This towering Gothic Revival church is the largest pre-1901 house of worship in Jacksonville.   When it was constructed in 1887, its architect, Robert S. Schuyler, had already established himself as an experienced designer of Episcopal churches.  In addition to four Carpenter Gothic chapels in Waldo, Fairbanks, Pablo Beach, and Lake Santa Fe, Florida, Schuyler also designed St. Peter's Church in Fernandina in 1881 (one of several National Register buildings designed by Schuyler in that city).  The excellence of St. Andrew's architecture was praised in the 1889 edition of King's Handbook of Notable Episcopal Churches in the United States: 

This new Church, after designs of Mr. R. L. [sic.] Schuyler, architect, of Fernandina, Florida is regarded as one of the most satisfying pieces of architecture in the South.  It is built of pressed brick laid in black mortar, the trimmings being of stone. The ground plan is cruciform, the vestry-room on one side and the organ-chamber on the other forming the transepts.  The chancel and nave are separated by three arches of masonry.  The chancel, in addition to the usual furniture, has seats for a vested choir of forty voices.  The interior woodwork of the building is Florida pine, carefully selected and as carefully put together.  The doors, a special gift, are made of solid mahogany.  The ceiling is panelled with yellow pine.  The tower rises to a height of 120 feet, and is the highest now in the city. 

The once populous residential area around the church has faded in recent years, and by the late 1970's the building had fallen into disuse and disrepair.  Its congregation had moved away.  Vacant for over a decade, the building was one of the most perplexing challenges facing local preservationists.   Ironically, the Jacksonville Jaguars helped save it.

The Merrill House (left), Old St. Andrews, and Alltel Stadium (right)