Bolin Chapel re-built as a replica of the original church of 1914
First Baptist Church in Katy, Texas
When Churches Looked Like Churches

The image my mind congers up is a small pretty white frame church with stain glass windows and a bell tower topped off with a cross. I guess my "perfect church" imagery comes from being raised in the south and visiting family still living in rural areas of East Texas. My vision was of a simpler time in our history when families had dinner together every night and said the blessing. A time of family reunions and picnics complete with buckets of homemade lemonade, pies and kids playing while the adults sit around and visited. When many families would gather at family cemeteries on Sunday afternoon to keep the grounds and headstones of loved ones neat and tidy.
First Baptist Church in Katy has my childhood church in front of the larger main church, and it is named the
Bolin Chapel. Everything about this Church Chapel is perfect to me, from its all white frame exterior, hardwood floors, and stain glass windows inside, to the gardens with benches, waterfalls and stream leading into a fish and Lilly pond in the back outside. Yes it has the white bell steeple complete with gleaming cross on top too. The bell is rang on Sunday, for weddings and other special occasions, and you can hear the sweet sound for miles around. You do not have to be a member of the Church to use the Chapel.
The history of First Baptist Church of Katy dates back to November 20, 1898 when they had their first meeting, it was then named Zion Baptist Church. They gathered in a one-room Katy Schoolhouse with several other denominations. The Baptist congregation changed its name to Katy Baptist Church in 1914 and erected its own building at a cost of $1,380. Finally, the name First Baptist Church of Katy, Texas was chosen by the members on December 9, 1948. The membership swelled to more than four thousand and the church relocated to a site just south of the original building as it celebrated its centennial in 1998. A white frame chapel was erected at the new site as a reminder of the first building and the original and continuing vision of the church. The First Baptist Church of Katy celebrated its 102nd birthday by dedicating a State of Texas Historical Marker on November 19, 2000.
History of the Bolin Chapel
In 1998 the First Baptist Church relocated from its original location to its new site at 600 Pin Oak Road. During the process members decided to
build a replica (with some variations) of the original church. They decided on the white framed building in the same 19thCentury Gothic tradition as churches in the early 1900's. The chapel was completed in 1999 and dedicated to Tom and Joy Bolin in October of that year. The chapel was built by volunteer s of the First Baptist Church and the Katy Community. The estimated cost was $100,000, with the majority of materials being donated, including the bell that now hangs in the bell tower. The chapel seats approximately 100 people on its 16 superb hand-made wooden pews. Each pew has a wooden holder for the Baptist Hymnals. Another feature is an exquisite hand-crafted wooden pulpit with a cross formed on it. Behind the pulpit is a large raised plat form area with a set of three stunning custom designed stained glass windows. A picturesque setting for a wedding and other special events. The floors throughout the Chapel are a warm gleaming stained wood. The matching windows on both sides of the Chapel are made with rippled glass as in many Church buildings of that era, which give it an authentic look. On either side of the pulpit is an antique organ and piano that were donated by church member. There is a prayer room, with a second entrance from the garden area dedicated to Mrs. Edna Mae Fielder, who also has an elementary school in Cinco Ranch named after her. At the front of the Chapel off the entrance is a nice size front room for a dressing area, perfect for the bride to get ready in. On the opposite side are the ladies and gents rooms. The chapel is used for weddings, Sunday School classes, prayer gatherings, funerals and many other functions. You do not have to be a member of the church to use the Bolin Chapel. Everything about the Bolin Chapel is pleasing, warm and welcoming, a place you want to linger.
Centennial Courtyard
The grounds outside the chapel are just as welcoming and inviting, planted with trees, plants, and flowers.
There is a waterfall fountain that becomes a stream ending in a pond filled with fish and water Lillys. A walkway leads from the chapel to the centennial courtyard that has over 500 bricks. Each brick was ordered by people in the church and community and inscribed with names and dates. There are wooden benches placed in a circular pattern around the bricked courtyard. You can set and enjoy the gardens. A tranquil spot to pray, reflect, dream and relax. The Texas State Historical Marker was placed here in the Centennial Courtyard also. On the historical marker is an outline of the history of First Baptist Church Of Katy, which celebrated its 102nd birthday by dedicating the marker on November 19, 2000. As of this date the church is 110 years old, lots of history to reflect on.
Tom and Joy Bolin
I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Bolin before writing this story. I mentioned it must have been quite an honor to have a chapel named after you, and his response was, "It was both humbling and shocking". Tom was very kind to have provided me with lots of information about the Church and Chapel. This is a quote from the Bolin Chapel Dedication, "On this day, October, 1999, we, the First Baptist Church of Katy, Texas, do enthusiastically and gratefully dedicate the Bolin Chapel to the glory of God and in honor of His faithful servants, Tom and Joy Bolin. May God richly bless the hearts of the countless people who will congregate, celebrate, and worship in this beautiful building, and may we forever learn from, and be inspired by, the selfless service and dedication of the Bolin's." In speaking with Tom I also learned that he and his wife Joy moved to Katy shortly after I did. I opened my Real Estate office on Mason Rd. @ I-10 in 1977, and Tom and Joy Bolin moved to Katy the same year. Tom has served as Minister of Education and Administration and Minister to Senior Adults along with many other responsibilities. He and Joy have been an integral part of the church for all these years.

Pond with fish and water Lillys
in courtyard of Bolin Chapel
Relaxing in the garden you can read some of the history of the First Baptist Church Of Katy and The Bolin Chapel. To quote another church pamphlet,
"Perhaps generations to come will stand in the Centennial Courtyard, observe the Historical Marker and the simple wooden chapel and be reminded of the original settlers and their vision. That vision, the growth of God's work in this community, has passed down through the years to their generation."
For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generation. Psalms 100:5
View of hand crafted pews & rippled glass window common in 19th century Church's

Details of the custom designed stain glass
windows in Bolin Chapel


This original watercolor painting depicted the future scene of the Bolin Chapel was presented to the Bolin's during a service. It came as a complete surprise. Kim Bolin Auman was chosen to paint it.

To visit First Baptist
Church and the Bolin Chapel located at 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy Texas 77450. Take 10 West past the first Katy exit to Pin Oak Road, exit and go right. The Church is on your right about a 1/2 mile down. 281-391-1200
Liz Carter, Local Katy Realtor since 1976. Liz Carter & Team Realty, 281-391-SOLD (7653).
www.lizcarter.com

Please Note: As much as I love contest and competition, I feel that it would be in better taste and benefit my Texas Real Estate group, to remove this article from the contest (for points) of "The Prettiest Old Church in Texas". I did however want to share this beautiful Church and Chapel in Katy Texas with all of you. Enjoy, Liz
Liz - What a beautiful setting with this church and landscape; makes it peaceful. This is what a churche should look like. We do have so much history here in Texas and is evident this church has had some good caretakers to keep this church in this condition. Thank you so much for sharing.
I like the way you placed your pictures into your story. I hope someday to be able to do the same with my photo's. Your HI in training (heeeheee)