A History of the Kosse Community Center
Limestone County Singing at the Tabernacle - 1926
The Tabernacle
In 1912, Abe Mulkey, a popular evangelist of the day, held a series of revival meetings at the Kosse Methodist Church. The church was filled to capacity every night. On closing night seventy-five people accepted Christ. Forty-five joined the Methodist Church and the other thirty joined other denominations. Seeing the enthusiasm and large crowds, the City Fathers decided to build a “tabernacle” to handle larger crowds. The $2,000 budgeted for the project was raised quickly and construction began in 1912. The Mayor at that time was W. D. Allen and the aldermen were: J. S. Brooks, W. L. Forbes, J. S. Markham, J. T. Robison, and T. A. Griffin.
During the construction there was a train derailment just south of Kosse. Among the derailed cars was one loaded with gravel. The Houston & Texas Central Railroad (H&T Central Railroad) donated the load of gravel to the construction of the tabernacle. Ironically, Theodore Kosse, the engineer who platted the town of Kosse, and its namesake, was the chief engineer for the ill-fated train.
The load of gravel was used in the foundation around the uprights and outer framing of the tabernacle. Except for the platform for the choir and the pulpit for the preacher the entire floor was bare. During construction, a disastrous storm struck Kosse, destroying most of the framing. The Pope brothers, who were known as skilled carpenters in the area, rebuilt the framing of and along with others in the area, declared the Tabernacle complete in 1912.
The Tabernacle, now known as the Kosse Community Center, has witnessed many events over its over a century of life. In its early years, revivals and church services were the main events.
In the 1920’s the senior class of Kosse High School planned a carnival to raise funds for its senior class. Large crowds gathered to witness the Class Queens parade in review and to visit booths manned by the seniors. The affair ended with a musical program, and a wrestling match and boxing exhibition by all the Kosse High School boys.
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In 1935 the Kosse School House was destroyed by fire. The Tabernacle underwent a major overhaul to serve as the temporary school house for local students. Construction was supervised by D. T. Burns. The plans included dividing the building into six rooms for grades 6 through 11. A new roof was built, a new floor installed and forty-eight windows added. Heating was accomplished by heaters connected to flues. The converted Tabernacle hosted school classes until 1937 when the new school was completed.
The Tabernacle continued to host religious and civic activities for the next few years. In 1946 the City leased the building to Brother William H. Sealy for one dollar per year, as long as it was to be used for religious and civic purposes. Brother Sealy was known as the "Walking Preacher". He was known to have given away all his material items and a lucrative baseball career to walk the streets of Kosse to preach the Gospel. The contract contained language stating that the contract could be revoked at any time if the Tabernacle was used for anything other than religious or civic activities.
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In the ensuing years, the building was used occasionally but slowly fell into disrepair. In 1970, a motion was made to install running water inside the Tabernacle. It was also decided to pour a concrete floor in the 4,800 square foot structure which was completed in November 1970.
In the 1973 town volunteers repaired the roof, walls and floor. Included in the cleanup and repair of the old building was a huge flock of pigeons that had made the attic their home. The pigeons were captured and sold at a lucrative price of $125.00 to Ms. Margaret Oliver. Even the large amount of pigeon droppings were sold. .A drop ceiling was added in the 70's with Mr. & Mrs. Walter Graeber collateralizing the loan at the local bank. Since that time, numerous small renovations were performed with events held as fundraisers. Dances were held each month to raise money for building improvements. Friday nights were children’s nights. It was chaperoned, dancing was allowed, but no alcohol, and the admission price was 25 cents. On Saturday nights the place really came alive with live bands. The floor was heavily utilized as there are several purchases for Cornmeal from local merchants to make dancing a little more graceful as evidenced by one log from October 2, 1970 for a $2.00 bag of Cornmeal from Hunter Grocery. Regular events included domino parties, community singings, gospel singers, Community Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners, and meetings by the Masonic Lodge and Lions Club and Heart of Texas Trail Rider Parties.. |
The Tabernacle becomes the Kosse Community Center
By the 1980’s the Tabernacle begin to be called the Kosse Community Center. In 1984 it gained its non-profit status. Central air conditioning and heat was installed in 1987, making the building more comfortable year-round. Since that time a kitchen, pantry, indoor restrooms were added along with a covered outdoor patio area by local volunteers dedicated to preserving Kosse’s history. In 2011 the Kosse Tabernacle was recognized as a landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
Today the Kosse Community Center hosts many family reunions, 4-H Meetings, various political meetings, revivals, Kosse Homecoming Events, Kosse Senior Citizens, a ladies walking group, polling place, and is the monthly Food Bank distribution site. Scholarships are awarded to local students each year. During Hurricane Ike it was opened to the public passing through Kosse as a refuge for those in need with refreshments provided by local residents and businesses.
Along with generous private donors, revenue is generated by business meetings, wedding and family receptions, family reunions, class reunions, dances and dinners and the annual Kosse Homecoming events and Street Dance.
By 2013, it was apparent that the building needed much cosmetic work along with a number of major structural repairs. While the City of Kosse owns the building and site, no tax dollars are used to support the center; the Kosse Community Center Committee is solely responsible for the operation and maintenance of the center and grounds.
By the 1980’s the Tabernacle begin to be called the Kosse Community Center. In 1984 it gained its non-profit status. Central air conditioning and heat was installed in 1987, making the building more comfortable year-round. Since that time a kitchen, pantry, indoor restrooms were added along with a covered outdoor patio area by local volunteers dedicated to preserving Kosse’s history. In 2011 the Kosse Tabernacle was recognized as a landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
Today the Kosse Community Center hosts many family reunions, 4-H Meetings, various political meetings, revivals, Kosse Homecoming Events, Kosse Senior Citizens, a ladies walking group, polling place, and is the monthly Food Bank distribution site. Scholarships are awarded to local students each year. During Hurricane Ike it was opened to the public passing through Kosse as a refuge for those in need with refreshments provided by local residents and businesses.
Along with generous private donors, revenue is generated by business meetings, wedding and family receptions, family reunions, class reunions, dances and dinners and the annual Kosse Homecoming events and Street Dance.
By 2013, it was apparent that the building needed much cosmetic work along with a number of major structural repairs. While the City of Kosse owns the building and site, no tax dollars are used to support the center; the Kosse Community Center Committee is solely responsible for the operation and maintenance of the center and grounds.
Today's Kosse Community Center - 2017 - View the Construction Photos
In June 2013, the Kosse Community Center Committee began a major fundraising push to fund a complete renovation of the building. Through donations, fundraising and a credit line, construction started in August 2016. Improvements included a new v-ridge metal roof, complete replacement of rotted sided and fascia with Hardiplank. Electrical service was totally replaced with additional capacity and LED lighting. The kitchen was also revamped with all new cabinetry, countertops, commercial stainless steel appliances, steam table and commercial sink. The bathrooms were totally remodeled to meet ADA codes. Most of the plumbing was also replaced in the building with the addition of a tank less water heater.
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Inside walls were refinished with metal and plank wainscoting, new windows installed, new ceiling panels installed, HVAC vents and grill replacements. A new ceramic tile floor was installed and the stage carpeting replaced. The new DJ booth is equipped with WI-FI Internet and a brand new soundboard driving the Yamaha speakers and subwoofer. In addition to several contractors, Committee members and local Kosse residents provided much of the labor at a major discount.
Today, the Kosse Community Center maintains its roots to the past with updates to meet the demands of today. At over 4,000 square feet of event space, it is a state of the art location for events up to 130 for dances and dinners to 250 for meetings using classroom seating. 
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