Built on Prayer, Bound by Grace: The Story of Point Blank Community Church

Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry (1975-2025)

A sepia-toned vintage photo of several men in work clothes building the wooden frame of a house, with scaffolding and trees in the background.
A black and white vintage photo of a large group of people forming a human chain to move and stack heavy cinder blocks for a community building project.
A black and white photo showing the wooden frame of a building during its construction phase. The wall studs and roof rafters are exposed.
A black and white photo shows the entrance to Robinson Cemetery. A wrought iron archway spans the drive, and a brick pillar has a sign for a community church.
A black and white photograph of a large, ornate obelisk monument for the Wood family, set in a peaceful, wooded cemetery with other headstones nearby.
A black and white photo of a rustic building with a ramp. In the foreground, a bell hangs in a wooden tower, all surrounded by leafy trees.
A black and white photo of a congregation sitting in wooden pews, listening to a speaker at the front of a rustic church with a high, wood-paneled ceiling.
A black and white photo of a finished quilt with a large cross pattern on a table. In the background, a woman sits at the table looking through a book.

A Bible Class Becomes a Church

The ministry of Point Blank Community Church began not as a church, nor with the intention of becoming one, but as a Bible class in the home of Floyd and Lois Ireland. A small group of 12–15 people gathered to study God’s Word, and from this humble beginning, the Lake Front Bible Class was born. The Spirit was already stirring hearts toward something more. 

On November 16, 1974, a conference was held to consider forming a church. With Floyd Ireland as moderator, the group prayerfully discussed the future. It was the collective desire of the class to become a church and Point Blank Community Church was born. The early meetings continued in the Ireland home, where the warmth of fellowship and the hunger for truth laid a strong foundation. 

Leadership was quickly established with the election of deacons, trustees, a secretary, and a treasurer. The church adopted the constitution of Spring Branch Community Church of Houston, which itself had drawn from the Moody Church of Chicago’s constitution. Charter Members were defined as those who joined before the church’s dedication, totaling 44 individuals. In January 1975, Dr. Eddie Adams, one of the Bible class speakers, became PBCC’s first pastor.

Building on Prayer and Provision

In April of that year, the church acquired land from the heirs of Aubrey Hugh Robinson. Lake Livingston became the church’s backyard—and its baptismal pool. Just six months later, on October 26, 1975, the church was dedicated, with Joe Wall speaking at the service. The speed and unity of this effort were nothing short of miraculous.

Though the history is presented chronologically, it is important to remember that many months—and even years—of prayer preceded these events. Families from Spring Branch Community Church and others in the community had long been praying for a Bible church in Point Blank. 

God was clearly at work, orchestrating each step.

God’s Hand in Every Detail

The church’s construction was a testimony to God’s provision. Architect Harold Carlson drew the plans, Earl Froehner supervised the installation of massive timbers, JoAnn McClabb crafted the draperies, and Speedy McClain installed them. EC Bauer donated lumber from his family’s mills. Skilled builders, electricians, landscapers, and volunteers came together, donating labor and materials. Even the excavation revealed a blessing: the originally planned one-level structure could accommodate a lower level.

The building was not just a structure—it was a labor of love. Saturdays became workdays, where members gathered to hammer, saw, and pray. The fireplace was built by Grandpa Ibison, and nearly every furnishing was a gift from members and friends. 

It was a house built by faith, for faith.

Worship, Fellowship, and Growth

In 1978, the church celebrated its third anniversary with a fish fry and the burning of the mortgage. By 1979, the first Missionary Committee was formed, supporting six missionaries, with three more added in 1980. The cemetery fence was completed in 1983, and in 1984, Gertrude Schwartz founded the church library in memory of her father, Edwin Arnold. That same year, Coy and Ruth Lively joined the fellowship, and Bro. Coy became Associate Pastor, teaching Bible studies and Sunday School. Sunday night worship services began in 1985, and a children’s church ministry was launched with Amber White as its first attendee.

The music ministry flourished with Al Moody and Jerry McBee leading worship, Mom Ibison playing the organ, and Betty Coker on piano. Fellowship events such as fish fries, potluck dinners, and White Elephant Christmas parties became cherished traditions. Otis and Doris Petty joined the church, and Otis began giving weekly children’s sermons that delighted young hearts and encouraged families.

Pastoral Transitions and New Ministries

In 1989, Bro. Eddie Adams resigned to focus on developing a Bible college. Bro. Coy Lively briefly served as pastor before resigning due to health issues. A committee of elders called Bro. Bob Cave, who was unanimously voted in as pastor on March 11, 1990. Under his leadership, the church held its first Vacation Bible School in 1992. Between 1993 and 1995, the church underwent significant renovations, including updates to the kitchen, bathrooms, and Sunday School rooms, as well as expanded parking.

New ministries emerged during this time. The Widows/Widowers Banquet was initiated, the Sunshine Committee was formed under Charlotte Winters, and the Manna Committee, led by Dee Ibison, began delivering holiday baskets to neighbors in need. Bro. Cave resigned in 1999, and a stained glass window was donated in memory of Emily Hagerman—a lasting tribute to a beloved member.

The church grew in number and spirit, and the seeds of future outreach were planted.

A Season of Blessing and Loss

In June 2000, Bro. Jack Bailey who served as interim pastor accepted the role permanently. In 2002, Louise Barclay donated funds to install an elevator in memory of her mother. That same year, Loretta Bailey was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in June. Her legacy continues through her family and the church’s ongoing ministry.

Brother Jack’s leadership brought stability and joy. His sermons were heartfelt, and his presence was pastoral in every sense. 

Homecomings, Healing, and Hope

In 2003, Bro. Jack officiated the wedding of Angelia Hildebrand and Mark Towler, having previously married Angelia’s mother and stepfather 24 years earlier. In 2004, he married Lois Corley, who became a beloved presence in the church. The 30th Homecoming was celebrated in October 2005 with 129 attendees and Otis Petty’s “Memories and Mission” presentation.

Between 2006 and 2010, the church installed a second stained glass window in memory of Bob Hagerman, beautified the grounds with new doors, furniture, and a bell tower, and celebrated Bro. Jack’s 10th anniversary. The lease on the property was extended to 2075, and a flagpole was dedicated in 2010. Attendance grew to an average of 110. When Bro. Jack’s cancer returned, the Elder Board called Dario Ruvarac, a beloved friend from Croatia, to serve as guest pastor.

The church deepened its roots, and leaned into its mission, honoring the past while preparing for the future.

Music, Missions, and Memorials

From 2011 to 2015, the church experienced both loss and growth. Betty Roberts donated a baby grand piano in memory of Betty Blakely. Paul Terrall and Lynn Trott retired after 17 years of service. Cemetery renovations continued, and Bess Blythe’s garden was added. Faye Wallace became Music Director, and a new Sunday School room was built. Bro. Jack resigned in 2012 and passed away in July. Dusty Rhodes succeeded Faye Wallace as Music Director, and Bro. Don Davis became pastor in September. New pew cushions and Bibles were donated.

Expansion and Unexpected Challenges

In 2013, the Long Range Planning Committee began fundraising for a new fellowship hall. Carol Hale began teaching children’s classes during worship, and the church prayed for more young families.

Between 2016 and 2020, TV monitors were installed, a handbell choir was formed, and the bulkhead was repaired. Plans for the fellowship hall were paused due to site limitations. Bro. Don Davis retired in 2017, and Bro. John McDonald became pastor. Linda McDonald and Rose Loveday served as pianist and organist. In 2018, Jack and Pat Kolter launched “Tractors for Jesus,” and Clyde Chandler’s dream of partnering with the Houston Food Bank was realized.

Revival, Renewal, and Reflection

Revival: Unity in the Community

In 2023 the church hosted its first revival at the second campus, now known as the Community Outreach Center. It was an old-fashioned tent revival and included 6 pastors from the surrounding communities. In 2024, the church built a pavilion for revivals, funded by the sale of the Tackett home. The second revival hosted 11 pastors from across the region, filling the grounds with worship, preaching, and praise. On December 31, 2024, Sandra Rhodes, our beloved Director of Music, retired after many years of faithful service and countless beautiful cantatas. Though a replacement could not be found, God provided a vibrant praise and worship team that now leads the congregation in joyful song.

After 13 years of partnership, the Houston Food Bank closed its local operation. Yet even in this transition, God opened a new door. Inspired by Clyde Chandler’s original vision, PBCC launched its own Food Pantry, staffed by dedicated volunteers and supported by generous donations. In November, the church added a “Feed My Sheep” meal program, offering hot meals to those in need alongside pantry distributions.

The third revival was held with great success, drawing hearts together in unity and celebration. As we look back over these 50 years, we are reminded again and again that God has been faithful. He has provided, sustained, and multiplied far beyond what we could have imagined.

Closing Reflection

So much of this journey has been lovingly documented by our church photographers, Evelyn Mauck and Kem Strong, whose images have helped us remember and rejoice. As a church family, we have truly lived out the call to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” We have seen prayers answered, lives transformed, and faith deepened.

We have watched dear friends be called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We welcomed new families, new ministries, and new opportunities to serve. Through it all, we remain a praying church—rooted in Christ, growing in grace, and committed to the work of the Kingdom.

Church Historians: Helen Tyson, Ethel Embrey, Pat Chandler