Situated in the heart of the piney woods of East Texas, in Tyler’s historic district and azalea trail, you will find Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church, where it has ministered in the community since 1977. Constituted as a Reformed Episcopal parish in 1989, Good Shepherd has over 80 communicant members. The parish, quite diverse for its size, is roughly comprised of one-third young families, one-third empty-nesters, and a final, respectable one-third gracing the parish with wisdom, solidity and vision. The Rector, the Very Rev’d Walter R. Banek, has labored in the parish since 1981, first serving in the capacity of Headmaster of the parish dayschool until 1993, when he was installed as Rector. He continues to serve in that capacity, with his assistant, The Rev’d John P. Boonzaaijer.

Church dinners and seasonal banquets, the Pro Libris Society (members reading great books/essays together), Sunday School Bible studies and programs, hymn sings, Women of the Church and women’s hospitality, altar guild, and service projects each help round out a rich covenant life.  Parish activities join with the busy and many events of the parish dayschool to occupy fully the 16,000 square feet in our two buildings, seven days a week. Recent growth has the vestry exploring ways to build, find additional property, or relocate, to give the school a place of its own, and the parish a larger sanctuary and much needed space for its activities throughout the week.