The Epps Chapter’s namesake, the Rev. John Dublin Epps, was born March 13, 1881 in Kingstree, South Carolina. He received an undergraduate degree at Claflin College in Orangeburg, SC and a law degree in 1914 from Howard University. He practiced law and sold insurance in Oklahoma until 1927 when the family moved to Houston, where he was instrumental in building St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church.

In 1930, The Rev. Epps began working as a Sexton at Christ Church, Tyler where clergy and Bishop Clinton Quin encouraged and supported him in his ordination. The Rev. Epps was ordained to the priesthood on November 27, 1935. During his ministry in the Diocese of Texas, he served congregations in Baytown and St. John’s, Tyler (20 years). In 1941, he organized the Church of the Advent in Austin (St. James’) and St. Stephen’s in Lufkin. He was appointed Dean of the Colored Convocation during the time when Negro congregations did not have seat, voice or vote at Council. After retirement, the Rev. Epps continued his work at St. John’s by serving as Sunday School Superintendent and preparing people for confirmation.

The Rev. Epps was actively involved in his community. He was a 33 Degree Mason, life member of the NAACP, member of Tyler’s Progressive Voter’s League, member of the YMCA board, chaplain for the Interdenominational Alliance of Tyler, a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and was awarded the highest honor given by the Boy Scouts of America, the Silver Beaver.  He died  died in 1979.

Based on this brief biography it should be clear why the Chapter is named in honor of the Rev. John Dublin Epps. His life and works epitomize the core values of Christian discipleship, as did his vocal, unwavering advocacy for equal human, civil and church rights for all members. In a nutshell, his legacy epitomized the mission of the Union of Black Episcopalians.