John Elbridge Hines in Austin, Texas
historical marker
In Austin, Travis County, a historical marker erected in 2009 by the Texas Historical Commission commemorates John Elbridge Hines. Born on October 3, 1910, in Seneca, South Carolina, Hines became a significant figure in the Episcopal Church. After serving in Missouri and Georgia, Hines moved to Texas in the 1940s. He was rector of Christ Church in Houston from 1941 to 1945. In 1945, he was consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Texas and moved his family to Austin. He became the fourth Bishop of Texas in 1955. While Bishop of Texas, Hines co-founded the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, which opened in 1951 or 1952. He also built Saint Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin. In 1965, Hines was elected the 22nd Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, serving until 1974. He was known for his commitment to racial and social justice, championing civil rights and the inclusion of women and people of color in church leadership. He also initiated the movement for corporate divestment in South Africa, contributing to the anti-apartheid effort. John Elbridge Hines died in Austin on July 19, 1997. This marker recognizes his enduring impact on both the church and social justice movements, particularly his foundational work in Austin.