'Serving Christ by inviting, teaching, and discipling those within, to serve those without'

History of the Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church

     The family of James Franklin and Emily Austin Perry moved from Potosi, Missouri, reaching the San Felipe de Austin in the Mexican province of Texas on August, 14, 1831.  The family's first permanent residence in Texas was at Oak Grove on Pleasant Bayou in current Brazoria County.  Emily and her younger children resided at San Felipe while James looked after the construction of a home and other improvements at Oak Grove.  Due in part to the influence of Emily's brother, Stephen F. Austin, the family decided to move from Oak Grove to Peach Point, a move that was made around Christmas of 1832.  After the move to Peach Point, a one room log cabin was constructed, but not dedicated, where the family, slaves and visitors worshipped.  This service was supplied for some time by any Protestant minister that came through this part of the country, most of the time, by the itinerant Methodist minister.

     On June 7, 1877, a small building was erected on a site given by Mrs. Sarah B. Perry near her home at Peach Point. This site was located at the cemetery that had been formed on August 4, 1833, when Emily's daughter, by her first marriage, past away from cholera. (More about the historic cemetery later.) This was the first dedicated church and the real beginning of this church organization. The modest building filled the needs of the church people of that community from 1877 to 1909,- 32 years. In July 1909, a terrible Gulf hurricane passed through this section of the coast and practically demolished the building.  The membership had increased as the community had grown. All were community minded and desirous of a place to worship, so all the  people began immediately to make plans to rebuild the Church. Many ways were devised to raise the necessary funds. Two carpenters W.B. and Charlie Hanson supervised the job and the other men in the community helped with the labor, while funds for materials were provided by the women. Mrs. Katie Perry, was untiring in her effort to promote ways and means to get these funds together. She was unceasing in her deep interest until the church was completed, furnished, and dedicated free of debt.

     In 1946, a decision was made by the officers of the Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church to launch a new building program. The old building was sold and would be moved to the Darazno Plantation, after the new church was completed. The new building, which replaced the old one, was placed in the same location. Mrs. Lucy Bryan Harvey gave the church and much of the furnishings. It was in memory of S.E. Bryan and his wife, S.I. Stratton. Many other gifts were given in remembrance of family and loved ones, but are to numerous to mention here. The sanctuary given by Mrs. Lucy B. Harvey was dedicated March 22, 1950. With only a few additions, including a new chime system, and stained windows, the building remains as when built.

     The first unit of the educational building was built with funds raised towards a Sanctuary, after Mrs. Harvey gave the Sanctuary, those funds were used to erect the first building, consisting of a kitchen, three class rooms, and an assembly room. This building was ready for occupancy at the time the Sanctuary was dedicated. Later, an extension was built on the west and provided five class rooms, and gave ample room for a regular nursery. The second addition built on the east consisted of two class rooms and a new kitchen, a new and enlarged nursery  and an auditorium that will seat approximately two hundred people. This addition was made possible from donations, volunteer labor and a bond sale. Mrs. Harvey generously gave funds for the needed furniture.

For many years in the Gulf Prairie community, Mrs. Katie Perry kept some kind of Women's Society alive for the purpose of Sunday School and whatever needs arose in the community. It was called the "Ladies Aid" and "Women's Missionary Society". After she moved to Freeport to live with her son, others tried to keep the group going, among them, Mrs. Perry's daughter Mrs.  Joel Bryan, especially after Mrs. Perry's death in 1936. The Women's Auxiliary was reorganized April 1, 1946. Mrs. Lucy Cammack McGuire was elected president. Later the name was changed to "The Women of the Church."

     A Young People's Missionary Society was held from 1910, until most of the people left the community in the early 20's. No regular services were held in the church during the 20's and 30's. In 1941, after Dow Chemical Co. came to the area, this community grew rapidly. Again the church was reactivated with Mrs. Sarah Perry Cammack arranging for several different Protestant ministers to hold services until about 1944. Then Rev. David Currie, of the Freeport Presbyterian Church, began holding services until May 26, 1946, when Rev. D.A. McNeil began his work as temporary supply pastor. From 1946 to 1949, supply pastors were sent from seminary in Austin, Texas, to help keep the church program organized and the people from losing interest in the church.

Since the 1950's, we have had several regular ministers to serve our congregation. The Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church is a small community church with a proud, rich history. Many of the present day members have been members for life and are descendents of the church's founder, Mrs. Emily Austin Bryan Perry. The church is as active now as it has ever been. 

Special note: This information comes from the book
Peach Point Plantation - the First 150 Years
By Marie Beth Jones

Copyright 2007 Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church.  All Rights Reserved.