Grace Presbyterian Church in Crystal City recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
About 170 people on May 31attended the ceremony and reception, said Jeff Buck, who is head of ministry at the church.
“Spirits were amazingly joyous,” Buck said.
The event featured a traditional sermon from Pastor Vicky Michaels, who plans to retire at the end of this month, a proclamation reading by Crystal City Mayor Mike Osher, another proclamation reading by Associate Presbytery Leader Reverend Elizabeth Kanerva of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, speeches from former Grace Presbyterian reverends and a recognition of the church’s founding members by Buck.
“Since its founding in 1926, Grace Presbyterian Church has demonstrated unwavering commitment to faith, compassion and service, fostering unity and hope among its congregation and neighbors,” the Crystal City proclamation said.
The church was established on May 30, 1926, with 41 charter members.
Church member Gail Reed is a direct descendant of many charter members, specifically her great-grandparents, grandparents and two great aunts.
Reed said she was amazed by the turnout and how her relatives’ legacy continues 100 years later.
“I’ve always been a part of it, from Sunday school all the way up to now,” she said. “I’ve watched my children and grandchildren grow up in this church. I felt like my parents and grandparents were all watching.”
Buck said he is hopeful that the event brought in new and former members to the church and that the community will continue to thrive.
“The celebration of this event and leading up to it has just brought the congregation together,” he said. “Think about what that means for the next 100 years.”
The church is planning one community event per month for the rest of the year, such as vacation Bible school, neighborhood cookouts and music in the park.
Buck said he hopes the events will help the church re-establish itself as a prominent figure in the community.
For information about the church, go to its Facebook page.