Jesus, Still Leads On
HISTORY OF THE HOUSTON CENTRAL CHURCH

History and daily events show that abject wickedness and spiritual debacle seem to envelop crowded centers of the world's population. The light of the gospel, therefore, should shine most brilliantly in these cities.

The history of Houston's beacon of light is traceable to the turn of the century when the first Seventh-day Actventist church was organized July 7, 1900. A small room above some stores in downtown Houston marked the initial meeting place of these Adventist members. Five years later the membership had grown from a handful to forty-six, and the meeting place also changed accordly: the Odd Fellows Hall at the corner of Rusk and Milam became the new meeting place. Elders Russell and McCutchen were the foundation officiating ministers.

The church was organized in 1908 under the leadership of Elder E.L. Neff. A piece of land was purchased in the Hartman addition where a small church was built. The Hartman Street SDA church was officially dedicated debt-free on Independence Day, 1915. Some four years later they bought the Baptist Church at 913 Yale. The church at Yale served as the Houston Seventh-day Adventist Church for over twenty years. On December 22, 1940 Elder T. B. Westbrook championed the church efforts which resulted in the purchase of a lot at Bagby by McGowen. The new church was dedicated in less than two years, May 2, 1943.

The following is a list of the pastors who served the church during this phase of it's early beginning: Elders Anderson, Montegomery and Sweany, J.I. Taylor, W.F. Hills, H.M. Kelly, E.L. Stewart, W. S. Laury, C.A. Walgren, Kimber Johnson, Jere Smith, J.L. Dittburner, Leonard Webb, and M.T. Anderson.

The Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist church strongly believes, in the Christian education of its children. Consequently, this body of believers has operated a school for its youth since 1915. It was started in Houston Heights, then moved to 195 Yale Street, and later to Columbia and 4th Street where it functioned for over twenty years.

In 1957 Elder Glenmore Carter brought about the merging of both the church and the school in one property at Richmond at Yupon. This was possible because of the purchase of the Kinedd School in this address. The Church used the gymnasium for service three years. Construction of the present sanctuary began in early 1960. In March 19, 1966 the sanctuary was dedicated free of debt, to declare declare to the city of Houston the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church school begun in 1915 eventually expanded to a ten grade academy known as Houston Junior Academy. In 1986 the school purchased property at 3911 Campbell Road and expanded further to the twelfth grade to become known as Greater Houston Academy. In 1990 the school returned to Richmond and Yupon and continues today as Houston 3unior Academy.

"We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we forget the way the Lord has led us in tire past." Careful reflection on the history of the Central Church would clearly reveal the guiding hand and the sustaining presence of the Lord our God. Right from the dedication of our present home church, Central has not only had a steady growth in membership, it has also become, through the bountiful blessings of the Lord, the springboard from which marry sister congregations have sprang.

The following pastors were instrumental to the growth and achievements of the Central church:

PASTORS

Elder Glenmore Carter

1955-1958

Elder John B. Loveridge

1976-1978

Elder Roy Thurman

1958-1959

Elder William G. Rorick

1978-1979

Elder Art Leach

1960-1961

Elder Herman Griffin

1980-1982

Elder Harry F. Hannah

1962-1965

Elder Frank Ottati

1983-1985

Elder Glen Sharman

1965-1968

Elder Stanley Cottrell

1986-1988

Elder Charles O'Dell

1968-1971

Elder Ray Hubbartt

1988-1991

Elder J.J. Millett

1971-1972

Elder Grant Gunter

1991-1995

Elder Norman Martin

1972-1974

Elder Sam Mercado

1995-2000

Elder James Thurman
1974-1975

Elder Kurtz

2000+

The future of our church is as bright as our Master and Saviour Jesus. even though we are opening at the tail end of this earth's history, we still believe that our Friend and Leader supplies the light for He has said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have great light." May we continue to work in that light, and radiate it to all around us as we await the dazzling light of His second coming to take us home to the Celestial City.


Celebrating 40 years of Ministry 1957-1997 at Richmond and Yupon
Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church
Houston, Texas 77006 December 6, 1997