Our Beliefs & Mission
First Presbyterian Church of Palacios strives to worship God and demonstrate God’s love through worship, fellowship, and service.
Additional information on our beliefs:
Presbyterian Church USA
Our Synod–Synod of the Sun
Our Presbytery–Mission Presbytery
Services
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
.
Adult Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Reverend Chuck Kimball
Reverand Charles (Chuck) Kimball is a second-career pastor, having been a business owner/operator for many years. He is a graduate of Schreiner University and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Currently, in addition to serving this congregation, Chuck is pastor to FPC Port Lavaca. Chuck and his wife Dolores have two children and four grandchildren. His hobbies include guitar, motorcycles, fishing, project “hot rod” vehicles, and enjoying the grandkids.
Pastor Chuck is generally available in the office from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Our Story
Matagorda County was organized in 1837 when Texas was a republic. By the turn of the century, land developers moved into south Texas and one group developed an area in west Matagorda County on Tres Palacios Bay. A town was laid out in 1902 and named Palacios.
Dr. William Stuart Red, a noted historian, and organizer of many churches in Texas was an evangelist in the Gulf Coast area. Meeting with a group of residents from Palacios in Pioneer Hall of the Methodist Church, First Presbyterian was organized with 18 people joining the congregation on June 30, 1907. William H. Clement was elected the first elder of the church and was also named Clerk of Session. Many founding fathers of Palacios were among the early members.
In 1908 the congregation planned for a church building with the acquisition of land at Third and Morton Street and in January 1913 this building was dedicated. With continued growth plans for a new church building began in the early 1950s and the current sanctuary was dedicated in November 1951.
First Presbyterian has a rich history of community involvement beginning with Sunday school in 1912, organizing Presbyterian Women, developing an Aid Fund, forming a Mexican Mission, establishing a soldier’s center during World War II, improving race relations and desegregation in the 1960s, and sponsoring a Vietnamese family in 1975. Additionally, in true Presbyterian fashion, First Presbyterian sponsors a multi-ethnic day school for pre-school age children.
First Presbyterian’s Aid Fund has helped many in times of disaster, hunger, sickness, and other needs. The church has contributed leaders to the vital work of Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly and continues to support numerous civic and missionary endeavors.
Celebrating our Past and Present
Our Sister Congregations
Casa de Dios (2nd Presbyterian) – 9th and Morton, Palacios
Worship Services Sunday
- Escuela Dominical 9:45 am
- Servicio de Adoracion 11:00 am
First Presbyterian – 4th St and Ave I, Collegeport
(across from the MoPac House)
- Sunday worship at 9 am
The Collegeport church was organized in 1909. This long-lived and vibrant church continues to serve the Collegeport area and conducts services each Sunday
First Presbyterian – 1111 N Virginia St, Port Lavaca
- Sunday worship at 11:00 am
Church Organization
Church
Pastor
Rev. Chuck Kimball
Church Secretary
Angela Diaz
Music
Music Leaders
- Colleen Claybourn
- Jerry Purvis
Organists
- Cara Herlin
- Colleen Claybourn
- Edwin Holsworth
Trustees
Class of 2019: Bruce Herlin
Class of 2020: John Pierce
Class of 2021: Bruce Elliott
Session Members
Class of 2020
- Marsha Baumann
- Leslie Hartman
Class of 2019
- Mary Crocker
- Carol Garcia
Class of 2018
- David Blomberg
- Jan Pierce
Clerk of Session: Cara Herlin
Our Session Committees
A session (from the Latin word sessio, which means “to sit”, as in sitting to deliberate or talk about something; sometimes called consistory or church board) is a body of elected elders governing each local church within presbyterian polity.
Worship & Education
This committee joins the pastor to plan worship, music and special services and seeks a pulpit supply pastor when our pastor is gone. It selects and trains Openers, Greeters, and Liturgists. It is also responsible for the sound system and for the signboard in front of the sanctuary.
The committee is also responsible for promoting Christian Education, including recruiting Sunday school teachers and the selection of Sunday school materials. Additionally, the Committee balances the Flock list annually.
Nurture, Mission & Outreach
Committee duties include selecting Mission Fund recipients, overseeing program fundraising events such as Calvinini’s; putting together the annual Travelers’ Party for graduating Palacios HS seniors; and coordinating all fellowship activities. The committee members are responsible for the newsletter, directory, and website. They promote participation in outreach events and Special Outreach Offerings. The committee works with the Aid Fund and a member serves as liaison with the Day School
Administrative
This committee handles monies and other assets, staff, property issues, and major purchases. The members are also responsible for church insurance, facility use, and development of church policies and procedures. The committee works with Trustees of the Church.
Budget & Finance and Stewardship Committees are Administrative subcommittees.
Faith is like an empty, open hand stretched out towards God, with nothing to offer and everything to receive.
– John Calvin
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are worship services?
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
Adult Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
When is Communion celebrated?
Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month during regular worship service and at special services such as Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve.
Do you have any faith-based study groups?
In addition to Sunday School, Women’s Circle meets monthly for Bible Study and fellowship on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Check with the office for the current location.
How do I become a church member?
Members may be received by profession of faith and baptism, by reaffirmation of faith or by transfer of letter from another church.
If you would like additional information, contact the pastor, an Elder or another member of the congregation.
What types of fellowship activities do you have?
On the third Sunday of each month a potluck meal is held after the Worship Service. In December, a Progressive Dinner replaces the regular luncheon.
Men of the Presbyterian, Methodist, First Baptist and Trinity Baptist Churches gather for breakfast the 2nd Sunday of each month. Participating churches take turns hosting the breakfasts at their respective churches.
Calvinini’s—an event that features a talent show and Italian food.
Occasionally we’ll have Sunday worship on the Bay with fellowship following.
What type of worship service do you have?
Our worship format is traditional but casual with a blend of traditional and contemporary music.
Can I become a choir member?
Choir membership is open to all who love to sing to the Lord. From September through May the choir rehearses Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and sings at Sunday services.
Contact Us
501 3rd St, Palacios, TX 77465
(361) 972-2124
email
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 8:30 a.m. – noon
Services
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.
Adult Sunday School 11:00 a.m.