The Church of St. Clement began as a mission in 1870 in the dusty border village of Franklin, now El Paso. Judge Gaylor Judd Clarke and his family arrived in Franklin in 1867, and he and his wife gathered other friends in their homes on Sunday mornings and read the Episcopal liturgy. Soon, Judge Carke went to Austin to request of the Episcopal Bishop there that he send a clergyman to this frontier community. In 1870, the Rev. Joseph Wilkin Tays, a native of Nova Scotia, accepted a call to Franklin, making this mission the first Protestant, (non-Roman) church between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Brownsville, Texas.

The name “Saint Clement” was chosen to honor St. Clement of Rome, a disciple of St. Peter and third Bishop of Rome, and Clement Clarke, the deceased infant son of Judge and Mrs. Clarke. Clement is a fitting name for this parish, as he was a shining example of apostolic witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The “anchor” is the symbol for St. Clement, since Bishop Clement died by being tied to one and thrown in the ocean, and this symbol (a Christian symbol of hope) is seen throughout the Church of St. Clement. Hebrews 6:19 tells us that, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

On May 22, 1905, five lots on the corner of Montana and Campbell streets were bought for $5,200.00. The vestry tried to mortgage the old church property but found it could not be mortgaged for any purpose, so they sold the old church “land only” for the sum of $52,000, and removed the buildings. As much of the old materials as possible were used in the new building. After the sale of the property, the Rector said, “The future of St. Clements has just dawned, and your Rector asks your united and loyal support in carrying on its great and blessed work.” Services were held in the old church until April 7, 1907, and then services were held in an old synagogue until the building was complete. “The cornerstone, after many delays, arrived and was laid in June, 1907, in the presence of a large number of the congregation and many townspeople, the Rev. Mr. Easter presiding. The cornerstone was laid in the shape of an ‘E’, and was actually made by three stones. Between the arms of the stones articles of sentiment were deposited, then covered with concrete. During the ceremony the choir marched across the temporary flooring of the church property to the inspiring processional, The Church’s One Foundation, taking their places finally in the north tower. The opening service in the new church was postponed until February 9, 1908, the second Sunday in February, which marked, most appropriately, the 26th anniversary of the 1st service held in the little frame building on Mesa Ave. There were 1,000 people present for this service.”

By God’s grace and power, the church has continued to grow and serve the community of El Paso through many ministries and missionary work.