St. James celebrates 140 years at Fort McKavett.

St. James' Episcopal Church celebrated 140 years at Fort McKavett, Texas.  Episcopalians of the Fort McKavett area shared a worshipping history with the former U.S. Army installation.  In 1868 the Federal Government mandated all U.S. Army regiments shall supply an ordained chaplain to the troops.  At Fort McKavett, the majority of chaplains were Episcopalian.  The chaplains welcomed the area ranchers and townsfolk to worship with the officers and soldiers.  When the Army deactivated Fort McKavett in 1883, the townsfolk wrote the Bishop of West Texas and requested their own priest.  Hence the congregation of St. James' was formed in 1884.  

On October 20, 2024, Calvary Episcopal Church in Menard combined with St. James' Fort McKavett to celebrate St James' 140th birthday.  The two congregations have historically been connected through common families and shared vicars.  Bishop David G. Read attended and presided at Holy Eucharist along with the former and current vicar, the Rev. Christopher Roque.  Also attending was the Rev. Monte Jones, who served as vicar for fourteen years in the 1980s and 90s.  St. James has had an active ministry in the Bishop's Cursillo Movement, Water Well and Veterinary Mission Teams, continues to be an outreach to Fort McKavett State Historic Site during its yearly events.