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OUR PASTOR
THE HISTORY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DICKINSON (Compiled from church records by Ralene Coble, Church Historian) April 12, 1956 The first organizational meeting of our church was held in a living room in Dickinson, Texas and attended by seven families and Rev. David M. Currie of the First Presbyterian Church in Texas City. Everyone agreed there was a need to organize a Presbyterian Church in Dickinson. A lively discussion was had and finally George Phenegar challenged: “If we say right now that 2 weeks from Sunday we will hold our first church service and Sunday school, how many of you will be there with your children?” A moment of silence…then all replied, “I will.” This was the moment the church was born. April 29, 1956 The first worship service was held on this date in the Junior High School Cafeteria. There were 22 in attendance. The Sunday school classes were organized. Hymnals and literature were given to the church by the Texas City and Galveston churches. From this time on, everyone was working. Doors were opened to us and help came from everywhere. We found a great strength in Dr. Malcolm Parcell, then Executive Secretary of Brazos Presbytery, during our early years. October 21, 1956 The church was formally organized by a commission of Brazos Presbytery. The name chosen was FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DICKINSON. There were 4 Elders elected; Phillip Frank, A. R. Pettyjohn, A. A. O’Kelley, and George Pheneger. There were 42 charter members listed on the rolls. January 22, 1956 George N. Thompson served as pastor from January to September, 1957. April 1, 1957 Our organizational procedures had progressed enough to authorize the engaging of H. R. Winslett and Hugh E. Gragg, Architects, to begin plans for our Fellowship Hall. January 15, 1958 The contract for the construction of the Fellowship Hall was let to Bill Martin of Galveston. January 26, 1958 On this date, authority was granted to purchase a Manse at 1609 Pine Crest in Dickinson. February 6, 1958 Our Women of the Church organization was founded by Ruby O’Kelly as first president. June 29, 1958 This was the date the first services were held in our new building. The First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson had come a long way.
July 20, 1958 Rev. William B. Krieg, Jr. was installed on this date as our minister. August, 1958 Our first Vacation Bible School was held. There were 37 enrolled. Perfect attendance was attained. We were able to help in the organization of such other churches…Hitchcock, Texas and Clear Lake, Texas. October 9, 1960 The Board of Trustees was authorized to execute a loan for the purpose of building addition. This was to be our Sunday School building. Hard work and more hard work saw this building become a reality and it was completed just at the end of 1960. We began using it in early 1961. January – 1961 The Women of the Church were very active in White Cross. These women held general meetings and circle meetings. They took charge of the kitchen, nursery, flowers, and vacation bible school. Our choir was very active under the direction of Evelyn Krieg. Our church also contributed to the support of a Missionary in Brazil. March – 1965 Rev. Krieg submitted his resignation.
May – 1965 As our membership and activities grew, a planning committee was formed. They reported to the Session that there was need for a sanctuary. Our membership had grown to 215 members. September – 1965 A Sanctuary Construction Committee was formed. A contract was let to Architects – Flesher and Terwilleger to draw up plans for our Sanctuary. The building was to cost $71,398.00. Our loan of $100,000.00 was endorsed b Presbytery. February – 1966 Fred Tullock of Hot Springs Arkansas accepted the call to be our Minister. October – 1966 After long hours of hard work, our new Sanctuary was complete and dedicated. Our membership was 252 members. April – 1967 This was a busy year with many activities underway. A special committee was formed to study the possibilities of forming a Scout Troop. April – 1969 Rev. Tulloch resigned to accept the call of a church in Dallas. A special Congregational meeting was held to select a pulpit nominating committee. August – 1969 A nominating committee elected at the Congregational meeting set up guide lines for issuing a call to a new minister. After visitation with several prospects, they placed the name of Robert Graham in nomination and the call was issued. October – 1969 Rev. Graham answered our call and became our minister. January 1970 The Board of Deacons was dissolved. The work of the Deacons was placed in the hands of the Session. March – 1971 The formal charter was granted to the First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson for a Boy Scout Troop. We even had a Scout House. January – 1972 This seemed to be a year of “roof repairs” and “budgets.” There seemed to be a lack of interest in the Boy Scout Troop and it was abandoned. Our church sponsored twins (Ronnie and Donnie Hampton) at the Itasca Home. September – 1973 This was the year of extensive “pledging programs.” An adult study group was formed. March – 1975 On March 7, a fire in the Fellowship Hall almost totally destroyed the Church Library. Arson was suspected when a gasoline can was found. The damage was set at approximately $10,000. When a library is destroyed, it is hard to put a value on what was in it. Fortunately, some records were saved. April – 1975 A bid was let for work to be done to repair the fire damage. Much of the work was done by members of the church. February – 1976 The County paved the street in front of the church. Dickinson is growing. September – 1976 A covered dish supper and special church service and reception were held in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the consecration of the sanctuary. July – 1979 As a result of a Tropical Depression, a great flood came to Dickinson. The First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson was flooded to an excess of 30”. Everyone pitched in to help, not only at the church, but members and residents of the area. A Flood Fund was established. Committees were formed to clean up and a loan was obtained from the Small Business Administration to helping reconstruction. Much was lost but the church rallied and we re-built. If you look in the sanctuary, you can still see the water lines. May 4th was a very special day for there was a rededication of the sanctuary after all the flood repairs were complete. June – 1980 January – 1981 Rev. Graham made plans to retire. A pulpit committee was formed and a search for a new minister began. We were very fortunate in having as an interim pastor, Kenneth D. Altfather. When the committee felt the time was right, the name of Donald E. Trent was placed in nomination. The call was issued for Rev. Trent to become our minister. October – 1981 Donald E. Trent officially became our minister. January – 1983 This was a big year for Presbyterians. The reunion of the Presbyterian Church was finalized. The official name is now The Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
August – 1983 Hurricane Alicia decided to visit our area. She moved in on Galveston and came right up the Gulf Freeway and danced around Dickinson before moving on up to Houston. Once again, there was damage, but everyone helped and worked to repair…AGAIN. It took the best part of three years for things to “get back to normal” and much was not recovered. Sara Lee Morgan became our organist. There were continued repairs as a result of Alicia. A goal was set to complete these repairs by 1985. June – 1984 Pat Rawlings issued a limited edition set of prints of his drawing of our sanctuary. The proceeds will go to the Capital Funds Campaign. This drawing was later used on our Church Cookbook and note paper. July – 1984 Trustees were authorized to sign a 3-year oil lease on the Church Property. The Sunday school is repaired. September – 1984 Reverend Don Trent and members, Earleen Fuhrhop and Ralene Coble, as well as others outside the church, make a trip to the holy land and to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.
January – 1985 A fund was started for an illuminated sign to be put up in front of the Church. February – 1985 Extensive repairs were started in the Fellowship Hall. March – 1985 The First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson hosted a Presbytery Cluster Meeting. August – 1985 New playground equipment was purchased and plans were formulated for a basketball court. September – 1985 A new illuminated sign was purchased and installed. October – 1985 A pictorial directory was done for our church. November – 1985 A gala event was had when the First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson and the Formosan Church of Houston met for a family night supper.
April – 1986 The 30th. Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church was celebrated with a Family Night Supper. Many items were on display, including the original plans for the church. October – 1986 A Family Retreat was held at Camp Cho Yeh – 55 attended. January – 1987 A computer was purchased. We noted the arrival of “the bees” in both the Sunday school building and the Sanctuary. May – 1987 Billye Spicer was appointed as coordinator and designer for the proposed needlepoint antependia for the church. The first set will be purple. Donations were made by Ralph Pippit for the first set and work will be done by members of the church. June – 1987 We had a large Vacation Bible School – 62 – under the direction of Earleen Fuhrhop. The Girl Scouts were given permission to hold meetings once a week in our Fellowship Hall.
November – 1987 A new electronic piano was purchased for the Sanctuary. We also started working with the community on an Adult Literacy Group. We offered a course in CPR. The night Circle ladies made up at least 20 boxes for the Seamen in the port of Houston. September – 1988 A new outside closed bulletin board was given by Valerie Adams in memory of her husband Jim. The first set of antependia (purple) was completed and dedicated. January – 1989 The design for the green antependia for the Sanctuary was approved. May – 1989 A new sound system was purchased for the church, as well as new organ speakers and a hearing system. These were part of a memorial donation from the estate of Bob and Catherine Wright. September – 1989 A second pictorial directory was done for our church.
May – 1989 A tree has been planted in memory of Catherine Wright at Mo Ranch by the Mo Rand Women’s Conferences. March – 1990 Extensive renovation and improvements to the Fellowship Hall were started. These include new formica on the walls, new paint, carpet, and a new roof area for the air conditioners. Our Moderator of the Property just happened to be Earleen Fuhrhop. April – 1990 The white antependia is finished and dedicated. December – 1990 The First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson held it’s first Alternative Christmas Fair. This included things for sale from Heifer Proj. International, Dickinson empty Stocking Fund, Church World Services, SERRV, Grace Village Caring Fund and Pueblo to People. March – 1991 “The bees” were finally out of the Sunday school room and the Sanctuary. September – 1991 A third pictorial directory was complete. October – 1991 A big celebration banquet was held in honor of our 35th anniversary. A special family night supper was held in honor, also, of Don Trent’s 10th year as our minister. Our annual Alternative Christmas Fair was now called the Christmas Mission Fair. January – 1992 The hallway between the Fellowship Hall and the Sunday school has been raised and is level. All of the carpet is now installed. November – 1992 Sara Lee Morgan resigns as our organist. We hire Barbara Simmons. Our Christmas Mission Fair is again held. March – 1993 Mary Muezzin resigns as Choir Director. Barbara Simmons will now be Director and Organist. January – 1994 Highway 517 in front of the church is being widened. The highway has purchased 54 sq. feet of right-of-way. The water district also elected to purchase some frontage. With this money, we purchased a new computer. July – 1994 Jack Bolens, Executive Presbyter, resigned.
January – 1995 Our Vision Plan was created to better understand the wishes of the Congregation in planning for our future. The first Membership Notebook was created. April - 1996, A picnic was held for the residents of the Pine Forest Apartments. May – 1996 A farewell dinner was held for Don Trent. Reverend Trent officially retired on May 31st. Reverend Lin Crossman was chosen to be our Interim Moderator for Session Meetings by the Presbytery. Our Interim Pastor Nominations Committee, chaired by Ralene Coble, was formed and this committee began work to find an Interim Pastor. Reverend Rick Elliott, then Moderator of the Presbytery Committee on Ministry, attended our Congregational Meeting on July 14, 1996 for the purpose of outlining the steps for a Search Committee for a permanent pastor. Reverend Elliott met with this new committee, chaired by Jon Ward, and also helped by visiting those shut-ins in our congregation. The Interim Pastor Search Committee was working at the same time.
October 20, 1996 We celebrated our 40th. birthday. December 22, 1996 It was announced, just before the Sunday Worship Service, that the Interim Pastor Search Committee had chosen the Reverend Patricia Clark to fill that position until a permanent pastor could be hired. According to the Book of Order, the Presbytery Committee on Ministry approves this selection and approval of the congregation is not needed. The Congregation must only approve a permanent pastor. January – 1997 The Secretary's office, the Pastor's office, and the conference room were re-carpeted. March – 1997 A job fair to recruit committee members was held. May – 1997 11 children were baptized in one Worship Service. Barbara Simmons resigns as Choir Director and Organist. Karen Denney is hired. Karen and her husband, Rick, join our congregation. Bids go out for a new roof on the Fellowship building. This is a major undertaking as it will be completely re-designed. Paul Parrish designs and completes a garden area, complete with 2 wooden benches and walkway, next to the Fellowship building as part of an Eagle Scout project. November – 1997 A water/sewer problem caused the Sanctuary to be flooded (it seems the cause was a squirrel). We were able to obtain some matching red carpet, however, it was not installed until after Christmas. February – 1998 New air conditioning was needed in the Sanctuary. This was accomplished. In the spring, the playground equipment was improved. June – 1997 The Pastor Nominations Committee announced that a call had been offered to the Reverend Nancy Taylor. On July 12, a special Congregational Meeting was held, and the Congregation voted to accept Reverend Taylor. A special dinner was held to honor Patricia Clark, who had served as our Interim Pastor. Ordination and Installation was held for Reverend Taylor on October 25, 1998.
March – 1999 Acolyte Training was instituted. We installed a new water fountain in the Sanctuary and purchased a new computer printer. FPC began sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop. We continued to help support M.I. Lewis, Church World United, Spring – 2000 We had a giant work day and store room cleaning. Our Youths made plans to have a garage sale/car wash and the funds raised would be used for camp and conclaves. Our Bell Choir was started and a memorial donation in honor of A.B. Olsen was used to purchase additional bells. This choir is under the direction of our music directors, Rick and Karen Denney. Plans began for the construction of a new entry way to our parking lot from Pine Drive. This was a memorial given by Earleen Fuhrhop in honor of William Fuhrhop, her husband. In the late fall – 2000 The Session was entirely reconstructed. Only 6 Elders will now govern. There are 5 committees and a Clerk of Session. Everyone will work as a group on long range planning, budget, and stewardship. Finances and Pledging will be under the direction of our Financial Manager, Max Duncan.
In early 2001 We started the new century with new hopes and plans. We welcomed new members and reorganized how we had done things for 45 years. Our Newsletter has been re-done and sent out by email to all who wish to receive a copy. The old Conference room has become our new parlor. We have inviting seating areas in the Fellowship building. We initiated the appointment of Don Trent as Pastor Emeritus and we received contributions to Heifer Project in his honor. May – 2001 The Session gave permission to Tom Winterfeld, a counselor at Dickinson Junior High school, to have his summer camp (7th and 8th grades) re-paint stripes in our parking lot. June – 2001 The Session is looking in to several grant applications and a family night supper was held to discuss this. August – 2001 The annual school clothes drive was held. December – 2001 Our membership is 116 active members. February – 2002 Session retreat was held at the home of Jane Taeuber.
March – 2002 A special Action Committee was formed to meet with the pastor to discuss changes in Terms of Call. October – 2002 We are involved in Crop Walk, Seamans’ Boxes, Heifer Project, and School Clothes for School Children. October 5th is the 25th anniversary of Dickinson becoming a city and we will participate in the parade. November – 2002 The Galveston Presbyterian Church will host the next Presbytery meeting and all local Presbyterians are asked to help The Session is planning to meet with all members to discuss the financial situation with the church. All members will be asked for suggestions regarding future plans and options for growth. December – 2002 285 people accepted invitations to a very special program
January – 2003 A special commission met with Lynn Johnson, Stated Clerk of New Covenant Presbytery and Phillip Lacey, financial officer at the Presbytery of New Covenant offices. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the status and financial situation of our church. After presenting our financial situation and much discussion, plans were made to hold a congregational meeting and to make a clear presentation about the status of the church and what would be required to sustain the church. February through June – 2003 Lots of reorganization with our budget and spending through these months. Vacation Bible school was held and John and Barbara Taylor, parents of Marilee Norrid, will be consulted about the possibility of asking Presbyterian Families to help us with several projects needed at the church. The plan will be for volunteers to work at the church. We will feed them and supply our parking lot for those in campers and homes for those that need them. Further discussions were held and plans made. September – 2003 We have received a gift of a beautiful grand piano by a friend of Nancy Taylor, Donna Marion. Plans are being made to dedicate this wonderful givt on December 7 and a concert will be held to celebrate. Mike Allison and his musical youth group, Tribute, have begun to play on weekends at Harbor view care center. We are informed by Presbytery that our request for an exploratory grant has been awarded in the amount of $30,000, to be used for church re-development. Tribute has been asked to perform at the Bay Area turning Point. November – 2003 Plans begin to participate in Acts 16:5 program. Advertising is begun in several local newspapers. January – 2004 The Church’s financial situation was discussed with Reverend Taylor. Because we no longer have the financial capacity to continue to pay her and by the rules of Presbytery, we offered a severance package to Reverend Taylor. Planning for the work project by Presbyterian Families began. Ronnie Lanier will chair this project. Everyone in the church was asked to help. February – 2004 First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson will forever be in awe of the wonderful work done by the Presbyterian Families. Our ceiling in the Sanctuary has been re-done, painting done, plumbing, wiring, and much more. These families were all retired folks who were specialists in their work and we certainly were well rewarded by their presence. The many things they accomplished for the church would not have been done without their help. Bay Area Charter School is interested in renting space in our church for a Junior High School. This would mean additional income. March – 2004 Family night supper held to inform the Congregation of the reasons for Reverend Taylor’s departure. Update was given on our new web site, finances, exploratory grant, Acts 16:5, Bay Area Charter School, and girl scouts. April – 2004 Reverend Helen Deleon has been assigned to moderate our Session meetings. The church has carried on and is involved in many projects. Church directory has been re done, the Session is taking up many more duties. September – 2004 Rev. Alan C. Anderson has carefully considered our offer of an interim position. October – 2004 Small group meetings are in full swing. Charter school meetings are held and a contract is being drawn up. November – 2004 Reverend Anderson has been called to serve as interim pastor.
December – 2004 Final preparations for Charter school have begun. Clothing drive, January – 2005 Reverend Anderson’s installation is to be held on January 30. February – 2005 Many improvements needed before Charter School begins. Ronnie Lanier and his committee have been working long and hard on this multiple project. March – 2005 The Praise service will begin at its new time on March 5. This weekly service will be held on Saturday evenings at 6:30. Regular Worship service will continue on Sunday Morning. A Weaver King grant from Presbytery will allow certain audio-visual equipment to be purchased and installed in the sanctuary. May – 2005 The Session, after much discussion, decided to purchase an available organ to replace our very tired, old one. A campaign to raise funds began immediately.
August – 2005 Organ dedication will be Sunday, September 11. This is a beautiful instrument and we are very thankful for the many members who pledged above and beyond so that we could purchase it. Bay Area Charter school has 37 enrolled members and expanded its space to include a class in the Fellowship Hall. November – 2005 Our financial report shows that income and expenditures are now closely matched. It has been a long time since this has happened. We hope to be able to call a full time pastor by the end of 2006. February – 2006 New Session begins work. Annual statistical report shows active membership of 73. This shows an increase of 9 new members since January, 2005. March – 2006 The Praise Band is doing outreach at the La Marque Pres. On 2nd. Sundays of the month and at Tiki Island Chapel on the 3rd. Sundays. A reception is held on March 26 to honor Rev. Anderson for service as Interim Pastor. Matthew Worthen is constructing a new sidewalk for his Eagle Scout Project. A Serenity Garden is being planned behind the Fellowship Hall. Paving blocks will be sold as a fund raiser. Budget for 2006 was accepted by Session. Through all of the “set-backs”, First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson has held on and worked together. We have taken part in much of the community celebrations, helped to establish the Interfaith Lay Group who do so much. We have always contributed and worked long and hard in the Thrift Shop and M.I. Lewis Social Service Agency. School clothes drive for children was born at FPC. We have always given more than our share to Presbyterian Agencies throughout the United States and overseas. We are strong in music, strong in spirit, and strong in how We have celebrated our 25th Anniversary, our 30th Anniversary, our 45th Anniversary and we are ready to celebrate 50 years as the lovely little church with the beautiful stained glass window. We have maintained and always will maintain a love of God, Church, and fellowman. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DICKINSON, TEXAS The history of The First Presbyterian Church of Dickinson, Texas has been compiled from documents, letters, eye witness accounts, and memories. As we continue into our 51st year, regular updates will be added. Ralene Coble, Elder
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Alan
Brehm is a skilled Bible teacher with ten years' teaching
at the graduate level. He has been teaching, preaching, and
speaking in various churches and academic settings for over
20 years. His audiences have been both national and international,
including congregations and classes in Germany, Switzerland,
Romania, the Philippines, and Nicaragua. Alan holds a Ph.
D. degree in New Testament studies. In addition, he did graduate
study at the University of Tuebingen in Germany.
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