Annual Membership Meeting
Dear Members & Friends,
2022 marks Grapeland’s 150th birthday! For 127 of those years, our “little white church” has
stood as the town’s most striking landmark. In 1990, the congregation of First Christian
merged with Sunset Christian and gave its meeting house to a preservation group. For 32
years, community leaders and descendants of the congregation have served on the
Board of the First Christian Memorial, Inc.
The Board manages and maintains the building as a non-sectarian events center, for
community worship, holiday gatherings, and private rentals. Some events occur annually,
such as the Membership meeting, Community Thanksgiving, and National Day of Prayer.
Others, such as Christmas programs, gospel singings, and patriotic celebrations, are
produced when the opportunity arises.
Psalm 133 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in
unity!” In our digital age, people sit side by side, texting; live next to each other without
waving; and interact on Whatsapp or Instagram. Virtually connected, we remain isolated from
people right under our nose. Divided into age groups, ethnicities, clubs, and clans, we dimly
grasp that we may share common values with those unlike ourselves, but politics, religion,
and national origin propel us into different “boxes.” If the First Christian Memorial has any
value (and we believe it does), that value lies in its ability to serve the common good.
Affiliated with no particular church, but showing reverence to the beauty of our Christian
heritage, the building acts as a “neutral zone” where one community celebrates the better part
of ourselves and honors what we perceive as a Higher Power. To see the good in others is
good for Grapeland, and for everyone.
As a rental facility, the Memorial is ideal for weddings, funerals, vows renewals, and
celebrations of life. The sanctuary seats about 115 people and has been exquisitely restored.
The kitchen has clean, modern appliances, and the fellowship hall can be used for receptions
or small sit-down meals. Other uses include recitals, reunions, revivals, workshops, lectures,
educational programs, and club meetings. We have ADA access to the front porch and are
working on providing a handicap-accessible bathroom.
Preserving this facility takes money. We’re thrilled when a full house gathers, but that doesn’t
always translate to cash. Last year, we cleared about $55 on the Thanksgiving program. Our
Spring Singing and Silent Auction raised more than $1,000. The National Day of Prayer
brought one large check from a kind supporter, but the others totaled slightly more than $200.
One month, our only income was a $6.00 jury duty transfer. Meanwhile, it takes more than
$400 a month to pay utilities and insurance, and there are always unexpected costs: this
summer’s vandalized window, damaged blinds, new thermostat, door repair, and siding blown
off in high wind. Fortunately, the Grapeland Noon Lions Club maintains our yard, and Helma
Hallmark underwrites the website. Board members provide labor, refreshments, planning,
and time, as they have for 32 years.
However, it is members like you who provide the lion’s share of our FUNDING. It is no
exaggeration to say that YOU are the Memorial’s life blood. Please renew your membership,
and, if possible, join us Monday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 for the Annual Membership Meeting.
Our speaker will be Trenia Tillis Hoard, “Coach T,” the 2022 NJCAA Division I Women’s
Basketball Coach of the Year. A Grapeland native, Coach Hoard led the Tyler Junior
College Apache Ladies to the national champion-ship this year and has 500 career wins. She
is a great motivational speaker, and a draw for all age groups. Chuck Allen will lead the
singing, and refreshments will be provided. Please come!
Memberships are $25.00 for Individuals; $35.00 for families; $100.00 for businesses. Please
send checks or money orders to First Christian Memorial, Inc., P. O. Box 876, Grapeland,
TX 75844.
MEMBERSHIP / DONATION FORM, to be used for Checks & Money Orders. Send to
First Christian Memorial, Inc., P. O. Box 876, Grapeland, TX 75844.
Date: ______________________ Name: _________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
Phone and Email: __________________________________________________________
____ Individual $25.00 _____ Family $35.00 ____ Business ____
$ ____ Additional donation towards Handicap Bathroom Appeal
Or, donate online at https://www.firstchristianmemorial.org/donate
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