GALVESTON, Texas – When Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 — more people began to celebrate the day that enslaved people in Texas first learned of their freedom on Galveston Island. There is a church in Galveston that has celebrated Juneteenth for 161 years.
Reedy Chapel AME is still functioning today — pointing people to freedom.
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“Our ancestors were right here in this sanctuary having a Juneteenth celebration,” said current pastor Rev. Lernette Patterson.
And it wasn’t just any celebration. It was the very first Juneteenth celebration in 1865 — the day slaves on Galveston Island learned they were free from bondage.
“We are actually the first documented place and celebration of Juneteenth in Texas,” said Patterson. “This is where it all began.”
Reedy Chapel sits on Broadway and 20th. Founded in 1848 — it was land given to enslaved people by their owners. Rev. Patterson says the owners wanted their slaves to worship — they just didn’t want them to worship in the churches they attended.
“Is it a history that we want to celebrate and be proud of?” asked Patterson. “Maybe not, because we’re talking about slavery and people being in bondage. But it happened, and so, that’s what makes history.”
On June 19, 1865 — when the order to release America’s last remaining slaves owned in any state was read by Union soldiers at the old Galveston courthouse — the first thing they did with their freedom was march to this location to thank God.
The church not only has an active congregation today — it is one of the island’s most popular spots for tour groups. Just one week before Juneteenth, high school students from Fort Bend County were here to learn about Reedy and Juneteenth.
“Being here and at this church, I feel like I’ve learned so much more about it,” said Ridge Point High School student Riley Marshall. “Just being in Galveston I’ve learned so much more about Juneteenth and how it really played a part in our culture and the slaves and. It’s just, it hits to home actually, and I didn’t really expect that.”
While Reedy Chapel remembers its illustrious past — Rev. Patterson says they are not content to sit in it.
“We have reached across denominational lines, across racial lines to establish unity within the community of Galveston,” Patterson said.
As a place that has meant so much to so many — the church continues to shine its light across the island.