The Diocese of Texas in 1953 purchased 5 1/2 acres of land at the corner of Jan and DeCharles. St. Andrews mission was organized in 1956 by 25 communicants of Christ Church, Tyler. The original building, which was intended to serve as a Parish Hall and temporary Sanctuary, was completed in 1958. It contained no pews, only folding chairs. The new building was arranged so that the altar would always be visible from the street, day and night. Parish status was granted in 1964.

The three metal crosses on the West grounds were erected with the original church building. The center cross stands 36 feet tall and represents the sacrifice of Christ. The side crosses represent the two other crosses that stood on Calvary. 

What is now the Parish Hall was four classrooms in the ‘50s. They were used for children's Sunday School and on five days a week were used as classrooms for St. Andrews School. The Parish Hall/Sanctuary was used for adult Sunday School. What we now call the Education Building was added in the early 60's to accommodate the Episcopal school. In the mid 70's, the school was moved from St. Andrews and became All Saints School.

In the early 80's there were many changes taking place both inside and out of the church, with long range plans being voted on by the Vestry and congregation. At that time, the Vestry, supported by the priest, asked the diocese if the name of the parish could be changed. The bishop and the diocese replied yes, the new name was adopted, and the church was christened St. Francis. 

As the church now over 60 years in existence, thanks can be given because hundreds of worshipers have called this their church home. They have been fed with the Word proclaimed from its lectern and the Sacrament offered from its altar. Through a strong faith, St. Francis looks with hope to the future. Thanks be to God!

This information was taken from the book entitled St. Francis Episcopal Church, Tyler, Texas: a History, written by Pat Logan, a current and longtime member of St. Francis. The book is available in the Church Library, located in the Education Building.

Born in Italy circa 1181, St. Francis of Assisi was known for drinking and partying in his youth. After fighting in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, Francis was captured and imprisoned for ransom. He spent nearly a year in prison—awaiting his father's payment—and, during this time, reportedly began receiving visions from God. After his release from prison, Francis reportedly heard the voice of Christ, who told him to repair the Christian Church and live a life of poverty. So he abandoned his life of luxury and devoted his life to Christianity and became known all over the Christian world. Later in life, Francis reportedly received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ—marks resembling the wounds Jesus Christ suffered when he was crucified—making Francis the first person to receive the holy wounds of the stigmata. He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228. Today, St. Francis of Assisi has had a lasting resonance, with millions of followers across the globe

Our Vision

The vision of St. Francis is to

• Promote spiritual growth through education and worship, • Reach out in service to the community,

• Increase diverse music ministries to create a joyful sound

   in celebration,

• Provide vibrant children’s, youth, and campus ministries,

• Create a variety of ministries and pro grams for everyone. 

Our Mission

St. Francis is a community of Christians whose mission is to love one another, serving God’s kingdom on earth through

• Developing discipleship through worship, prayer,

   education, and fellowship,

• Ministering to one another

• Offering ourselves as servants in God’s world

Position Currently Vacant

St. Francis Episcopal Church, Tyler is currently in a period of transition. Fr. Mitch Tollett received a calling after nearly 11 years with us here and has moved on to his next ministry. Our Parish Profile is currently active, and recommendations are being accepted by our Search Committee. Click below to learn more or contact us for information.