From Matagorda County History & Genealogy page
For 28 years, the Presbyterian churches in Palacios and Collegeport were led by a “true son of the auld sod.”
George Frederic Gillespie, who had a true compassion for the people in his churches, also had a far-reaching influence on all residents of those communities.
His influence actually lasted until his death, 32 years after he arrived in Palacios.
George Frederic Gillespie was born in Down County, near Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 16, 1874.
He was the 10th child of the known 11 children born to James Gillespie and Margaret McBirney Gillespie.
Two of George’s aunts, Jane and Leticia Gillespie, immigrated to the United States and were employed as dressmakers from 1860 – 1872.
Leticia married in 1872 and lived the remainder of her life in Jo Daviess County, Illinois.
They were the only relatives George had in the United States and he visited them every year on his vacation.
George, like his father, was a school teacher in Ireland, but he immigrated in 1910 and entered the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church.
While attending seminary, he was the pastor of the Warrington Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
On May 7, 1914, George and nine others graduated from the seminary with George being the only one who wasn’t a citizen of the United States.
His first pastorate was at Roosevelt, Oklahoma where he remained until he became the YMCA chaplain at Ellington Field, Houston, during World War I.
While at Ellington, he was the supply pastor for the Second Presbyterian Church.
In the January 30, 1920 issue of the Palacios Beacon, the Palacios Presbyterian Church issued an invitation to hear Rev. Gillespie for his first sermon.
His salary was $1,800 for the first year and he was officially installed as pastor on May 4, 1921.
He would serve the Palacios church from 1920 until 1939 and also preached at Blessing during a portion of that time.
He was pastor at the Collegeport church from1939 until 1948 and often preached at the Palacios Methodist Church.
He was a beloved pastor to the church members and was loved and fondly remembered by them. His brogue coloured his speech all during his lifetime.
He had a lisp that was “almost a whistle.”
His stories often began with “When I was a young boy growing up in the north of Ireland…” and he had a moustache which he occasionally “lipped” when in deep thought.
Being a genial person with twinkling eyes, he made friends easily.
A degree untidy, as bachelors are thought to be, he was always in a coat, tie and vest, even on the hottest of days.
“He loved his Bible and he loved the Lord, and his faith rubbed off on many people. He loved to play 42.”
As a minister, he was often called on to conduct weddings and funerals.
He performed at least 60 weddings and over 150 known funerals while living in Palacios.
One couple recalled, “One of our most vivid memories is of his squeaky shoes!”
A most touching memory came from Thelma Batchelder who recalled that Mr. Gillespie was called to preach the funeral for Verne Batchelder’s son.
The family was not members of the Presbyterian church at the time.
“His message and concern and his ministry to my stricken brother in the days ahead so endeared him to us that it was only natural when we sought a church home in Palacios we went to Rev. Gillespie’s Church for we felt surely Christ dwelled there.
“We were not disappointed in our choice and soon became communicant members. We were given a warm welcome by the membership so we felt much at home there.”
In 1932, the Mary-Martha Sunday School class organized a surprise birthday party for Rev. Gillespie and in 1934, the Christian Endeavor group gave a green and white St. Patrick’s Day banquet in his honor of his birthday.
He was a favorite of the youth of the church.
When Rev. Gillespie moved to Palacios, he embraced not only the church, but the community.
Over the years he would participate in numerous baccalaureate and graduation exercises and many other educational activities.
Though the church was his mission, he served as the Boy Scout Master, was a member of the Palacios Library Association Board and was often called upon to speak at various activities including Memorial Day services.
He was active in many civic organizations and was even appointed to the Matagorda County Parole Board by Texas Governor Allred.
He owned a car, one time a Model A and later, a 1935 or 1936 V8, but was not noted as an expert driver.
The Palacios Beacon dated February 2, 1923 noted, “Rev. Mr. Gillespie is taking lessons in driving his new Ford and to date has been very successful in evading all dogs and pedestrians.” Unfortunately, he didn’t fare as well later.
Rev. Geo. F. Gillespie Painfully Injured In Car Accident
We are pleased to report that the condition of Rev. Geo. F. Gillespie is satisfactory and although very painful, his injuries are not considered serious.
Rev. Gillespie was the victim of a car accident Sunday which happened while on his way to Collegeport to conduct services at 11 o’clock.
After crossing the bridge east of the Frank Stallard farm he, in some way, lost control of his car and it went off the highway into a deep ditch and turned over.
Two fishermen passing by noticed the car in the ditch but did not stop to investigate until they heard the blowing of the horn.
Upon returning to the car they found Mr. Gillespie crumpled down in the car and bleeding profusely.
They removed him as soon as possible and brought him here to the doctor’s office, where it was found he had serious bruises on his head and chest, one eye injured, and two teeth missing.
Later that evening he was taken to the hospital in Bay City, accompanied by Mr. Fuller, who states X-rays were made but no broken bones were found.
The Ford coupe which Mr. Gillespie was driving has a broken front fender and light, bent steering wheel and other minor damages.
Palacios Beacon,
March 21, 1946