What if I told you this unassuming plaque holds the key to a remarkable story? This is the DePelchin Faith Home Plaque. Right here in Houston Texas. It commemorates a legacy that began in 1892. A legacy built on faith resilience and unwavering dedication to children in need.
The DePelchin Faith Home Plaque stands as a testament to the life’s work of Kezia Payne DePelchin. A remarkable woman born in the Madeira Islands of Portugal. She arrived in Galveston Texas in 1837. After surviving a yellow fever epidemic she became Houston’s first matron of Bayland Orphan’s Home for Boys. In 1892 she took in three orphan boys too young for Bayland. This small act of compassion sparked the creation of DePelchin Faith Home.
Kezia’s faith home wasn’t just a building. It was a haven a place of refuge for vulnerable children. It began in a friend’s house at 2500 Washington Avenue. It moved several times. It moved to larger spaces at Chenevert and Pierce Streets in 1899. It moved again to 2700 Albany Street in 1913. The Albany Street location became a City of Houston Landmark. It’s also a Texas Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Sadly Kezia died in 1893. Yet her vision lived on. Her friends and family secured a charter. They continued her work officially establishing DePelchin Faith Home.
The DePelchin Faith Home Plaque quietly tells of the home’s growth. It expanded its services. It changed its name several times to reflect that growth. The name became DePelchin Faith Home and Children’s Bureau in 1928. The name changed to DePelchin Children’s Center in 1983. The DePelchin Children’s Center continues its mission today. It provides comprehensive services. It offers foster care adoption residential treatment and counseling. The organization even expanded beyond Houston. It expanded its services to Austin San Antonio and Lubbock.
The plaque’s simple design belies the profound impact of this institution. It’s a story of faith courage and community support. A story woven into the fabric of Houston’s history. The DePelchin Faith Home Plaque is more than a marker. It’s a tribute to the countless children whose lives were touched by this remarkable place. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Kezia Payne DePelchin. A woman whose faith transformed the lives of countless children. Her legacy continues to inspire hope today. Remember the story of the DePelchin Faith Home. Remember the legacy embodied in this plaque.