Our History
John Knox Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbytery of New Covenant and of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It had its beginnings in October of 1959, when the then Brazos Presbytery purchased 3.7 acres of beautifully wooded land on North Gessner Road. Soon thereafter, a group of 54 people gathered together for their first worship on October 11, 1959 at the Pine Shadows Elementary School. On that same Sunday, 37 people signed a petition requesting the presbytery to organize a new church with Dr. R.D. Nolen to serve as their temporary pastor. Also, they agreed on a temporary name: Gessner Road Presbyterian Church.
On November 22, 1959, sixty-one members from ten different churches were received into the new church. Deacons and Elders were installed, and the new name of John Knox was adopted. The Rev. J. Walter Dickson, pastor of St Phillip Presbyterian Church, preached the sermon and Dr. Charles W. Shedd of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church offered the dedicatory prayer.
Although the congregation still met for services at Pine Shadows School, the church grounds were constantly used for picnics and other church-sponsored activities under the big trees on the front of the property. The theme at this time was “Adventuring for Christ.” Every Sunday evening, members of the congregation would go out and call on prospective members.
On October 21, 1961, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on the church property. It was a great celebration and a family affair. The Rev. Gary Jones, the first permanent minister, asked the children to take the shovels and break the ground on this occasion. The First Presbyterian Church of Houston gave $10,000 toward the building fund. The Rev. Jones and a number of officers and members each accepted $1,000 to $4,000 of debt to a total of $30,000. The Extension Committee donated the land to the congregation, which made it possible for them to borrow the remaining $85,000 necessary to build.
The first services were held in the church building at 2525 N. Gessner on April 27, 1963. The roofline of the first unit was patterned after hands folded in prayer. The building had a seating capacity of 250. The complete church included twelve classrooms and a kitchen.
The Dedication Service for the new facilities was held at 3:30 in the afternoon May 19, 1963. Dr. Charles Shedd, pastor of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, offered the prayer of dedication; and, Dr. John Lancaster, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, delivered the sermon.
In 1971, pews and carpet for the main sanctuary were purchased. Prior to this time, there was tile flooring and the congregation sat in folding chairs. Then, in 1974, the porch of the church was enclosed, providing a Narthex for the earlier facilities. The latest addition to the church facilities was completed in 1978 with the construction of new offices, the fellowship building and a new kitchen.
In 2005, the three major buildings that comprise John Knox Presbyterian Church were painted and repairs made as needed. In addition, a new modern sign was erected to communicate with our community the many programs we offer. In the same year, we were gifted with a beautiful Young Chang Grand piano, which has greatly enriched the music in our worship services. In 2006, the chancel was remodeled providing space for all our music ensembles and new hardwood pews were installed.
During its more than 50 years of history, many capable and loyal church leaders have blessed John Knox Presbyterian Church with their services. Two Christian Educators have served, including: Jeanne West (1977 and 1983) and Sylvia Washer (1984). In addition, the congregation has called seven ministers:
The Rev. Gary Jones (1961–1964)
The Rev. Charles Brayton Fraser, Jr. (1965-1967)
The Rev. Henry A. Grubbs (1967-1979)
The Rev. Phineas A. Washer, Jr. (1980-1993)
The Rev. Dr. Jim Gill (1994-2003)
The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Cordero (2005-2010)
The Rev. Becky Ardell Downs (2011-present)
On November 22, 1959, sixty-one members from ten different churches were received into the new church. Deacons and Elders were installed, and the new name of John Knox was adopted. The Rev. J. Walter Dickson, pastor of St Phillip Presbyterian Church, preached the sermon and Dr. Charles W. Shedd of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church offered the dedicatory prayer.
Although the congregation still met for services at Pine Shadows School, the church grounds were constantly used for picnics and other church-sponsored activities under the big trees on the front of the property. The theme at this time was “Adventuring for Christ.” Every Sunday evening, members of the congregation would go out and call on prospective members.
On October 21, 1961, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on the church property. It was a great celebration and a family affair. The Rev. Gary Jones, the first permanent minister, asked the children to take the shovels and break the ground on this occasion. The First Presbyterian Church of Houston gave $10,000 toward the building fund. The Rev. Jones and a number of officers and members each accepted $1,000 to $4,000 of debt to a total of $30,000. The Extension Committee donated the land to the congregation, which made it possible for them to borrow the remaining $85,000 necessary to build.
The first services were held in the church building at 2525 N. Gessner on April 27, 1963. The roofline of the first unit was patterned after hands folded in prayer. The building had a seating capacity of 250. The complete church included twelve classrooms and a kitchen.
The Dedication Service for the new facilities was held at 3:30 in the afternoon May 19, 1963. Dr. Charles Shedd, pastor of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, offered the prayer of dedication; and, Dr. John Lancaster, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, delivered the sermon.
In 1971, pews and carpet for the main sanctuary were purchased. Prior to this time, there was tile flooring and the congregation sat in folding chairs. Then, in 1974, the porch of the church was enclosed, providing a Narthex for the earlier facilities. The latest addition to the church facilities was completed in 1978 with the construction of new offices, the fellowship building and a new kitchen.
In 2005, the three major buildings that comprise John Knox Presbyterian Church were painted and repairs made as needed. In addition, a new modern sign was erected to communicate with our community the many programs we offer. In the same year, we were gifted with a beautiful Young Chang Grand piano, which has greatly enriched the music in our worship services. In 2006, the chancel was remodeled providing space for all our music ensembles and new hardwood pews were installed.
During its more than 50 years of history, many capable and loyal church leaders have blessed John Knox Presbyterian Church with their services. Two Christian Educators have served, including: Jeanne West (1977 and 1983) and Sylvia Washer (1984). In addition, the congregation has called seven ministers:
The Rev. Gary Jones (1961–1964)
The Rev. Charles Brayton Fraser, Jr. (1965-1967)
The Rev. Henry A. Grubbs (1967-1979)
The Rev. Phineas A. Washer, Jr. (1980-1993)
The Rev. Dr. Jim Gill (1994-2003)
The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Cordero (2005-2010)
The Rev. Becky Ardell Downs (2011-present)