Matagorda County Churches
Blessing, Texas
 

Czech Brethren Church

Pastor Larry Swift

December 2023
 

Free Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Blessing
By Colleen Claybourn

1984

The Free Zion Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1917 under the direction of the Almighty
God, Rev. H. M. Hayes, and six members. The first church site, on the north side of the Missouri-Pacific railroad tracks, was a one-room house donated to the church by Mrs. A. B. Pierce. Two deacons, a secretary, and a treasurer were the first officers.

In 1967 a new church building was erected. A special entrance service was held Sunday, January 7, 1968.

The membership is composed of young people working to carry on the work of the church and its
history. The church is filled each year during the Annual Homecoming Services, as both past and
present members come together and reminisce about Free Zion's miraculous progress.

Mrs. M. L. Pea was the last surviving member of the organizing members. She held the office of church clerk and secretary of the Sunday School for many years; she was a continual inspiration to the church members and was considered to be the mother of the church.

Today, the old saying, "It's a Blessing to be in Blessing," still remains in the heart and memory of its
present-day members.

Men of God who have led the church over the years include: B. Tolleson, W. S. Autry, I. H. Heard, W. E. Walker, R. B. Thompson, T. G. Jackson, W. B. Jenkins, W. M. Mayfield, C. L. Luddington, Jr., L. P.
Phillips, and Elzie Bonner.

Historic Matagorda County, Volume I, pp 610-611
 

Copyright 2016 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
All rights reserved

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