Special Moments Chapel

      A historic church with a rich past! It was organized on January 6, 1901 in the Round Grove Community. The first name given was German Evangelical Friedens (Peace) Congregation.

      The charter members were settlers who immigrated to America from Germany because they were dissatisfied with the political and economic situation in Germany. Most of these people lived in a territory of Germany known as Pomerania and Posen. Having heard that they could purchase land at a very low price in America, they decided to risk all and come to America. Many of them landed at Galveston and went to Collin County, settling near Plano, Wylie and Sasche. They worked as farm laborers, saved their money, and as soon as they accumulated enough, they bought land in southern Denton County where the land was cheaper than in Collin County.

      The earliest settlers of the community began to arrive in 1892. The community was given the name, "Round Grove" because of a grove of trees in a circular shape. The congregation was founded to provide a church for the community. Not having a building in which to worship, they met in various homes for worship and fellowship. Charter members consisted of names that are familiar yet today in this area: Barfknecht, Wolters, Thiede, Dollgnener, Berndt, and Uecker. Services were primarily in the German language until 1919 at which time it was voted that both languages; German and English were to be used on the church services.

      In 1901 they formed an organization. At their first meeting they decided to build a church which would be completed that year. Buy two acres of land on which to build the church and employ a minister who would preach at least 12 times during the year with an annual salary of $100. The church was built by its members with completion in seven months. The interior of the church was of beaded ceiling, and the outside of narrow weatherboard. The inside was painted white, so were the windows, inside and out, so one could not see in or out.

      Between each group of windows, there were brackets for a kerosene lamp. Each lamp had a reflector between the chimney and wall. These lights were used for Christmas Eve programs as well as meetings at night. The building was heated with a pot-bellied stove, using wood for fuel. It stood in the center of the building. The stove was tall and small enough that people could pass by. The stovepipe looked a mile long, for it extended straight upward through the ceiling.

      In 1926 it was decided that the services were to be held in English on the first and fourth Sundays of the month. All evening services were to continue in German. In 1937 it was decided to reorganize, revise, and translate the constitution into the English language. It was also decided that if the church were to grow it would have church services every Sunday.

      At a congregational meeting on March 23, 1939 it was decided to go ahead with a building program. A new entranceway was added to the front of the church. An Altar was built and placed in the center at the back of the chancel, and a brass rail with velvet curtains was placed in front of the chancel.

      In May of 1948, plans were made for new seating arrangements. It was voted to have individual chairs rather than pews. In 1949 a building to be used for Sunday school and Parish Hall was erected.

      Historically, Christmas Eve was the big occasion of the year. Many came from miles around. They would hitch their horse to the wagon, double-seated buggy or the surrey and drive the muddy lanes to church. The nights seemed colder and darker in those days, and only a few surries had coal-oil lights. When they arrived at church, everyone would tie their horse to one of the five hitching posts out front that had a 50-ft chain tied to them. The first man inside the church built a fire in the pot-bellied stove. As the others entered they would hang their coats and hats on a row of old nails, warm their hands over the stove and be seated on the long, slatted pews; men on one side of the aisle, women on the other. The coal oil lamps on each sidewall would cast their light on the stage. On the south side of the stage would be the Christmas tree, a cedar someone had brought in from their pasture. It would always be hung with tinsel and be covered with miniature candles. Across the stage would be strung bailing wire which supported the curtains made of bed sheets pinned on with safety pins. The adults presented three-act plays and the little children would give Christmas readings. Behind the makeshift curtains were dressing rooms. Old Santa most always made his appearance too.

TODAY

The Chapel has a historic charm and uniqueness that others could only wish for.  It offers a romantic and intimate setting that is perfect for creating that "Special Moment".

Call or e-mail us for an appointment so you can experience it for yourself.

817/307-1454  or 817/846-6476

information@specialmoments.info

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