Chapel of the Holy Family, Mustang Island Conference Center
Consecrated on October 30, 2022, by Bishop David M. Reed, Tenth Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, the beautiful wooden, open-air chapel was carefully constructed atop and amongst the dunes, yards away from the Gulf of Mexico, in order to complement the natural landscape and weather future storms. It seats up to 180 people and boasts panoramic views of the beach and ocean. Families can feel the coastal breezes and hear the majestical surf while singing glorious hymns. The chapel has become a favorite gathering spot for Family Camp worship, church retreats services, and contemplative souls seeking divine inspiration. Sitting in the chapel, it is easy to discern the Word of God delivered with words floating on ocean breezes and to hear the call of the Holy Spirit in the laugh of a passing sea gull. Praying, sharing, laughing and singing together in the chapel often feels complete and whole, while surrounded by the natural Grace and Awe of a loving God all around!
Cypress Mill New Church Bldg.
It was standing room only on Saturday, August 24, as the community gathered for the consecration of the new church for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cypress Mill. The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas, officiated the service, joined by The Rev. Tommy Bye, Rector at St. Luke’s.
Located in the hill country, St. Luke’s began as a mission in the early 1950's in Round Mountain, moving in later years to Cypress Mill. They had their first service as a diocesan parish in Cypress Mill in September, 1956. With the growth of the congregation and the aging of the building, the church needed renovation. Father Bye, along with members of the vestry and campaign committee, formed a restoration plan. The Holy Spirit was present throughout the planning and fundraising process, moving donors to provide the funds needed to complete the restoration.
Father Bye shared,
“At St. Luke’s, we believe we have had a small miracle take place with this new worship space. It has changed my opinion of buildings and churches and the effect they have on the congregation. Going through a process where we did not have the funds or the people to build a new church and yet it still happened has increased the faith of everyone in the church.”
God’s abundant love and grace could be felt throughout the consecration service. Parishioners and members of the community joined to celebrate this blessed occasion.
Click here to learn more about St. Luke’s history.
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