Wimberley’s Chapel in the Hills is celebrating its 75th anniversary on Sunday, September 22 with a group photo, service and potluck.
Established in 1949, the church was unique for its time, choosing to embrace all Christian denominations and concentrating on love and service over doctrine.
According to Gene Henderson who wrote a history of the church, the first meeting to discuss the content of the worship service was held at Roy and Bee Avery’s Corral Theatre, at that time, just off the Wimberley Square. When disagreements arose, the meeting began losing listeners. “Parks Johnson, one of the organizers, asked Roy to put a record on the turntable,” Henderson wrote, “and to be quick about it.”
At random, Roy selected “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds,” and the people on the way out turned back and rejoined the meeting. After several more meetings and discussions, the Wimberley Community Church was formed.
In the late 1950s, Parks and Louise Johnson donated land on RR12 to build a permanent church. In what would be known as The Chapel in the Hills Interdenominational Church, services began September 22, 1961.
Seventy-five years later, “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds” is still played after every service.
The group photo will take place at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. church service. The offering will be divided between Crisis Bread Basket and Barnabas.
A potluck lunch will be served in Avery Hall immediately following the service. The public is invited to attend, especially those who have been a part of the fellowship.
