Ray knows how to cook for large groups of people, and the meals are delicious. You would not know you are having lunch at a church because every week his menu is exciting and 5 stars, and beyond reasonable. The meal is open to the public and is well attended by the community every week. You do not need to be a member of the church. This is worth every penny and every bite. read more

I love St. Dave's! This is a place beyond words for me, and I'd say a place to find beauty and solace. There is a huge labyrinth, a strong commitment to social justice, a chef, some amazing global partnerships, and a stunning music program. If you just want to check the place out sometimes I suggest attending compline some Sunday night (@ 9). Compline is a contemplative experience with low lights and music in lieu of preaching, so you can come in and listen/look around w/o anything overwhelming or chatty happening right away. If you're down for the full Sunday morning experience, folks are friendly and the preaching is often pretty fantastic. read more

I was on the staff at St. David's from 2005-2007. I started out as VERY skeptical about churches in general and the people in them. I ended up learning a lot about how accepting people can be--because I have been constantly embraced and accepted despite my (vocal) skepticism about all things religion. St. David's is a place to feel like part of a welcoming community, and a place to learn lots of things, even while in the process of learning about yourself, who you are and who you wish to be. I participate in the discussion groups and sustainability stuff, rather than attending Church on Sunday. I have made friends for life and gotten in touch with my own spirituality. Also: the parking situation is awesome, The building is beautiful, they serve espresso drinks, you can recycle printer cartridges/batteries/cd's there. read more

This review is for St. David's as a venue. I had the pleasure of working with St. David's and their amazing staff for a private event for a local non-profit last May. I've volunteered to put on quite a few fundraiser events throughout the years and therefore, I feel compelled to tell you how simply amazing this place is. First of all, Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel serves as their Director of Special Events. I was reminded as I met with Lisa again today (to plan for 2010's event) just how amazing she is. I have never before worked with someone who works so hard to ensure your success. She is with you literally start to finish and she runs one tight ship! Our event had doubled in size and thanks to Lisa Kay and her staff's expertise, our event ran smooth and seamless. St. David's itself has a number of spaces available, both large and small and can accommodate anywhere from 6 up to 300 guests. They have settings that are more utilitarian in nature as well as Sumners Hall (which is a bit nicer) and even Bethell Hall, which is an actual sanctuary space but because of its acoustics, serves as a SXSW venue as well. I felt that their pricing was very reasonable and if you too, are a non-profit (or parishioner), they offer discounted rates. For all customers, there is a maximum daily rate that runs about the cost of 5 hours. There's also an 8-story parking garage which ensures your guests won't have to hunt for parking and makes having your event downtown a breeze. The cost of chairs and tables are included in their pricing. They have excellent onsite caterers (CIA trained, no less) willing to design a menu around your specific wants and will even work with a tight budget. (Outside catering is sometimes allowed but requires pre-approval.) They have a plethora of chargers, candle holders, etc. for embellishing your table. You will have to rent linens (though Lisa Kay will handle that element for you) and wine glasses, if you so choose. Lisa even handled getting the temporary liquor license for us that enabled us to bring in our own beer and wine and cut our costs significantly. We're hoping to grow our event again this year. I truly hope it does not mean we outgrow St. David's, but Lisa Kay was there today with all of her wonderful ideas of how to buy us another year, still maximize our potential return, while still ensuring a great party. I left today not only with a wealth of information on how St. David's can serve us, but with contact info for other lesser known venues that she thought could be our next step. Wow! read more

Nice chuch! Doubles as a convention extension for the Driskill where I attended a conference. Very state of the art.

I just got off the phone with the event coordinator, Lisa, and she is AWESOME!!! Even though we couldn't book our venue, she was still very helpful and full of insight on what I should be looking for with other venues. Maybe if she is off the night of our family Halloween Party, she can come out and do the Thriller dance with us! read more

More than any other church I've attended, St. David's is the one that really walks its talk. All the stuff which is mentioned in Matthew 25:31-46 -- feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, taking in the strangers, visiting the sick, helping the homeless, comforting the afflicted -- and building up an engaged, active and COMMITTED congregation -- St. David's does it all! I came to St. David's pretty much chewed up and spat out by the church I had attended previously -- to the point where I wasn't even sure I wanted to remain a Christian; and the rectors, the staff and the congregation at St. David's have loved me back to spiritual health. They are, simply put, an *amazing* group of people! I second Nathan's comments about the jokes told by David Boyd, Katie Wright and Bob Gribbel: they are FUNNY jokes! It's nice to have clergy who have really good senses of humor and aren't afraid to use humor to make their points! I'd give this place nine or ten stars if I could! read more

Well since Nathan reviewed this place, I feel I can't let him down and give my input also. I've never attended a service here! Should I? Just please don't say I'm going to hell...I do consider myself a christain. Ok, since I've never been I'm going to review this on the music part, the stage part, the whole street block part, ok whatever.. I have often over the years worked this venue (yes, it is a music venue as well as a fabulous house of praise and worship...They do that in here right? like every other Sunday service I've attended in my life) for certain road shows and bands particularly SXSW. I worked the Matt Nathanson/Neon Trees show here a few years back right when they were at the top of their game and man were they such selfish a-holes only let's not forget I'm talking about the "venue", I could go on for hours of all the terrible and friendly touring bands I've worked tech for over the years. This venue has a very good layout for loading in/out hard cases, guitar boats, etc. similar to stubbs which makes it easier on the crew that is working usually 15 hour shifts with little sleep. I will say if your band plays here you will love it. While the acoustics in the chapel are great, the load out is even better. My own negatives could be is that the stage is quite small and for some of the big bands playing here the security is pretty shallow, finding fans in the backroom without VIP when the techies are trying to get in and out and all they want is an autograph and a picture! I will say thanks to the record labels or was it the church that hooked the crew up with cases and cases of Monsters and those delicious $4 Nuero waters. I drank like a whole case in a few hours and was bouncing off the walls. All I can say is God bless this church! read more

I have grown up in this church and truly I share that St. Davids welcomes folks from all walks of life. Please take the time to attend a service. If you are a visitor, please introduce yourself as the members would love to meet you and have you back! read more

Just heard the 'new' Rector Father Chuck Treadwell's homily...first time I was able to visit since his arrival...at the 8 am svc today. Wow! Despite my being exhausted & in severe pain I was so uplifted and 'enlightened' by his words... read more

My wife and I have been attending St Davids for about 6 months now, having started at the beginning of 2017 after moving downtown. We visited several churches downtown that were recommended on yelp. St Davids was the highest rated downtown church and the ratings turn out to be well-deserved. And yes we're aware of the cheesiness of using an internet rating service to shop for churches, but, who is to say what the best way to find a church home is??? The reasons that we like St Davids are: great sermons (and a sense of humor) from Father Chuck, congregation-involved church services, a true mission and passion to serve our community and the world around us, and an expansive printed menu of service options to plug in wherever you are comfortable. We have never seen a church with such a broad and diverse menu of member service options, so they really walk the walk of serving others in our community. With a strong focus on social justice, without being heavy handed about it. You won't see or hear political sermons or opinion pushing. Very New Testament based theology. Also there really is a service opportunity for everybody to accommodate all talents and interests. Just pick something you enjoy or have a talent for and jump in! Use your God-given talents to serve Austin and central Texas. We did not have an Episcopalian background. Mostly Lutheran and non-denominational. Over time we found Lutherans a bit too focused on the law, and non-denoms a bit too marketing oriented with little to no congregation participation. Do know that St Davids is very liturgy focused, which can be frustrating at first, but becomes like a welcome friend after a few services, and enables you to think about and say what you truly believe every week. And there is communion every week. We missed this ability to confirm our beliefs and receive communion every week in non-denom churches. Also, St Davids has a plethora of service times, so you can attend just about any time on a Sunday and there is a service for you. And more during the week. Plus a good variety of services to consider as well. Very good music here. Also, St Davids is over 150 years old, which didn't really impact our decision to attend here, but there is tremendous Austin history here which you might find of interest. And they open the church up during SXSW, so you have to like that. I would say that St Davids is about average in terms of friendliness to visitors, but you may have to take the first step to meet people around you, depending who you sit by. We have found the congregation at St Davids to be extremely diverse and friendly, and of course we like that. If you are a visitor interested in membership, grab one of the bright red folders which has a ton of info on the church. Do take a moment on your visit to say hello to Father Chuck or Rev. Katie after the service. They are super friendly and helpful to visitors. God Bless. read more