birth

Birth of a Church

South Texas Presbytery called G. W. Crofoot in October 1962, to start a new work in Harlingen, Texas. The need for another church in this thriving community had been apparent for years, but for one reason or another, starting work had been delayed. Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church is a result of a joint effort of South Texas Presbytery and the First Presbyterian Church of Harlingen. Both contributed to its financial support. The Presbytery made possible the purchase of the three-acre tract of land on which the church is located and contributed to the cost of the building. The Frank Parker Construction Company was awarded the contract, and the ground for the new building was broken October 13, 1963. Since January 1, 1963, when the work started, practically all the services, the Sunday church school, the mid-week Bible Study, committee meetings, etc. were held in the manse. The church was organized by South Texas Presbytery with 39 charter members. In the summer of 1963, the congregation met as directed by Presbytery, and it was a busy night. The congregation decided to elect six ruling Elders for limited terms. L. E. Homes and B.C. Stephenson for two year terms, H. J. Garrett and C. W. McCarley were elected for three year terms. Guy B. Harris and Charles D. Pope for one year terms. Mr. Harris declined to accept the office and the other five were later instructed, examined, ordained and installed. W. P. Biscoe, A. W. Groce and J. P. M. Farris were elected trustees. The following building committee was elected: Rev. C. W. Crofoot, Chairman, H. J. Garrett, Mrs. Arthur Groce, Guy B. Harris, C. W. McCarley, Charles D. Pope, Mrs. Irene Swaidner and Mrs. W. J. Williams This church is indebted to South Texas Presbytery, the General Assembly, the First Presbyterian Church in Harlingen, and its members and friends for the generous financial support it has received. From its responsibility and in addition to its building program and expenses, all had contributed to the total benevolent program of the church. In Honor and Memory we dedicate this 40^th Anniversary celebration to our first Charter Members:
Mr./Mrs. Charley Anglin Mr./Mrs. W. P. Briscoe Mr./Mrs. Norman Chandler Mrs. G. W. Crofoot Miss Elizabeth Crofoot Mrs. Carolyn F. Ellison Mr./Mrs. J. P. Farris Mr./Mrs. H. J. Garrett	Mr./Mrs. Arthur W. Groce Mr./Mrs. Guy B. Harris Mr. Covert Harris Mr. Ken Harris Mrs. E. H. Henry Mr./Mrs. L. E. Holmes Mrs. Forrest D. Martin Mr./Mrs. Clint McCarley	Allen McCarley Mr./Mrs. Charles D. Pope Mr./Mrs. B. G. Slay Mr./Mrs. B. C. Stephenson Mrs. Irene Swaidner Mr./Mrs. Harriet F. Turner Mr./Mrs. M. J. Valo Mr./Mrs. W. J. Williams

The first worship service was held on Sunday, January 6, 1963, in the manse, 2631 Cypress Drive, with 25 people present. Rev. Crofoot, the Evangelist called by the Presbytery to establish this new work, led the worship.
Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church was chartered in June, 1963. It was a seed from the First Presbyterian Church in Harlingen. The congregation initially worshiped on Sundays in the manse. The Sanctuary was built in 1964 under the leadership of its first pastor, Rev. George Crofoot. The classroom and office addition were built in 1978 under the leadership of Rev. Robert Sebesta, the church's second pastor. Rev. Palmer has been with the church since 1983. A new, larger sanctuary was completed in November 1989. Presently there are over 200 resident and nonresident members. The congregation is a friendly, Christ-centered church that is growing.