Texas City Loses A Vibrant Part of Her History

Texas City Loses A Vibrant Part of Her History

…As Greater Bell Zion Church burns to the ground.

Since 1885 this place has had a church on these grounds. The first building burned back in the 40’s and this building had been her since 1956 and has congregants as old as 100 and many that have attended here since their childhood. Now that 60 or more years have passed, the flames that too the building also too far too many memories. Marriages, Christenings, funerals, celebrations of all kinds, passed through those walls. But they remain in this congregation’s hearts as such an important part of the foundation upon which their lives were built on.

To lose the church where you were raised can feel as if you have lost the ground on which your soul was moored. To witness these people as they gather to honor the passing of their beloved church and take the first steps toward rebuilding, it was impressive to see the strength with which they accept God’s will and look to the future and praise him for what will come.

It seems our neck of the woods has suffered a great deal of loss in the last few years so the resiliency of   these people, many of whom remember Carla, and one or two that were around for the explosion in ’47 seems to be common. Explosion? Get back up. Hurricane, get back up; floods, get back up, shooting, get back up, more rain and no warning? Get. Back. Up. And somehow, through it all, families like the Doyles, extend a hand up. When asked to say something Mary Ellen Doyle said simply. “I love this church. It held so many memories. But I know you will work together to put this right.”

 “All of us have been so touched by this loss. So Matt, and his brother Pat and Mary Ellen and me will give you $25000 to kickstart for your campaign to recover and restore this beautiful, historic church that has meant so much to so many. Matt you’re the guy that instigated all this. Mary Ellen and I just turned 85. We have been in this city for 63 years now and we have been in this church many, many times.”

Honored to be able to help you and pray for your congregation every day.”

Rev Lee offered a blessing “Dear Heavenly Father we thank you so much for this day. Sometimes we can’t see our way, but you know what is best for us. We are going to lean and depend on you keep us and lift us up that we will be able to be a blessing to this community That you will go with us and guide us until our day is done.”

For those wanting to honor Texas City’s past and help rebuild this historic church, simply contact Texas First Bank at: 409-948-1990 in Texas city or in La Marque 409-948-0200

Evelyn Bell, wife of Reverend Bell, Pastor of Bell Zion, and her mother, look on as Pastor Bell thanks Mayor Doyle and his parents Mary Ellen and Chuck Doyle for their generous seed gift which all are hoping will grow with contributions from the city at large.