First Presbyterian Church of Houston

My friend and I went to a worship service here this past Sunday. It was our first time going to a Presbyterian Church. I can't remember what time we went, but I know it was their modern/contemporary service that we attended. I absolutely LOVE seeing it when REAL BREAD is used at communion. Hats off to you all! Even though I live on a different side of town, I am interested in experiencing a traditional Presbyterian worship service some day in the future (God willing of course). Thank you so much for welcoming us with open arms this past weekend as fellow followers of Christ. God bless and good journey!

I was looking for a church home that was diverse, welcoming, and located near areas I enjoy, like Memorial Park, while also being close to home. Before attending the church, I applied to enroll my child in the affiliated school. During my initial communication with the administration, I did not mention race. I simply asked whether there were opportunities for families who are not wealthy and whether financial assistance was available. I was told yes—enthusiastically—that they welcome applicants from different financial backgrounds and that there were open spots available. I applied early in the process and completed the financial aid portion as instructed. Over the next few months, I stayed in communication with one staff member who was consistently helpful, responsive, and encouraging. She even gave me important guidance about testing—explaining that if the school itself identified learning or speech delays during evaluation, a child could be denied admission. She advised me to seek outside testing first to improve my child’s chances. I appreciated her honesty and felt she was genuinely trying to help. I was then invited to tour the school, meet teachers, and attend the open house. I arrived excited and hopeful. However, once I was there, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. I was not greeted upon arrival, and it was very apparent that I was the only Black parent present. All of the administrators and families were white. After meeting me and my child, the senior administrative staff pulled the staff member who had been helping me aside. Shortly after, she returned and told me that unfortunately my child would not be able to attend. The explanation given was that the school was very competitive and that priority was being given to families already connected to the school or investing more financially—despite earlier assurances that a spot was available and that financial background would not be a barrier. The timing and sudden change in messaging were deeply disappointing. It felt as though once they saw me and my child, the decision had already been made. I left feeling that access to the same quality of education was not truly equal. Despite this experience, I still decided to attend the church service. The church itself is beautiful, and the service was fine. However, most interactions centered around questions like why did you choose this church? and where do you work? Those questions seemed to carry more weight than simply welcoming a new family. Overall, while the church and school appear polished on the surface, my experience left me feeling excluded rather than embraced.

Lovely church. I was there for a school program so I'm not familiar with church related activities.

I went with a patient for Sunday morning service. The service was so spiritually fulfilling. The minister and the choir was so uplifting. I Must tell Jeus. Oh my God! Enjoyed every minute!!

Visited this church a few times, and each time I have noticed a few things. Some good and some not so good. They have childcare services and my kids enjoyed it. The Sunday school teacher was quite nice, but my kids were not allowed to touch or play with certain items, which I find to be strange 🤔 It appears to be a lot of division within this Holy place 😳...I can't quite put my words together to explain better....the families I've encountered were nice, but there's an awful lot of unfriendly people, including staff, that gives an unwelcoming feeling. I think they could do better, we will see. Have a blessed day