On Sunday, June 22, the Episcopal Church of San Esteban in Cleveland, Texas, gathered for a moment filled with gratitude and hope. Together with the Rev. Dr. Leslie Stewart, who leads church planting efforts in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, members visited and prayed over the land where their future church building will be constructed. This land—a generous gift from local landowners in the Cleveland community—marks a significant milestone in the journey of this young congregation.
Currently, San Esteban gathers for worship and fellowship at the local Community Center. The vision for the church began four years ago under the leadership of Church Planter and Founding Pastor, the Rev. William Llana. After a faithful journey of formation and discernment, the congregation was officially received two years ago under the name San Esteban.
With an average attendance of 78 people, the community continues to grow each week through prayer, fellowship, and dedication. “Having a church home of our own means so much to us—it’s a dream coming true,” said Mario Jiménez, a devoted member of the congregation. With joy and reverence, the community walked the land together, offered prayers of blessing, and renewed their commitment to grow together in faith. The new church building is expected to be completed in approximately a year and a half.
The vision continues to unfold. On Wednesday, June 25, the Rev. William Llana met with the Rev. Dr. Leslie Stewart and Michael Hilfinger, Director of Real Estate and Facilities for the Diocese, to plan alongside the project architect, developer, and one of the landowners who is generously donating the property for the future church home. This gathering reflects not only careful planning but also the spiritual commitment and faithful ministry that have guided this journey from the very beginning.
The Rev. William Llana expressed his deep gratitude to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas; Bishop Andy Doyle; the Rev. Dr. Leslie Stewart; Michael Hilfinger; and Jonathan Blaker. “Thank you for believing in this dream and walking alongside us each step of the way,” he said.
San Esteban continues to move forward in faith, building a community rooted in love, prayer, and service.
