Bethel Church Park
Charming park born from historic ruins
Project Facts
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Owner | City of Houston |
Overview
From the antique remains of Bethel Baptist Church, a captivating park was crafted, tucked in a serene Houston neighborhood. Visitors can rest on pew-inspired benches and relish the enchantment of an open-air structure enveloped by radiant stained glass, tranquil fountains, and ornate gates.
Services
About the Project
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was founded in the late nineteenth century in a post-Civil War Houston neighborhood established by formerly enslaved people. After the first church buildings were destroyed, a single-floor structure was erected in 1923. In 2005, a fire left only the exterior masonry walls in place. The facility was abandoned until 2009, when the city purchased the property to convert it into a community park. Before work could be performed, Walter P Moore designed emergency shoring and installed bracing within 24 hours to protect the public and the structure. The existing walls had to be strengthened to withstand hurricane wind speeds required by the city’s building code. Walter P Moore helped restore the heavily damaged, unreinforced walls by designing strengthening techniques that contributed to the overall aesthetic when applied to the exposed masonry.
