Good Shepherd is proud to be a continuing congregation in the Episcopal Church, a member of the world-wide Anglican Communion. We believe that it is our common (shared) prayer and worship that bind us together in Christ’s Body, the church, rather than complete agreement on issues or political viewpoints. The radical hospitality of Jeus Christ informs everything we do at Good Shepherd. As Episcopalians, we believe that God has given us scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to help us discern together God’s purpose for us. We believe in open Communion, so all baptized Christians may receive Communion at the Lord’s table.

In 1965, 49 congregants of Emmanuel Episcopal Church formally petitioned to form a mission church, the Episcopal Church of The Good Shepherd. Bishop Quarterman and the Standing Committee of the Diocese formally recognized the mission, and Bishop Quarterman was present at the groundbreaking.

In 2006, a large rift began to occur within the Episcopal  Church as a whole in a dispute over gay rights. This west Texas church became another casualty in the ongoing debate when members found themselves in a predicament in deciding on whether to stay with the Epsicopal Church or move to the Anglican church. Those wanting to ascribe to the more strict views of the Anglican church locked out the members wanting to stay true to the Epsicopal church views,  especially those relating to inclusion. This resulted in a search for a new physical church for the Episcopalians and a years-long lawsuit.

Celia Ellery was named Priest in Charge when the congregants began their new journey and was later named Rector; she retained that position until the lawsuit was finally resolved in 2022 when she decided there was closure for this faithful group and she retired to enjoy more time with her family.

The transformation of the Episcopal congregants began when they found a small Lutheran congregation in a similar situation. Parishioners from both denominations began a new church family sharing their reasons, beliefs, traditions, and hospitality. A favorite memory of many of the Episcopalians lies in the first Valentine’s Day the two denominations celebrated in their shared space when the Lutherans hosted a party to  welcome them. This gesture of love, acceptance, and purpose began to ease the sting of rejection, the uncertainty of what was to come, and to  build the foundation of new beginnings. Over the years the groups began to meld while the officiants took turns celebrating their individual church scriptures and traditions. 

As time went on, the Episcopalians located a church building that the Church of Christian Scientists  had moved out of and placed for sale. As the inside of the building was being prepared by parishioners to become our current home, bonds were continuing to be built as God’s purpose for our next path was becoming clear.  When this move was announced, the Lutherans understood their congregation would no longer continue to be and they had a choice to  join the Episcopalians at the new location or join another Lutheran congregation in the area. Many chose to follow this group and were provided the same warm welcome, acceptance and love they had given and continue to be a part of this congregation.

This radical hospitality, inclusion, and devotion to each other has shaped the core beliefs this congregation exhibits towards each other and guests. Good Shepherd is a small but fierce congregation where the members share their gifts of time and service cooperatively to serve God and our community.   

We welcome you to join us.

Our physical location celebrated a five year anniversary in January 2020.