Formed in 1883 to serve the Fort Sam Houston community, St. Paul's parish at once made plans for this edifice. The Rt. Rev. R.W. B. Elliott, first Bishop of the Missionary district of west Texas, donated the site. Miss Mary Coles of Philadelphia, PA., added funds to local subscriptions and hired the architect. The Gothic style church, built of native stone, was consecrated by Bishop Elliott on October 25, 1885.