From limestone Gothic towers in the heart of the capital to small-town chapels framed by rolling Hill Country, the Austin and Central Texas region offers a diverse array of historic churches. Many of these buildings date back to the mid- to late-19th century, reflecting the cultural influences of German, Czech, Mexican-American, and Anglo-American settlers.
Each structure tells a story of community, craftsmanship, and enduring faith, and most remain active houses of worship while welcoming visitors for tours, concerts, and cultural events.
Historic Churches in Austin
Austin’s historic churches mirror the city’s growth from a frontier settlement to the bustling state capital. Built between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, these sanctuaries range from limestone Gothic cathedrals designed by master architects to modest Carpenter Gothic chapels tucked into leafy neighborhoods.
Many were founded by immigrant congregations—German Lutherans, Mexican-American Catholics, African-American Baptists—and remain active centers of worship and community life. Their varied styles and locations make them ideal stops for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and visitors exploring the capital’s cultural heritage.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Austin)
209 W 27th St, Austin, TX 78705
Built in 1899 of locally quarried limestone, All Saints’ stands just north of the University of Texas campus and is notable for its English Gothic design by architect A.O. Watson. Lancet windows, a prominent bell tower, and intricate wood truss ceilings distinguish the sanctuary. The church offers regular Sunday services and often hosts chamber music performances in its acoustically rich nave.
Cathedral of Saint Mary (Austin)
203 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
Originating as St. Patrick’s in the 1850s, the current High Victorian Gothic cathedral was completed in 1884 under the design of Nicholas J. Clayton. Nature-inspired stone carvings, pointed arches, and stained glass create a grand yet intimate interior. As the mother church of the Diocese of Austin, it holds daily Mass and seasonal liturgical concerts.
Central Christian Church (Austin)
1110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Founded in 1847, Central Christian is one of Austin’s oldest Protestant congregations. Its 1929 sanctuary blends Gothic and Romanesque elements, with a distinctive rose window above the main entrance. The church remains active with Sunday worship, community outreach, and public lectures.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Austin)
200 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701
Constructed in 1883 by Swedish immigrants, Gethsemane Lutheran’s Gothic Revival sanctuary features native limestone walls, a steeply pitched roof, and tall stained-glass lancets. Now a Texas Historical Commission property, it houses church offices and historical displays.
University Baptist Church (Austin)
2130 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Built in 1921 in the Mediterranean Revival style, University Baptist is distinguished by its red tile roof, arched arcades, and decorative tilework. Located along “The Drag,” it has long been a spiritual and cultural hub for UT students, hosting services, social programs, and live music events.
Hyde Park Presbyterian Church (Austin)
3915 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751
Established in 1896, this Carpenter Gothic church retains its original wood siding, lancet windows, and bell tower. The intimate sanctuary continues to serve a small, active congregation and is often included in neighborhood walking tours.
St. David’s Episcopal Church (Austin)
301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
Founded in 1851, St. David’s is one of Austin’s oldest congregations, with its original limestone sanctuary completed in 1854. The building has expanded over the decades but retains its Gothic Revival character. Its historic cemetery and community garden offer peaceful respites in the heart of downtown.
Saint Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Austin)
606 W 15th St, Austin, TX 78701
Organized in 1884 by German immigrants, Saint Martin’s built its current Gothic Revival church of rusticated stone the same year. It remains known for its rich musical tradition, including a long-running concert series and choral performances.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (Austin)
1206 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78702
Founded in the early 20th century to serve Austin’s growing Mexican-American population, the current Spanish Colonial Revival sanctuary was dedicated in 1931. With white stucco walls, red tile roof, and twin bell towers, it remains a vibrant parish, hosting bilingual Masses and cultural celebrations like the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Ebenezer Baptist Church (Austin)
1010 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78702
Founded in 1875, Ebenezer is one of Austin’s oldest African-American congregations. Its current 1920s brick sanctuary features Romanesque arches, stained glass, and a strong connection to local civil rights history. The church remains active with worship and community outreach.
Historic Churches in Central Texas Towns
Beyond Austin, the small towns of Central Texas are home to some of the state’s most enduring church landmarks. Often built of local limestone or hand-hewn timber, these 19th- and early-20th-century churches reflect the faith, resourcefulness, and craftsmanship of the communities that raised them. From twin-towered Catholic sanctuaries in Czech settlements to simple stone chapels on courthouse squares, each stands as a testament to the region’s diverse heritage. Many continue to host regular services, festivals, and concerts, making them living links to Central Texas’s past.
First Methodist Church (Georgetown)
410 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
Founded in 1849, this congregation built its present Gothic Revival sanctuary in 1891. Native stone walls, a tall corner tower, and stained-glass memorial windows distinguish the building, which sits prominently in Georgetown’s historic square.
Salado United Methodist Church (Salado)
650 Royal St, Salado, TX 76571
Dating to 1852, Salado UMC’s current sanctuary blends simple Gothic Revival features with local limestone construction. The church remains a focal point for the village’s community life, hosting seasonal festivals and holiday services.
Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church (Taylor)
View this post on Instagram
301 S Main St, Taylor, TX 76574
Built in 1914 to serve the town’s Czech Catholic population, Saint Mary’s is a twin-towered Gothic Revival church with richly colored stained-glass windows imported from Europe. Its interior boasts a hand-carved altar and painted ceiling details.
First Baptist Church (Taylor)
2500 Mallard Dr, Taylor, TX 76574
First organized in the late 1800s, the congregation’s historic brick sanctuary features Romanesque Revival arches, stained glass, and a distinctive corner tower. The church continues to hold services and community programs in its original building.
African-American & Mexican-American Heritage Churches
Ebenezer Baptist Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church stand as important cultural anchors for their communities, providing not just worship but also leadership in education, civil rights, and cultural preservation. Annual events like the Guadalupe feast day procession and Ebenezer’s gospel concerts draw both locals and visitors.
Preservation & Restoration Highlights
- Cathedral of Saint Mary (Austin) – Stone cleaning and stained-glass restoration preserve Nicholas J. Clayton’s Gothic details.
- Old Rock Church (Georgetown) – Masonry stabilization protects its mid-19th-century limestone walls.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe (Austin) – Roof and stucco repairs safeguard its Spanish Colonial Revival façade.
- St. Mary of the Assumption (Taylor) – Ongoing stained-glass conservation ensures the longevity of its imported windows.
Visiting Tips
- Visit downtown Austin churches on weekdays for quieter touring opportunities.
- Pair university-area churches like All Saints’ and University Baptist with a stroll through the UT campus.
- Many small-town churches are open only during services—call ahead or check parish websites for tour options.
- Look for music events—several churches have renowned pipe organs and host concerts throughout the year.
