Previous Special Events

Each year the Guild members and their guests are treated to a fun and entertaining Spring Event. Whether it’s a Book Swap Luncheon, a day in the country, or fashion show, the ladies of the Guild have the opportunity to enjoy each other.

  •  On Thursday, March 23, 2023, the members of the HCU Guild enjoyed a day at the Bayou Bend Collection and Tour of Gardens Museum of Fine Arts of Houston.

    The Guild arrived and enjoyed gardens until we began our private tour of the beautiful Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Our program and luncheon continued in the Bailey Room.  The Gift Shop and Gardens remained open for us to continue to enjoy at the conclusion of our tour.

  • On March 7, 2019, the Guild ladies began the day with a trip aboard the HCU Husky Bus to Rienzi Mansion situated on four acres of wooded gardens in the historic River Oaks neighborhood and featured on the Azalea Trail. Formerly the home of philanthropists Carroll Sterling Masterson and Harris Masterson III, it was designed by prominent Houston architect John Staub in 1952. A very informative guided tour of the extensive collection of European decorative arts, paintings, furnishings, porcelain and miniatures was provided to the group by knowledgeable docents.

    After visiting Rienzi, the ladies traveled to Rainbow Lodge, a 100+ year-old log cabin with a comfortable yet refined setting overlooking lush creekside grounds. The popular restaurant has been one of Houston’s favorite dining establishments for over 40 years. Guests were treated to an exceptional lunch inspired by the seasonal harvest from local ranches and growers.

    The ladies returned to the HCU campus in late afternoon having enjoying a full day of warm fellowship, unique experiences, and outstanding cuisine.

    The Event Chairs for this wonderful event were Jodi Eby and Deany Meinke, assisted by their committee.

    View Photos from Rainbow Lodge

  • On the afternoon of March 6, 2018, forty Guild members and their guests arrived by car and the HCU bus to explore the buildings and grounds of the Lanier Stone Chapel and the Theological Library for the Guild’s 2018 Special Event. A previously unknown resource to many, the Library and its tranquil surroundings on the private property of Mark and Becky Lanier, offer a quiet sanctuary for research, learning, reflection, and prayer. The Lanier’s staff graciously offer free tours of the Chapel and Library. The Theological Library is a free, non-lending facility offered to the community during the week.

    Our tour began as Jennie Enright, assistant to the director of the Library, described the construction and elaborate ceiling illustrations of the 6th Century replica Byzantine Stone Chapel. Afterwards, we enjoyed a self-guided tour of the Library’s extensive holdings of Christian books and ancient artifacts. The afternoon was capped by wonderful reflection and conversation as we shared an English Tea with sandwiches, scones, tarts, and tea in the Dining Hall of the Library’s English Village.

    Many thanks to Special Event Co-Chairs Kathleen Evans and Nancy Penney, and volunteers, Deany Meinke and Cookie Peeler, for introducing The Guild to this unique Houston treasure!

    View the Special Event Slideshow

  • Peggy Hicks, Nina Hendee, Sharon Saunders & Shirley Asel

    Quoting attendees for the Spring Event one said it was “knocked out of the park;” another wrote, “what a magnificent event!”  Celebrating our Texas Independence Day was beautifully done by our own Nina Hendee who has a passion about our Texas history like no other.  She weaved so many stories of the personalities involved in our history and created “a big picture” of our great Lone Star State!

    Most historians agree that 189 rebel Texians died courageously fighting at the Alamo siege while 6,000 Mexicans surrounding the Alamo.  Eighteen hundred (1,800) Mexicans, led by the cruel General Santa Anna, were killed or fatally wounded.  The 13 day siege at the Alamo mission inspired many volunteers to join in what would be the final decisive battle at San Jacinto; that battle was led by General Sam Houston that lasted only 18 minutes.

    We, Texians, need to remember that 181 years ago The Republic of Texas was officially declared independent from Mexico.  We became The Republic of Texas March 2, 1836, nine years before being annexed into the USA.  We are stillthe Republic of Texas!

    The Taste of Texas restaurant menu was super giving us a number of wonderful choices, i.e. Grilled Tenderloin Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, and or course, their amazing Salad Bar with Soup and Breads  baked daily.

    The Guild’s Spring Event was indeed an “event!”  After considering a number of other possible locations for our event, The Taste of Texas and Nina Hendee were chosen and, indeed, were a phenomenal choice!

  • A glorious sun-filled morning on February 25 set the stage for The Guild’s 2016 Special Event chaired by Cheryl Kaminski and Janet McGuire. Nearly 50 Guild members and guests boarded the HCU Husky bus for a day of exploring “Texas History and Tradition” on Galveston Island. The first stop was The Bryan Museum, the exquisitely restored former children’s orphanage housing the world’s largest private collection of Southwestern and Texana artifacts. Following a private tour of the Museum, the group continued on to Gaido’s—celebrating its 105th year–where they enjoyed a delicious lunch and warm fellowship in the original main dining room of the restaurant. The Guild was especially honored to welcome HCU’s Founding Father, Dr. Stewart Morris, who was in attendance for all of the day’s activities. As a fitting end to the event, the return bus ride to Houston included a short farewell tour of the Island. It was a truly memorable day for all.

  • More than 60 Guild members attended The Guild Special Event held at The Brookwood Community on February 25, 2015. Participants enjoyed a delicious lunch, shopping, and a tour of facilities.  The luncheon speaker was Elizabeth Stone of Silverstone Events, a local full-service events and catering company.  Elizabeth had a book signing after lunch at which time ladies could purchase her book, An Invitation to Entertain-Recipes for Gracious Parties. Transportation was provided by HCU on the Husky bus.  A great day was enjoyed by all! Chairs of the event were Angie Angel and Carolyn Williams.

  • An elegant event was enjoyed by all who attended The Guild Special Event on January 18, 2014.  Ann Beeson and Maetha Smith, and their committees, planned and organized a memorable event, “Celebrate the Arts on Campus at HBU”.  The museums in the Morris Cultural Arts Center were open for touring and an elegant dinner was served in the beautifully decorated Dillon II. After dinner, The Guild members and their guests enjoyed VIP seating to hear The Houston Symphony on stage in Dunham Theater as they performed Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings”. It was a wonderful experience … and a very successful Guild event!

     

    View the Special Event Slideshow

  • On March 7, 2013, Guild members and guests were treated to a fun day at the Spring Fling held on campus in Dillon II.  The food was great and the entertainment was fun and funny!  This was a sold out event … in fact, an over sold event … as word got out about Helen Perry’s “Look Great, Laugh Hard!” entertainment, coupled with Guild members (Sharon Corry, Heather Davis, Marsha Eckermann, Judy Graham, Cindy Garbs, Peg Harman and Jan Witham) modeling fashions from Elizabeth Anthony-Ester Wolf, Cakewalk Style, Carlisle Collection and Neiman Marcus Last Call.

    President Debra Perich welcomed everyone, introduced HCU’s First Lady Sue Sloan, Silver Tea Honorees, Mary Ann Belin and Faye Dunwoody, and also presented a gift to our Christmas Luncheon speaker, Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod.  HCU President, Dr. Robert Sloan dropped by to say hello and gave a heartfelt thank you to the Guild for supporting HBU.

    Much appreciation is given to the Spring Fling Co-Chairs Donna Goeser and Jan Rule, Pam Lucas for table decorations and the entire Spring Fling Committee.  Thank you to Helen Perry and our Guild models for a Spring Fling that will be talked about for years to come!

    View the Special Event Slideshow

  • Our eyes adjusted to the darkness as we entered the backstage of Dunham Theater, Thursday night, March 22, 2012, and walked down the red carpet. We were immediately greeted by our own HCU paparazzi… capturing each of us, the “stars” of “An Evening Backstage.”

    This was the beginning of a night of back-stage delights. Instead of sitting in the audience, Guild ladies and their guests enjoyed Dunham Theater from the viewpoint of the actors, spending the evening up on stage. No acting was needed as we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, the tinkling of iced tea glasses, and the scrumptious desserts baked by our own Spring Event Gals. The tables were dressed in black napkins and bow ties, lavender roses graced with the playbills of Broadway musicals, and the laughter of many friends enjoying a relaxing evening in a cocoon of green, purple, and red stage lights.

    The view from the stage was striking as Rick Comeaux and Jerry Atwood sang and entertained us with popular songs and renditions from Broadway Musicals. Their talent touched us all; their song and wit put a smile on all of our faces, and brightened up our evening. All too soon the spotlight dimmed, the music stopped, and the actors from the enchanting Spring Event drew the curtain on a night of fun and sweet fellowship. We wish to thank the wonderful Guild members who made all the cakes for our evening performance! The desserts were so tempting and tantalizing and our guests enjoyed them immensely. Co-chairs Cyndi, Justin & Brittney Jacobson…Bravo!!

    View the Special Event Slideshow

  • April 2008 “A Day in Blue Bell Country,” Lunch at Sue & Tim Sheeler
    March 2007 “Sparkles & Sweets” Christie’s Auction House
    March 2006 “Round Top Spring Retreat”
    March 2005 “Spring Time Entertaining: Casual to Formal” Presented by Stone Kitchen Catering
    March 2004 “Saks Fifth Avenue: The Guild of Houston Christian University”
    April 2003 Miss Sadie’s Country Birthday
    April 2002 Country Home of Lew & Dolores Harpold
    April 2001 Moody Gardens
    April 2000 Tour George Bush Library
    April 1999 A Day in the Country at Roundtop
    April 1998 Special Event & BBQ Dinner at the Morris Ranch
    April 1997 Western BBQ at LaPosada hosted by Mary Ann and Dr. Bruce Belin
    April 1996 Galveston Home Tour