History of the church of Christ in Katy

The newspaper article reproduced above reported the beginning of this congregation. As you can see, the church met together for the first Lord's day worship assembly on Sunday, May 16, 1976. On the Wednesday evening preceding that Sunday (May 12, 1976) there were nineteen gathered for the "first prayer meeting." Among those present were Clodis and Audrey Cox, Clyde and Judy Wehunt (and their son, Dean) and Doug and Mary Sheppard (with their four children).

In February of 1977 Clodis Cox and Clyde Wehunt were selected to serve as elders. In 1978 Jack Finley was added to the eldership. Since that time Wendell Autrey, Mac Brockman, Woodrow Coleman, Tom Gillson, Cecil Hutson, Terry Pope, Larry Russell, Mickey Sandlin, Joe Simmons, Bill Smithson and Doug Sheppard have served the congregation as elders. Presently, Mac Brockman, Woodrow Coleman, Tom Gillson, Larry Russell, Joe Simmons, and Bill Smithson serve as elders of the congregation.

In the early years brothers Justice Wilson and Everett Cox preached for the church. Brother J.D. Cash came to Katy in 1979 as the church's first "full time" preacher. In January 1983 Brother John Featherston began his preaching responsibilities and continued until June 1984. Brother Cecil Hutson moved to Katy in January 1985 and continued preaching for the Katy congregation until his retirement at the end of 2008. Brother John Cannon moved to Katy in July 2005, becoming the first associate minister for Katy. Brother Jonathan Jenkins moved to Katy in September, 2009 and is currently preaching for the Katy congregation.

From the original building (a wood frame structure serving as an auditorium and classrooms) there have been several major building projects plus the acquisition of surrounding property to accommodate the growth of the church. The first new auditorium was completed in 1980 and served the congregation well for 21 years. The classroom building was completed in 1986; however, the second floor was left unfinished until 1990. Also in 1990 the “north lots” were purchased for additional parking. As the number of Christians increased, plans for a larger auditorium began to take shape and in 2001, the church opened its present auditorium with a seating capacity to accommodate 900. Additional property has been purchased in recent years, and the church facility is now situated on about seven acres of land in “old town” Katy.

The Katy church continues to serve God in many ways. The blessings of God upon the members of the church translate into spiritual growth and the spread of the gospel both locally and in foreign fields. Contributions given by the membership have exceeded what was anticipated and this has allowed the church to share its blessings with those in need. The gospel is preached by ministers throughout Mexico because of the generosity of this church. Also, these funds have been a blessing to individuals and families who suffer catastrophic events.

The history of the Katy church continues to be written. What will the LORD find when He comes? It is the commitment of the elders for the LORD to find a strong, faithful congregation of God’s people meeting and worshiping Him in spirit and truth. May God continue to bless this church in His service.