“What is our call to the neighborhood?” That question sparked a transformation at St. Giles Presbyterian Church. Before Rev. Lynn Hargrove’s arrival in 2008, St. Giles felt inward-looking. However, St. Giles continued to run a food pantry that had been serving homeless people for 25 years.
In 2011, the pantry’s manager suggested opening St. Giles’ doors. It would provide a warm place to sleep on cold winter nights. Despite Houston’s often mild Christmas weather, God sent a cold snap. Temperatures plummeted to 20 degrees. St. Giles opened its doors. About a dozen people found refuge for two weeks. Church members joined them. They brought blankets, movies, and food.
This marked a turning point for St. Giles. They became more aware of the homeless population around the church. Many of those who stayed joined the congregation. They also volunteered in the food pantry. A new vision for ministry took hold at St. Giles. They experienced the transformative power of relationships. These relationships connected them with people living under bridges. Conversations were shared. Meals were enjoyed together.
St. Giles’s story began with a split from Grace Covenant Church in 1937. Blanton Belk sought renewal through the Oxford Group Movement. Friends invited him to start a new church. In 1940, land was secured. The first building was dedicated in 1941. The zeal of St. Giles’s founding shaped its worship, education, and mission.
Earl Morey succeeded Belk in 1959. The charismatic renewal movement energized St. Giles in the late 60s. It also stirred controversy. However, St. Giles continued its headlong pursuit of Christ. Louis Skidmore built upon this spirit. Randy Bremer added his teaching gifts in 1987. Keith Hill became the fifth pastor in 2007. He continues the church’s pursuit of Jesus.
The church’s name honors St. Giles. He was a 7th-century Greek noble. He gave his fortune to the poor. He became a hermit in France. Legend says a deer sustained him with milk. An arrow meant for the deer crippled Giles. Despite his solitude, his piety drew followers. A king built a monastery in his honor. Giles became the first abbot. He became the patron saint of the crippled and beggars.
The original St. Giles Church was built in Edinburgh, Scotland. Monks began it in the 12th century. It became a landmark cathedral. John Knox, a key figure in the Scottish Reformation, was a pastor. It became the mother church of Presbyterians.
May St. Giles Presbyterian Church embody devotion to the Lord. May they serve the poor. May they be empowered by the Holy Spirit. May they show the passion and courage of John Knox.