“God with us”. That’s what Emmanuel means. It’s also the guiding principle of Emmanuel Episcopal Church here in Houston.
Emmanuel Church started as a mission. This was in the expanding West Houston area in 1972. Bishop J. Milton Richardson established it. The first vicar was the Rev. Brice Cox. Services were held at Billie’s Dance Studio. It is now shuttered.
In 1973, they moved to the Meadow Wood Elementary School cafeteria. Under the Rev. John L. Thomson, ground was broken in 1977. It was at the corner of Eldridge and Memorial Drives. The location was nestled in a wooded area. It was barely visible from the street. It became their permanent home “in the woods.”
Emmanuel became a full-fledged parish in 1981. Two years later, the Rev. Walter L. Guettsche was called as rector. The Thomson Building was dedicated in 1985. This allowed the Day School to open. The first parish camping trip at Camp Allen was held in 1990. It is an ongoing tradition a quarter century later.
Russell Hall was dedicated in 2000. It is named for Father Bill Russell, rector until 2001. Emmanuel was founded to serve the growing population. These people were moving to the western edge of Houston in the early 1970s. The main building opened in 1978.
An education building was needed soon after. The Thomson Building was added to the campus. Emmanuel began to grow again in the 1990s. This was after tough years during the energy slump in the late 1980s.
Hurricane Harvey ruined the physical structure. Until rebuilding is complete, they are worshipping at Temple Sinai. It is located at 13875 Brimhurst Drive.
Emmanuel’s mission is clear. It invites all to know and share Jesus’ love. They do this through worship, education, and service. They are a Christian family where everyone is welcome.
Faith drives spiritual formation. They value worship in the Episcopal tradition. They value diversity and outreach. Emmanuel actively supports Memorial Assistance Ministries. This is a voluntary coalition of churches. They pool resources to help those in need.
Volunteers at Emmanuel prepare sack lunches each month. These are for Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church. This ministry serves Houston’s homeless population. It is in downtown and mid-town Houston.
Looking to the future, Emmanuel envisions becoming a spiritual oasis. It will be in Houston’s Energy Corridor. Emmanuel Church stands as a beacon. It is a place where faith, community, and service intertwine. It enriches the lives of all who enter.