1978. A time of oil booms and rapid growth in Houston. The Church of the Good Shepherd was born. It wasn’t in a grand building. No. It began humbly in a Wimbledon Estates home. This served as the rectory and chapel. Father Ed Abell our founding pastor led the way. He served for over eleven years.
The Church of the Good Shepherd quickly outgrew its initial space. The parish expanded rapidly. It needed more room. Soon they leased storefront office space on FM 1960. Religious and sacramental education flourished. Their first Religious Education program enrolled an astonishing 1200 youth.
Can you imagine the scene? Weekend worship services were held at Benfer Elementary School. Affectionately known as St Benfer’s. Later they moved to Strack Intermediate School. Our Lady of Strack. This was a transient parish. After Sunday Mass they packed up in a van. They stored supplies in a garage in Cypressdale. Community spirit blossomed. The Church of the Good Shepherd was more than just a building. It was a gathering of hearts.
The Church of the Good Shepherd’s early days were a whirlwind of growth. They started with 370 families. Today they boast over 2500. This tells a story of unwavering faith. It shows the dedication of a community. They carved out their boundaries. This was from Prince of Peace to the west. St Edward’s to the northeast. St Anne’s in Tomball was also included. A parish split created St Ignatius in 1986. It sits between the Church of the Good Shepherd and Prince of Peace.
Early parishioners prayed for strong leadership. They asked for divine guidance. The spirit that has become so contagious started then. It started in those early prayer groups. The Church of the Good Shepherd’s journey is inspiring. It’s a testament to faith in action. It is a story of expansion and community. It’s a story of resilience in the face of challenges. It’s a story of growth and unwavering devotion. The Church of the Good Shepherd stands tall today. It stands as a beacon of hope and faith. A testament to those early days in a small home.