GUIDE TO HOUSTON'S FAITH CENTERS
In this cosmopolitan city of Houston
reside people of every creed, and race. Our newcomer's guide provides a brief
summary of religious centers throughout the city.This guide is divided into several areas
to make your search easier: Christian and non-Christian; denominational and
non-denominational.
Buddhist Temple
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12550 Jebbia Ln, Stafford, TX 77477. (281-495-3500) Hours:Tue to Sun. 10;00am to 5:00pm |
Though not exhaustive, the first list contains groups that are most often heard of and considered non-Christian: Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian Scientist, Mormon, Baha'i, Jehovah Witness, and Sikh.
Mainline denominations:
Roman
Catholic, Episcopal/Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God,
Seventh - day Adventist, Lutheran, Apostolic, Baptist and various Orthodox
groups. Some large non-denominationals: Lakewood, Fellowship of the Woodlands and New Light.
To show how Houston worships compared to the country, included is a breakdown courtesy of Sperling's best places:http://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/texas/houston.
| Religion | Houston, TX | United States |
| Percent Religious | 11.54% | 49.19% |
| Catholic | 20.09% | 13.08% |
| LDS | 0.58% | 1.85% |
| Baptist | 11.54% | 13.66% |
| Episcopalian | 0.93% | 0.55% |
| Pentecostal | 1.93% | 1.84% |
| Lutheran | 1.20% | 4.91% |
| Methodist | 3.95% | 6.08% |
| Presbyterian | 0.97% | 1.22% |
| Other Christian | 2.28% | 5.60% |
| Jewish | 0.88% | 0.25% |
| Eastern | 0.04% | 0.06% |
| Islam | 1.29% | 0.09% |
From centuries old edifices, to
storefront and strip center settings, Houstonians choose to worship in a
variety of locations. Included in the groups are links that show their history
and beliefs.
Non-Christian
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. 1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, TX 77477.Tel: (1-281) 765-2277
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| Hindu Mandir http://mapq.st/10E0f47 |
The Hindu Mandir on Brand Lane in Stafford
is the first traditional Mandir built of handmade stone and marble sent from
India to be constructed in the United States.With its Reading Room that "offers
a quiet place to study," the Christian Scientist has several locations
throughout the city.Named the “fastest growing religion in
the world through conversion”- Guinness Book of World Records, Islam has
divided their worship centers by zones. The religion of
Mitt Romney, Mormons (The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints), dedicated their first Houston site in 1998. Houston has 28 Buddhist Temples
dispersed in and around the city. The newest, built in 2001, is visually appealing with a tea room,
Zen meditation room, and Columbarium.Judaism, the foundation of the Christian
faith, established Texas' oldest congregation in Houston in today.(http://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2011/02/congregation-beth-israel-through-the-years/).
As the largest religious minority that
was formed in Iran, the Baha’i faith of Houston is a community that includes
refugees. They emphasize the spiritual unity of all people, across
religious traditions.Founded in Northern
India during the fifteenth century, Sikhs worship in temples called Gurdwaras.
In May 1973, Indian immigrants opened their first temple in Houston.
Known as the religion of Michael Jackson
and his family, Jehovah Witnesses canvasses neighborhoods passing out their
magazine "The Watchtower." Their interpretation of the Bible puts
them in opposition to mainline Christians.
Christian
Denominational
The Apostolic/Pentecostal churches are a
body of Spirit-filled believers built on the ordinances of water baptism and
speaking in tongues. There are over
86 churches in the city ready to receive all who will come.Another group that believes in water
baptism and the in-filling of the Holy Spirit is the Assemblies of God. One of
the largest members of the Pentecostal denomination in the world, the
Assemblies has a rich history that includes street and tent meetings. They
continue to grow since their beginning in 1914.
Memorial Drive United Methodist Church
Sunday: 8:15, 9:30 and 11 AM in the sanctuary. Wednesday: 6:30 PM
Thursday:12:30 PM.
Having its
roots in the European Reformation Movement of the sixteenth century, the
Presbyterian Church in America was organized in early 1700s.This mainline Protestant church has its
beginning with the Wesley brothers of England in the 18th century. Known today
as the Methodist Church, its influence is visible in the city with one of the
country's top ten hospitals.Christ Church Cathedral, one of the
oldest Episcopal Churches in Houston, and the Cathedral of the Diocese was
founded in 1839.
With the Pope at its head in Vatican City, the Roman
Catholic Church has a diverse population and many locations in Houston.Brought to the US by Germans, the
Lutheran church is divided into three primary Synods or church body. Directory
listings show over 38 churches in the Houston area.The most well-known Baptist Church in
Houston is Second Baptist, led by Pastor Ed Young. This Church has five
campuses strategically placed throughout the city, with its largest being in
the affluent Memorial area.Orthodox Christians with their roots in countries such as Greece, Russia, Armenia, Japan, China
and Ukraine, have worship centers around the city. Some continue to conduct services in their native language.
Non-Denominational
New Light Christian Center Church
Worship centers that fall into this
category are independent of denominational control and most were founded by
individual spiritual leaders. Some of the country’s largest congregations are
in the city of Houston.Listed on turnbacktogod.com as the largest
congregation in the country with membership of over 43,000, Lakewood,
with Pastor Joel Osteen, serves a multicultural congregation.Billed as
one of the city's mega churches, New Light Christian Center is said to have
over 28,000 members. A non-denominational church with multiple locations and
service times, it is headquartered in North Houston. Fellowship
of theWoodlands is another of the city’s
mega church that ministers to over 15,000 people weekly. Said to be the 12th
largest and 4th fastest growing in the country(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodlands_Church), it's located in the
Northern outskirts of Houston.
New Light Christian Center Church
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New Light Christian Center |
Houston provides the newcomer with many options regarding worship. Whatever your desire, a place is available to meet your needs.
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