One of the most storied congregations in Texas history celebrated a milestone this Juneteenth: Galveston’s Reedy Chapel kept its 161-year tradition alive, according to Houston Public Media.

Reedy Chapel holds a special place in the story of American freedom. It was in Galveston that the news of emancipation was first announced in Texas on June 19, 1865 — and Reedy Chapel has been part of commemorating that moment ever since. The congregation’s enduring presence is a testament to the deep roots of faith and community that have carried the church through more than a century and a half of history.

As the church community gathered once again this year, the message was clear: this is a tradition that endures. ‘Still standing today,’ as Houston Public Media put it in its headline, captures the quiet pride of a congregation that has witnessed and shaped history in equal measure.

Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, has its spiritual and cultural heartbeat right here in the Houston-Galveston region, and Reedy Chapel remains one of its most powerful living symbols. For Houstonians and Texans alike, the chapel’s continued celebration is a reminder that community, faith, and memory can stand the test of time — 161 years and counting.

Sources: Houston Public Media