Houses of the Holy

200 historical markers scattered across Galveston Island, several mark the site of churches dating back to the early or mid-1800s. Just as marriage is a timehonored sacrament, steeped in history and tradition, so are these impressive buildings, as they’ve truly endured the test of time. Many have been rebuilt or restored after storms, and each has its own fascinating history to share. Inside and out, the classic architecture, superb craftsmanship and warm, rich details offer an unsurpassed setting for a memorable wedding ceremony.

St. Joseph’s Church

One of the most historic is St. Joseph’s Church, constructed by German immigrants in 1859. It’s the oldest German Catholic church in Texas and the oldest wooden church building in Galveston. Even more impressive, it’s one of the few pre–Civil War buildings still remaining on the Island. Although it was damaged in the 1900 hurricane, it retains much of its original character, including a coffered ceiling painted with Gothic symbols and an elaborate altar. It’s now maintained by the Galveston Historical Foundation.

Reedy Chapel

Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth, the historic date in 1865 marked the end of slavery in the South. Juneteenth is honored faithfully around town and especially at Reedy Chapel, the “mother church” of African Methodism in Texas, which was built upon land formerly owned by slave owners who wanted to give their slaves a place to worship. The church hosts a Juneteenth celebration for the entire community with live entertainment, games and a Freedom March. Though the 1886 building was damaged by the 1900 hurricane, it was completely restored. Inside is one of the oldest pipe organs in Texas, an ornate masterpiece built in 1872, featuring 800 pipes.

First Presbyterian

The Island’s oldest organized congregation is First Presbyterian, established in 1840. The current church, dedicated in 1889, took 16 years to complete and was heralded the world over as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country. The stunning stainedglass windows add a dramatic and colorful touch, and wedding packages include a professional accompanist playing the specially made pipe organ, crafted using pipes from other organs.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

First Evangelical Lutheran Church’s congregation is equally rich with history, having been established in 1850 by the Island’s then-small German population. The current building is an impressive white structure featuring massive stone walls, gorgeous jeweled windows and an exquisite wooden interior designed with Gothic influences.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica

Built in 1847 using 500,000 bricks that arrived from Belgium by ship, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica was the first cathedral in Texas and the primary cathedral of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Standing proudly atop the church is “Mary, Star of the Sea,” an inspiring cast-iron statue. Inside, a high-water mark shows where Hurricane Ike dumped 8 feet of water into the church in 2008. The cathedral then underwent a four-year restoration and is now one of the most beautiful places for Catholics to worship and hold sacred ceremonies such as weddings.

Sacred Heart Church

Sacred Heart is a massive, pristine white structure and was once the largest church in the state. The building’s majestic “onion dome” has topped the church since the early 1900s, after the original dome was damaged in a storm.

Congregation B’nai Israel

The Jewish community in Galveston first began to take shape in the 1840s, with members encouraged to celebrate their faith at home, since there weren’t enough for a congregation. That changed in 1870 with the construction of a Gothic-style synagogue for Congregation B’nai Israel, though sadly it burned down. The congregation moved into its current building in 1954—a modern, red-brick temple designed by Tibor Beerman, a then-congregant who was a Holocaust survivor. The Rabbi Henry Cohen Memorial Temple features an impressive sanctuary, a smaller, cozy chapel space and a social hall.

Avenue L Baptist Church

Texas’s first African American Baptist Church, formed as the slave congregation of another Baptist church, moved to its Avenue L site in 1855 and became Avenue L Baptist Church—referred to as “The Ave.” The first building was destroyed in the 1900 hurricane and replaced by a small wooden structure. As a testament to the church’s history, the 1904 wooden building still stands next to the current one (1916), which is a stately redbrick structure that offers a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.

Trinity Episcopal Church

Avenue L Baptist Church

Congregation B’nai Israel

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

First

Reedy

In 1863 during the Civil War, a cannonball struck Trinity Episcopal Church, but the building stood strong. Legend has it that the cannonball is still embedded in the bricks of the 1857 building, and that’s just one of the cool facts about this church. After Hurricane Ike in 2008, shards of broken stained glass were handcrafted into jewelry, which has since been sold to help other disaster-affected areas and people around the world, including Ukrainian refugees. Trinity’s grand sanctuary is ideal for large weddings, as it holds up to 550 guests.

There’s no official wedding season in Galveston, as the weather is ideal year-round. Check with each church or synagogue for availability, requirements and other important details as you plan your special Island wedding.

Fun is Around Every Corner in Galveston

To-Do List

Here’s your quick guide to the adventures, experiences and excursions that await you on Galveston Island.

incredible choice: You’re here on Galveston Island. Now, you may be wondering how to best maximize your time. After all, there is an endless list of experiences awaiting you and your crew. But that’s why we’re here.

Island Soul compiled a guide to some of the most exciting activities during your stay. Take a look, make your pick, then enjoy your adventures.

Tall Ships Festival

Calling all history buffs and maritime adventurers: From April 13-16, you can enjoy unforgettable tours of the kind of ships you’ve likely only seen in adventure movies. For the annual Tall Ships Festival, centuries-old galleys line Galveston’s historic seaport, allowing you to channel your inner Jack Sparrow (actual piracy not encouraged.) Plus, the fan-favorite fest is complete with seabound excursions and more music and food than you and your fellow maties will know what to do with.

Take the Freedom Walk

Juneteenth is now a federal holiday recognized throughout our country, and Galveston is where it all began. In fact, you can walk the precise pathway Union soldiers took when they delivered the news that all slaves must be freed. That trail will take you on a walk through history, starting at the pier and winding through several local landmarks.

MotoSurf Texas Cup

JetSurf Houston is proud to host the 2nd Annual MotoSurf Texas Cup at Moody Gardens. MotoSurf is an internationally recognized and regulated sport, rapidly growing throughout the world. JetSurf is the fastest and lightest motorized surfboard in the world, and this competition will include the best JetSurfers from across the globe.

Rent a Surrey and Ride Along the Seawall

If you’ve read our feature for thrill-seekers (see page 36), you already know Galveston has some adventurous automobiles available for rent. But if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, or something the whole family can enjoy, look no further than a surrey. You can rent these family-size bikes at venues like the Salt Water Gift shop, and they’re perfect for coasting along the Seawall and capturing memories you’ll always treasure.

Play a Game of Life-Size Chess at Saengerfest Park

Scenic Saengerfest Park is comfortably nestled in Galveston’s Historic Strand District, and one of its alluring amenities is a life-size chess board available for games throughout the day. After trying your hand at chess, you can browse the shops downtown, grab a bite at a local restaurant and catch a late-night movie or music back at the park.

Take a Dinner Cruise

Since you’re already at Moody Gardens, you might as well stay for dinner, right? Colonel’s Paddlewheel Boat is a stunning replica of a classic 1800s paddlewheel boat. Think Mark Twain, then add a picturesque sunset and a savory dinner. The seacraft takes off from Moody Gardens and offers a rotating menu of themed dinners, including French cuisine and a bayou buffet. This is your chance to capture some breathtaking photos and enjoy fantastic food—all while cruising beneath the Texas sky.

Go Sailing (or Take an Overnight Charter)

It wouldn’t be a trip to Galveston without some seafaring adventures, and you have plenty of options for exploring the Gulf. Via GTX Charters, you can quite literally choose your own adventure. Want to see some dolphins? There’s a charter for that. Prefer a more adventurous, intrepid voyage? There’s a charter for that, too. You and your crew can even choose an overnight charter, dropping anchor off the coast and letting the waves rock you to sleep.

Ride a Train at the Galveston Railroad Museum

We’re calling “all aboard” to railroad enthusiasts and lovers of novelty experiences: Galveston’s top-notch railroad museum is home to fascinating lore and interesting anecdotes about the rails of our country and our state, and after strolling through the building, you can step back in time by boarding a train. The museum offers real-life railroad rides throughout the year, and a historic 1949 rail coach once used by actor Jackie Gleason is available for overnight stays.

Historic Homes Tour

And speaking of history, if you prefer to enjoy your blasts from the past on solid ground, Galveston’s Historic Homes tours (May 6-7 and 13-14) are ready for you. These tours are organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation, our resident experts for our Island’s illustrious history. You can experience firsthand the many generations of architectural innovations that have taken shape in our community, and you might just leave with one of the best souvenirs imaginable: Inspiration.

Seeing the Harbors Differently

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is housed in the former Ocean Star rig. Explore the retired rig in Galveston Harbor and learn about the oil and gas industry through hands-on activities and experiments. What trip to Texas would be complete without learning how to extract oil and gas from the ground?

Moody Gardens is an irresistible resort replete with just about any beachfront experience you can imagine. Take, for instance, the animal encounters. If you’ve ever wanted to meet a giant river otter up close and personal, Moody Gardens has you covered. Likewise, if you’d like to both meet a penguin and take home a painting created by said penguin (because who hasn’t?), the Private Penguin Encounter is the place to be.