Rockwall, TX (September 26, 2023) – Countless cars cruise Lakeshore Drive daily, unaware of the profound history that lies just a few yards away. A deep and heartfelt history found in the home of a family deeply rooted in faith and Rockwall, led by a patriot with a witty humor and a strong sense of service.
The home, a fixture in the neighborhood, sits atop a hill on 7 acres of land with wide open windows and gorgeous views of the lake, across the bridge, and into downtown Dallas. For many years, this sprawling mid-century home hosted parties around the large pool, games on the well-maintained lawn, laughter-filled class photos, and numerous stories.
The patriot, former statesman and Congressman Ralph Hall, and his wife, Mary Ellen, purchased the home in 1973, welcoming friends, neighbors, politicians, former presidents, supporters, astronauts and even Moses, in the form of Charlton Heston, until their passing in 2019 and 2008, respectively. But mostly this was a place for family. Their son and Rockwall County Judge, Brett Hall, recalls suffering through law school in his second story bedroom.
Today, St. Benedict’s Anglican Church calls the North Rockwall property their home. Intent on honoring and remembering the Hall family, the church proudly tells the history of the home while speaking to the future.
The massive pool, one of the first in Rockwall, extended to depths of 13 feet allowing plenty of room for all those gatherings. Now the pool is a memorial garden in honor of Mary Ellen, lovingly donated by an anonymous donor, and set to be a treasured part of the church for years to come.
Surrounding the garden are retaining walls made in part with stones from the rock wall the city is known and named for. These same retaining walls will serve as a backdrop for future photos and parties.
The family room and dining room that held casual and holiday gatherings are now lined with pews filled with neighbors, friends, newcomers, and families gathered to grow, learn, love, and serve.
How the home became a church hints that the property was always destined for this purpose.
Former Rockwall mayor and member of the church Bishop’s Council, Alma Williams-Howard, encouraged by Father Michael Vinson to help locate a permanent church home, thought of the Hall property she knew so well. She believed the home was perfect to fulfil the church vision. Driving past in May 2021, she wondered if the family was ready to sell and reached out to her friend, Brett Hall.
The house was just weeks from going on the market. Hall says they hoped the property would be purchased by a family; however, they recognized the size, renovations, and maintenance needed on a home nearly 70 years old might make that difficult! It was, unfortunately, a greater possibility that a developer might surface. Learning of St. Benedict’s plans, he considered how his parents might feel. “We never dreamed the property would become a church, but it was a perfect option,” says Hall.
The Hall family was always concerned about their neighbors and how selling the home might impact them. Thankfully, the church’s desire to retain the open space preserved a serene environment that hasn’t changed the views. Prior to finalizing plans, the church met neighbors giving assurance they would always be welcome to stroll, sit under trees, and walk their dogs across the lawn.
As plans moved forward, everything aligned perfectly.
The church grew and individuals with an array of related skills joined including an architect, a project manager, financial planner, and more. Soon there was a treasure of resources within the church family. “There’s no world where a church this small should have been able to do this,” says Father Michael. “That’s just the way God works.”
Father Michael says St. Benedict’s is the first church out of a growth program of the Anglican church. The church is part of a “parish mile” vision based on smaller churches tucked into neighborhoods where they build on relationships, community, and serving together.
With initial renovations complete, the church is settling in and experiencing the fruits of their labor of love. The church is enjoying life together hosting 4th of July celebrations, Easter services and egg hunts, and Saturday symposiums. Church members provide tutoring to local students and the upcoming Blessing of the Animals will welcome many new faces, 4-legged friends, and more.
Additional renovations include a Reading Room with dedicated place to honor Ralph Hall and his family and perhaps a chapel, which would be built closer to the street so as not to change the views.
To be expected, future renovations come with challenges. Gary Dahl, Jr Warden on the Bishop’s Council, says, “We have invested so much on the exterior to meet city requirements. The next big investments will be in the sanctuary.”
Since St. Benedict’s moved in, members of the Hall family have visited, including Brett Hall’s daughters who have a strong connection to the property. Initially reluctant, knowing the property has a purpose “made it easier for us to let it go,” says Hall.
Everyone agrees a connective tissue runs through the property uniting the home and church.
“There is a lot of emotion and sentimentality in the home,” says Howard. “I’ve been told by many that Ralph and Mary Ellen would be thrilled with the church’s presence.”
To learn more about St. Benedict’s Anglican Church visit www.stbenedictanglican.com
By Melanie Mayfield, BRN Contributing Writer
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