FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF BRENHAM CELEBRATING 125TH ANNIVERSARY
A Brenham church is celebrating a historic milestone this weekend.
First Christian Church of Brenham, located at 306 Cottonwood Street, invites the public to commemorate the church’s 125th anniversary on Sunday. A special worship service will be held at 10:45 a.m., with a reception afterwards. An open house will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
The church was originally dedicated on January 15, 1899 after being built in 1898. Less than two years after its completion, the great Galveston storm of 1900 ripped the steeple from the church. It was soon replaced.
In 1916, the baptistry was remodeled and the Sunday School Annex was built. The interior was completely renovated in 1955. Restoration of the exterior was finished in 1986, and rehabilitation of the interior was done in 1994.
Originally known as the Church of Christ, the church changed its name to First Christian Church to distinguish it from other religions. It is now known as the First Christian Church of Brenham. Art Free, a Brenham native and lifelong member, is the church’s pastor.
The church was recognized as a recorded Texas landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 1984 and listed in the National Register in 1990 as part of the East Brenham Historic District.
A full restoration of the exterior was started in 2021. However, shortly before the restoration was scheduled to begin, the steeple was hit by lighting and sustained significant damage. The steeple was repaired, and lightning protection was installed. The damaged wooden exterior on the north side, the front, and the south entrance has been replaced and painted. Several of the original stained-glass windows have been restored, while others are still in need of attention.
Progress on the project has slowed due to increased costs and funding shortages, but the exterior restoration will continue this year. Donations to assist may be sent to the First Christian Church office at 401 Sycamore Street.