Christ Church was the first Episcopal church in Texas. It was organized on January 27, 1839, with the Rev. Caleb S. Ives as rector. The building was consecrated on February 25, 1844, by the Rt. Rev. Leonides Polk, D. D., Bishop of Louisiana. The Diocese of Texas was established on January 1, 1849. The building was destroyed by a hurricane on September 11, 1854, and was rebuilt on the present site. The Rev. Mr. Ives and his wife also established and taught an early school in connection with the parish.