100 Years of scouting in Corpus Christi

Scouting began in Corpus Christi when the mother of Dr. McIver Furman read about Scouting in The Saturday Evening Post. In 1911, less than a year after the Boy Scouts of America was officially created, two troops were formed in Corpus Christi.

The Rotary Club chartered Troop 1, a Sea Scout unit, the First Presbyterian Church chartered and Troop 2 in 1914.

“Because of our long history of supporting scouting in the area, First Presbyterian would like to invite you to help us celebrate 100 Years of Scouting in Corpus Christi,” Rev. Chip Blackshear said.

Nueces County Sheriff Jim Kaelin will be the guest speaker and Richard Scanio, President of American Bank and past Council President, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church located at 430 S. Carancahua St. in Corpus Christi, beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26 and is free to the public.

Parishes in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, including St. Patrick, St. Philip and St. Pius X, have active scout troops.

Area Boy Scouts that participate in the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge Workshop on Nov. 19 will receive their merit badges during the 100 Years of Scouting in Corpus Christi event. The merit badge workshop will be hosted by Boy Scout Troop 2.

All area Boy Scout troops are invited to participate in the 100 Years of Scouting in Corpus Christi event. Display space will be available at the reception for each interested Troop.

Troops are asked to RSVP by Nov. 24 with the number of participants and they are to bring their troop flag and stand.

“We will be honored to have past and present Scouts, Eagles and their families and friends attend this event,” Rev. Blackshear said.

For more information, call (361) 884-4057.