History
Chapel History
The History
It was 1949, and President Harry S. Truman labeled his administration the “Fair Deal.” Shortly afterwards, he increased the minimum wage from 40cents to 75 cents per hour. The Lone Ranger premiered on ABC-TV, and evangelist Billy Graham began his ministry. The USAF Lucky Lady II (B-50 Superfortress) completed the first non stop around-the-world flight in Ft. Worth, Texas, as “South Pacific” was opening at the Majestic Theater in New York City. Joe Louis retired as the heavy weight boxing champion of the world and RCA introduced the first 45 RPM record.
And just about the time the doors opened for the first time on the 200” Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory in California, revealing a vast, expanding universe, between 75 and 100 people were meeting underneath a star studded sky at a small outdoor movie theater in Wimberley, Texas, called the Corral Theater. It was the only place in town that could accommodate such a large group, as the gathering represented approximately one third of the local population.
And just about the time the doors opened for the first time on the 200” Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory in California, revealing a vast, expanding universe, between 75 and 100 people were meeting underneath a star studded sky at a small outdoor movie theater in Wimberley, Texas, called the Corral Theater. It was the only place in town that could accommodate such a large group, as the gathering represented approximately one third of the local population.
The meeting was arranged to discuss the possibility of forming a community church composed of people from many different Christian denominations who would worship together in love and harmony, honoring each person‘s theological background but putting the major emphasis of the church on loving and serving God. It was a noble concept.
Various ideas were offered and considered, but as the evening progressed it became apparent that no consensus would be reached. People became tired and disgruntled. Disagreements began to surface. One by one, folks started to leave.
Roy and Bee Avey, owners of the Corral Theater, had provided the Christian music played during the gathering; and as people began to walk away, Parks Johnson, one of the organizers, asked Roy to quickly put another record on the turntable. Reaching blindly in the dark, Roy placed the first record his hand touched on the turntable, and suddenly the strains of “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” filled the night air. People started retracing their steps, rejoined the assembly, and focused on creating the Wimberley Community Church. The name was changed in 1959 to Chapel in the Hills.
The first worship service, representing seven Protestant denominations, was held on September 25, 1949 in a small building on the Wimberley Square. To this day, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” is sung at the conclusion of each worship service and church meeting as members recommit themselves to the values of unity, harmony and love established by the founders.
Various ideas were offered and considered, but as the evening progressed it became apparent that no consensus would be reached. People became tired and disgruntled. Disagreements began to surface. One by one, folks started to leave.
Roy and Bee Avey, owners of the Corral Theater, had provided the Christian music played during the gathering; and as people began to walk away, Parks Johnson, one of the organizers, asked Roy to quickly put another record on the turntable. Reaching blindly in the dark, Roy placed the first record his hand touched on the turntable, and suddenly the strains of “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” filled the night air. People started retracing their steps, rejoined the assembly, and focused on creating the Wimberley Community Church. The name was changed in 1959 to Chapel in the Hills.
The first worship service, representing seven Protestant denominations, was held on September 25, 1949 in a small building on the Wimberley Square. To this day, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” is sung at the conclusion of each worship service and church meeting as members recommit themselves to the values of unity, harmony and love established by the founders.
On September 22, 2019, Chapel in the Hills celebrated its 70th anniversary. A special service was held with music, flowers and a ribbon cutting event. Then all members attending moved outside to watch the Chapel cornerstone be taken out of its resting place and opened by Rev. Jim Denham during the reception time in Avery Hall. The contents of this time capsule was described and displayed for all to see.
