Saturday, October 12, 2024

First Lutheran Church and Galveston, Texas

Pre-service walk-through, led by Pastor Richard Rhoades.
I love the ribbon-bearers rehearsing bearing their ribbons.
Generations, including Brandi’s 95-year-old grandmother. What a blessing for her to see the day.
Carlos and Diane Peña
I love the kits for kids.

By my reckoning we now have 10 active deacons, eight retired deacons, eight unrostered deacons, and four deacon candidates in seminary.

With Pastor Tracey Breashears Schultz, oversees Kennedy for word and service as well as word and service.
With Deacon Beth Hartfiel
Brandi with Anthony Griffazi, council president
The clergy team at First Galveston (L-R) Pastor Megan Tee, Deacon Brandi Painter, Lead Pastor Richard Rhoades

There are two deacons in the stained glass window. Can you find them and name them?

Far right, Stephen is in the front, holding the stones with which she was martyred. Just behind him is Lawrence, also martyred, holding his gridiron.

First Galveston’s sanctuary was built in the late 1800s then flooded with 6 feet of water during the great hurricane of 1900 in which 8000 people perished. They raised the sanctuary six feet after that hurricane. The “new” sanctuary was built in 1959. It was severely damaged seven years ago in Hurricane Harvey. Renovations have been slow, and they are still awaiting the check for the majority of the damage, which they hope is going to arrive before the end of the year. Many believe this is the first and oldest Lutheran Church in Texas.