St. Michael and All Angels in Blanco Experiences Rapid Growth

St. Michael and All Angels in Blanco Experiences Rapid Growth
Clergy and Lay Leaders Expand Congregation through Community Outreach

Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, with less than an hour’s drive to Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg, is St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Blanco.

Established as a mission in 1953, the church was formed when a small group of Episcopalians who were traveling to San Antonio for services each week decided it was time to have a church home in the city of Blanco. The first few years, services were held in various places, including members’ homes and the city library.  In 1956, the sanctuary that stands today was erected.  

St. Michael and All Angels is a church with deep roots and strong lay leadership. Once the doors at St. Michael’s opened, it was lay leadership who kept the church running for decades, forming Sunday School and Confirmation classes and holding Morning Prayer.  A priest came weekly for the Sunday service and the size of the congregation stayed steady at approximately 30 for over 50 years.

The culture of the church has always been one that welcomed visitors and actively participated in community outreach. During the years beginning in 2015 – 2020, the city of Blanco and and the surrounding area experienced significant growth.  With this rise in population, St. Michael’s began seeing their congregation expand.  

The Rt. Rev. Dr. David M. Reed, 10^th Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, along with the lay leadership at St. Michael’s, determined it was time for to appoint a part-time priest, providing additional clergy support and leadership. The Rev. Bryn Caddell had just finished seminary and was excited to come on board, serving on Sundays and two weekdays, while simultaneously serving as Curate at St. Nicholas in Bulverde.  

St. Michael’s continued to thrive as the area’s population increased.  In 2022, a milestone was reached when Rev. Caddell transitioned to the role of full-time Vicar.  With the support of the diocese, the church saw a gradual path to self-sustainability, welcoming new members and continuing to build relationships and serve the community.  At the heart of the church is tradition and community.  On any given week, St. Michael’s is a place for worship, music, and Christian Formation. Additionally, the church hosts book club, Al-Anon meetings, picnics, the “Lunches of Love” food ministry, prescription relief support, and more.  

Rev. Caddell shared, “I’m so grateful for the support of the lay ministry at St. Michael’s, for Bishops David M. Reed and David G. Read for their vision and support, the diocese, and our neighboring churches who have assisted in navigating this growth journey and promoted our events in the Hill Country region. It’s been a blessing to be a part of this amazing church family.  People are attracted to our warmth and to the way we care about each other. They are attracted to our liturgy. They are attracted to our dedication to love God and all people. They are being nourished by the love of God.”

Each year, the Feast of St. Michael is a big celebration.  On September 29, 2025, the celebration started with the Presentation of the Colors by members of the American Legion, followed by prayers on the lawn then and the fifth annual Blessing Parade for veterans and first responders. The parade was followed by a Fun Run, which raised $1600 for Homes For Our Troops.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas said, “St. Michael and All Angels is a wonderful example of how the empowerment and faith of lay people, combined with strong clergy leadership and vision, can not only sustain, but build and grow a congregation.  The dedication of St. Michael’s lay people, along with the blessing of Rev. Caddell who joined in 2020, demonstrates how a welcoming spirit, authentic love, and living in the word of Jesus can grow and prosper our churches and communities, both physically and spiritually.”

On a beautiful spring day in March, the congregation gathered between services for Gratitude Sunday, sharing food and fellowship.  During the services, members helped to create a gratitude tree, filled with leaves that included individual expressions of thankfulness.

St. Michael’s continues to blossom and welcome new members.  The church currently welcomes approximately 100 worshipers each Sunday during their two morning services.  With the physical limitations of the current parish hall, lay leaders and Rev. Caddell have determined it is time to expand the space, allowing more space for congregational fellowship, as well community gatherings, such as Blanco’s cross-ministerial alliance’s interfaith Lenten Luncheons. To support this goal, the church recently launched a Capital Campaign, “Growing Together for a Vibrant Future”.  In their Capital Campaign message, Co-Chairs Holly and Dennis Tottenham stated “God’s guiding hands on St. Michael’s is clearly visible: the calling of Mother Bryn and her spiritual leadership and vision; and the growth and diversity of our congregation. The foundation and health of our church have broadened with the arrival of new families and their children. The welcoming into the life of Christ through Baptism and the interweaving of Sunday services with children helping Mtr. Bryn bring thanksgiving and joy to us all.”

If you are in the Blanco area on a Sunday morning, be sure to visit St. Michael and All Angels.  You will be welcomed into this beautiful church with open arms.

Click here to visit St. Michael and All Angels website.

Click here to download the Capital Campaign brochure.

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