Welcome
A MESSAGE FROM MADISONVILLE MAYOR WILLIAM L. PARTEN
Dear Neighbors:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we begin the winter season. It is with great honor and pleasure that I take a moment to connect with you and extend an invitation from our beautiful city of Madisonville.
While Madisonville and neighboring cities may be separated by a stretch of Texas landscape, we share the common values of community, growth, and camaraderie. In the spirit of building bridges between our communities, I would like to offer an open invitation to our neighbors in surrounding communities near and far to explore the charm and allure of Madisonville.
Madisonville is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of East Texas, and it holds treasures for everyone who ventures through its welcoming doors. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making Madisonville your next destination:
NaturalSerenity: Escape the bustling city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Madisonville’s natural surroundings. We boast picturesque parks and a pristine lake, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
CommunitySpirit: Madisonville is more than just a place; it’s a close-knit community. Our residents are the heart and soul of our city, and their warmth and friendliness are unmatched. Join us at one of our community events, and you’ll instantly become a part of our extended family.
CommunityEvents: Throughout the year, we host a variety of events that bring our community together. From our annual Mudbug Music Festival in April, 4th of July event, Fly-In and Car Show in September, Texas Mushroom Festival in October, Blues Brews & BBQ in October, Tour de Madisonville Bike Ride in October, to the Christmas parade in December, there’s always something happening in our city.
WarmthandHospitality: Madisonville is renowned for its friendly residents who embrace visitors with open arms. When you visit, you’ll find yourself welcomed as a friend, not just a guest.
CulturalDiversity: Experience a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions in Madisonville. Our community events and festivals celebrate our diversity, showcasing a vibrant blend of customs.
Proximity: Madisonville is conveniently located within the region, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway destination. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a neighboring gem.
I invite you to engage with our city in the way that resonates most with you. Whether it’s participating in community events, exploring our natural wonders, or simply sharing a friendly smile with a neighbor.
For the latest information on upcoming events and attractions, please visit the city’s website at madisonvilletexas. gov, follow us on Facebook, or contact City Hall at 936348-2748 or communityrelations@ci.madisonville.tx.us. Our friendly staff will be delighted to assist you.
Thank you for considering Madisonville as your destination. We look forward to welcoming you and creating lasting memories together.
Warm regards,
William L. Parten, Mayor City of Madisonville
Madisonville is a laid-back town that’s perfect for unwinding and de-stressing. With fewer than 5,000 residents, you will never have to content with big-city lines or traffic, regardless of what you decide to do.
Madisonville is conveniently located halfway between Houston and Dallas and about 40 miles northeast of College Station.
The city of Madisonville was named in honor of the fourth president, James Madison. However, its nickname, “Mushroom Capital of Texas” derives from the presence of the Monterey Mushroom facility, and – as most people know it – its hosting of Texas’ biggest annual celebration of the mushroom.
Held annually in October, the mushroom festival kicks off with the Shiitake 5K Run/Walk in downtown Madisonville. Be sure and join in so you work up an appetite for all the food and drink there will be to enjoy throughout the day; from fajitas made with Monterey mushrooms to Texas wine and craft beers. There is also an auto showcase, art and photography exhibits, a kid’s zone, quilt show and live entertainment and so much more. By the end of the day, you will agree that Madisonville’s nickname is well deserved.
Wehavealottooffer
PlayonLakeMadison
At 75 acres, Lake Madison may not be the largest lake in Texas. However, it does offer more than its fair share of things to do in and around the water. If you’ve got a boat, get out in the water and fish for bass or catfish; lie on the deck and soak up the sun’s rays. The lake is located inside the larger Lake Madison Park, which has been updated throughout the years to make it one of the most fun places for kids and families in town. There are baseball and softball fields, walking trail, playscapes, basketball court, a fishing pier, grills for picnicking, a covered pavilion and more.
TheSplashParkis adjacent to the lake, providing a safe place for youngsters to get wet and wild, while you relax in the shade. Located at 1215 E Collard Street, Madisonville, TX 77864 Phone: 936-348-9333
MadisonCountyMuseum
Learn the history of Madison County, including the colorful background of the Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen’s Association. Past exhibits have included “The Greatest Generation”, offering looks at medals and artifacts from local World War II heroes, a quilt exhibit and “Madison County Christmas Through the Years.” Located at 201 N Madison Street, Madisonville, TX 77864 Phone: 936-348-5230
As drivers anywhere along Interstate 45 are no doubt well aware by now, Madisonville boasts a Buc-ee’s location, stocked full of all the Beaver Nuggets and quirky Texas souvenirs your heart desires.
To really mingle with the locals, stop at one of eateries on the downtown square for hearty old-fashioned favorites like chicken fried steak, peach cobbler, bread pudding and sweet tea.
Stop by and see us!
PUBLISHER
The Madisonville Meteor 205 N. Madison Madisonville, TX 77864
936.348.3505 • madisonvillemeteor.com
AREA PUBLISHER
Ana Cosino-Mize ana.cosino@granitemediapartners.com publisher@madisonvillemeteor.com
COMMUNITY MARKETING CONSULTANT/ADVERTISING
Gage Matthieu gage.matthieu@madisonvillemeteor.com
EDITOR
Richard Sirman richard.sirman@madisonvillemeteor.com
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Alexis Morgan alexis.morgan@madisonvillemeteor.com
MADISONVILLE Official Guide is published by The Madisonville Meteor. All rights reserved. No portions may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the area publisher.
1829
Of numerous early settlements, only three flourished. Midway, the oldest town in Madison County, was settled in 1829 by J.H. Young. It was located in the eastern end of the county, approximately three miles from the Trinity River and named Midway in 1855 when Professor Joseph A. Clark arrived from Midway, Kentucky.
1842
The judicial Madison County was formed on February 2, 1842, from Montgomery County. (Judicial counties were later declared unconstitutional because they had no legislative representation.) Because residents of the northern parts of Walker and Grimes counties lived forty to fifty miles from their county seats, they petitioned the legislature for the establishment of a new county. The formation of Madison County from Grimes, Walker, and Leon counties was approved on January 27, 1853, and organization followed on August 7, 1854.
ABriefHistory
FROM THE MADISON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
1854
Madison County, reported to have been “wild and wooly” before and after the Civil War, was referred to as the “Free State of Madison.” Between 1854 and 1873, the county lost three courthouses to fire, and in 1967 yet another courthouse burned to the ground. The present building was completed in 1970.
1860
The raising of beef cattle, long a major activity in Madison County, remains the primary source of agricultural income. The county had 16,110 head in 1860 and maintained a similar number through the 1920s; cattle declined by 1930 to 9,876. The 1940s saw the beginning of a recovery in the industry; 54,288 cattle were enumerated in the county in 1950, and 31,919 in 1987.
continued from 7
1903
The railroad reached Madison County in 1903 when the International-Great-Northern Railway Company extended a branch line from Navasota to Madisonville. In the 1980s, the county was served by the Joint Texas Division mainliner running between Dallas and Houston, operated by a partnership of the Burlington Northern and Chicago, Rock Island Pacific lines. By the early twenty-first century, the line was op erated by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe.
1962
The construction of Interstate Highway 45 through Madison County, which began in 1962, brought a short period of prosperity to the county. A substantial decline occurred after its completion in 1965, however, as jobs and trade that had been generated by the construction were lost.
1980
The oil boom of the 1980s again brought temporary prosperity to the county. Oil was discovered in 1946, and the county has generally ranked in the middle range of producing counties in Texas. In the early 1980s, the county ranked in the top third of Texas counties in oil production, yet still substantially below the largest producers. As the market fell off, however, Madison County’s petroleum-related activities shared the decline of the rest of the Texas oil industry. Almost 416,000 barrels of oil and 8,683,569 cubic feet of gas-well gas were produced in the county in 2004; by the end of that year, 32,985,267 barrels of oil had been taken from county lands since 1946.
2002
In the early twenty-first century, agribusiness, oil production, and a state prison were key elements of the area’s economy. In 2002, the county had 890 farms and ranches covering 244,524 acres, 52 percent of which were devoted to pasture, 38 percent to crops, and 8 percent to woodlands. In that year, local farmers and ranchers earned $15,829,000.
Today
Madison County is crossed by Interstate Highway 45 and has a road network that in 2002 totaled 507 lane miles. One public airport provides service to the county. Madisonville (population, 4,708) is the county’s seat of government and largest town; other communities include Midway (236), North Zulch (600), and Normangee (668, mostly in Leon County). The scenic Texas Brazos Trail runs through Madison County, and Madisonville hosts the Texas Mushroom Festival in October.
This information was provided by the Texas State Historical Association. More information on the history of Madison County can be found at Texas State Historical Association’s website, www.tshaonline.org
Important Information
MonthlyCurbsideBulkTrashCollectionService
QuarterlyTrash-OffEvent
Residential curbside bulk trash pickup occurs on the first Monday of every month. Notify the City no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last Friday of the month. Place bulk trash out front, at the edge of your property no later than 7:00 a.m. on pickup day.
Will collect up to 100 lbs and 3 yards of bulk items. Exceptions include tires and hazardous waste such as batteries, paint, oil, and chemicals.
You may also drop off your waste at no additional cost at our quarterly Trash-Offs located at 1001 Mickey Leland Blvd., Madisonville, TX 77864 from 8 a.m. to noon. These events take place on the 3rd Saturday every three months.
Trash disposal at no cost is available to City of Madisonville residents only. Proof of residency required.
What: Brush, bulk trash, electronic waste, metal
Exception: hazardous waste
AnimalAdoption
The Madisonville Animal Shelter is bursting with love and furry friends in need of forever homes. We are currently at full capacity, and our adorable residents are eagerly waiting for a warm and loving place to call their own. By adopting from our local animal shelter, you not only provide a home to a deserving pet but also help create space for more animals in need. Your compassion can make a lifechanging difference for these precious creatures.
For information on how to adopt, please call 936-3483317 or email communityrelations@ci.madisonville.tx.us
Low-CostVeterinarianServices
Date: First Wednesday of every month.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: 113 N. Randolph Street (Parking lot)
Contact: Call 903-590-7722 to schedule an appointment
WhenisaPermitRequired?
Construction/Additions of a building
Accessory building (including permanent and portable storage sheds, carports, patio covers)
Foundation repairs
Remodeling of a building requiring the addition or replacement of walls or windows
Plumbing work (except for repair or replacement of lines less than one foot in length)
Water heaters (replacing or adding) and Water Softeners
Irrigation systems (lawn sprinklers)
Installing or replacing a furnace
Installing or replacing an air conditioning system
swimming pool and repairing it
portable plug-in type spas require an electrical permit)
Demolition of a building
Security Bars
Replacing brick on the outside of a building
Garage Sales – hold a sale once every six months
Replacing water or sewer lines (repair work such as exchange of washers and faucets is exempt. Also, repair or replacement of lines less than one foot in length do not require a permit).
For more information, contact City Hall at 936-348-2748.
New and updated features include:
Subscribe to receive monthly newsletter
Submit concerns online
Allow businesses to add their listings to the Explore Madisonville page
Submit vendor applications online for citysponsored events
Complete facility rental online
Pay your utility bill
View event & meeting calendar
Visitor’s Guide
TexasMushroomFestival-October
Madisonville is home of the annual Texas Mushroom Festival, an event that regularly draws thousands from all over Texas and typically takes place in October. Madisonville is known as the Mushroom Capital of Texas, with Monterey Mushrooms—one of the largest nationwide mushroom distributors—having a production facility there. The mushroom plant employs hundreds of people, and Monterey Mushrooms is a staple of the community.
Municipal Airport
Located approximately 3 miles southwest of Madisonville off FM 1452. The airport property accommodates one runway designated 1/19 with asphalt surface measuring 3,202 by 50 feet, hangar access taxiways, and aircraft tie-downs. The airport covers an area of 40 acres of land owned by the City of Madisonville. The airport offers a selfserve LL 100 and Jet A fuel.
AirportServices
The Airport services corporate, governmental, recreational, residential, student and private pilot activities. The airport continues to be an essential component in the economic development of the City of Madisonville and Madison County.
The Madisonville Municipal Airport is 4 miles Southwest of Madisonville off F.M. 1452 East.
City Facility Rentals Rentals
madisonvilletexas.us/rentals
Lake Madison Park consists of 172 acres of park land, 75 acres of which constitutes Lake Madison, which serves a dual function of providing flood control along with recreation space. The park offers various facilities including baseball fields, softball fields, t-ball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, restrooms, playscapes, splash Pad, covered picnic areas and an approximately 2.4 miles walking trail. Stocked with bass, catfish and sunfish, the lake provides opportunities for fish and boating.
NewPavilion–LakeMadisonPavilion
1215 E. Collard St., Madisonville, TX 77864
• $50 Deposit
• $25 Rental fee for 6 hours
Available to rent between the hours of 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Rentals
continued from 17
LakeHouseatLakeMadisonPark
MarianAndersonParkPavilion
213 Martin Luther King Drive, Madisonville TX 77864
Booking Information
1215 East Collard Street, Madisonville, TX 77864
Maximum Capacity: 75 People
• Refundable Deposit $150.00
• Rent $125.00 Per 4 Hours - $25 For Each Additional Hour (For additional hours contact City Hall
• Permit to Serve Alcohol $50 Per Day
• Bounce House Electric $25 Per 4 Hours
• Water Slide Water & Electric $25 Per 4 Hours
• PayPal Fee 5% will be added to Total Amount Due
• Access Code will only be active for the paid time period
*Non-Profit Organizations: Please call for rates*
LakeMadisonParkPavilion(Old)
Booking Information
1215 East Collard Street, Madisonville, TX 77864
Include your hours needed within the NOTES section of the order.
• Refundable Deposit $50.00
• Rent $25.00 Per 4 Hours - $25
For Each Additional Hour (For additional hours contact City Hall)
• Bounce House OR Electric $25 Per 4 hours
• Water Slide Water & Electric $50 Per 4 hours
• PayPal Fee 5% will be added to Total Amount Due
*Non-Profit Organizations: Please call for rates*
***Include your hours needed within the NOTES section of the order.
• Refundable Deposit $50.00
• Rent $25.00 Per 4 Hours - $25 For Each Additional Hour (For additional hours contact City Hall)
• PayPal Fee 5% will be added to Total Amount Due
*Non-Profit Organizations: Please call for rates*
TrumanKimbroCenter
111 W Trinity Madisonville, TX 77864
Maximum Capacity: 75 People
Booking Information
Include your hours needed within the NOTES section of the order.
• Refundable Deposit $150.00
• Rent $250 Per 4 Hours (For additional hours contact City Hall)
• $25 For Each Additional Hour
• Permit to Serve Alcohol $50 Per Day |
• PayPal Fee 5% will be added to Total Amount Due
• Access Code will only be active for the paid time period
*Non-Profit Organizations: Please call for rates*
BaseballField
The baseball field is available to rent out for tournaments so long as it does not conflict with the Little League schedule. For more information call the City of Madisonville.
CancellationPolicy:
Deposit and Rental Fees are FULLY REFUNDABLE if cancellation is made before 30 days of reservation date.
Rental Fees are NOT refundable if cancellation is made less than 30 days prior to reservation date.
Deposit Fees WILL be refunded if cancellation is made less than 30 days prior to reservation date.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Fun things to do Attractions
FanninOaksGolfCourse&EventCenter
18 holes and a countryside resort, Fannin Oaks Golf Course has a lot to offer both on and off the green. A fully operational bar and restaurant, places to stay overnight, and a pool to cool off in after a day of golfing in the Texas heat.
Madisonville ChristmasCompany
Opened in 2023, Madisonville Christmas Company aimed to be the one stop for all things Christmas. With a sports bar, a candy store, a restaurant, and a Christmas theme on top of it all—this is an experience you’ll want to make the trip for.
LakeMadison
At 75 acres, Lake Madison may not be the largest lake in Texas. However, it does offer more than its fair share of things to do in and around the water, including fishing for bass or catfish, baseball and softball fields, a walking trail, playscapes, a basketball court, a fishing pier, grills for picnicking, two covered pavilions, and more.
Bray’sMotorMuseum&Playground
A museum dedicated to anything with a motor, Bray’s offers a variety of experiences you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. Drive classic cars around the outdoor track, spend an afternoon looking at the vast collection of cars, and much more.
Fun things to do Parks&Recreation
ParkHours:6a.m.to10p.m.
Lake Madison Park offers: a splash pad, fishing pier, basketball court, baseball & softball fields, walking trail, soccer fields, playground equipment, sand volleyball, gaga pit, barbecue pits and restrooms.
The splash pad is open April 15th through September 30th. (Closed Mondays for cleaning and maintenance – Except
Holidays)
and playground
Marian Anderson Park offers a walking trail, covered basketball court,
equipment.
MadisonvilleCISD
HomeOfTheMustangs
Madisonville CISD is a rural school district which attributes its success to its students, teachers, staff, campus administration, and its Board of Trustees. Maintaining a student population of approximately 2400 students provides the opportunity for small student to teacher ratios resulting in an outstanding education.
The students of MCISD are given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through quality instruction. High expectations and quality educational opportunities are designed to prepare each student for college and/or career success. For example, Madisonville CISD partners with Blinn Junior College to provide students with dual credit courses. Also, the district currently offers approximately 80 Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses between the Junior High & High School. MCISD has seen great success with 95% of students leaving high school certified in a CTE program of study.
MCISD’s various extracurricular activities and co-curricular organizations are successful on the local, state, and national levels. The success of our students and these organizations are in large part due to strong community and parent support. These activities, along with quality instructional programs develop well rounded students.
Schools
Madisonville CISD is a safe and orderly district. Teachers, staff, students and stakeholders work together to build positive relationships. This family environment fosters the ability for enhanced teaching and learning. Madisonville CISD is a proud member of the Madisonville and surrounding communities. We encourage you to learn more about Madisonville CISD. Please contact the district office with any questions or for more information.
CHURCH
Sand Prairie Baptist Church
GodDoesit
“Growing in the love of Christ and His Word,” is what we long for at Sand Prairie Baptist Church and the Lord has blessed us richly in our endeavors. As a church family we have witnessed one occasion after another as the Lord has expanded our membership, regenerated human souls and increased our understanding of the Scriptures. It is our hope continually and our persistent prayer that the Lord will continue to do what only HE CAN DO in taking care of our wonderful congregation.
The Lord has been doing His work of preservation at Sand Prairie since 1859. Over the course of 165 years, He has shown Himself to be faithful through all seasons. There have been times of abundance and increase and there have been times of purging and pruning both of which are for the growth He determines resulting in glorifying His Name, and this is what we long for; to glorify God in all things.
As we acknowledge God’s work in our church and anticipate His ongoing providence, we purposefully plow our path while pondering the question, “How does the church grow?” The answer is not allusive, but rather, a simple one for those who know where to find it. It is with great profundity that I satisfy this great inquiry; GOD GROWS HIS CHURCH! God has not only preserved our church but many others in our area and the Scriptures give us many explanations for how this happens. The following are a few things that we have witnessed in our church, especially in recent days as we find ourselves in a season of great harvest.
GodgrowsHischurchwhenitisHis church!
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
This verse is crucial to understanding the power and the plan God has and continues to implement in preserving His church. The Lord says HE will build HIS church, and this church will stand until His return. That said, we must be careful not to let this fly by our radar as we remain diligent in recognizing the church belongs to God. We live in a culture that wants to take credit for everything, and this can creep into the ministry of the church as well. We do not grow the church! God grows and preserves His church and there are ways He accomplishes this divine outworking.
GodgrowsHischurchwithHisWord!
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (KJV)
The expository preaching of the Holy Scripture should be the priority of the church above all else. The power that prevails in the church is unleashed when the attention of the body remains focused on a proper and accurate understand
ing of the Holy Bible. We acknowledge the important truth that the church is for believers. It is a place for God’s people to assemble in Christian fellowship under the authority of Christ as we are built up in His truth found solely in the Word of God.
If we take away a serious study of the Scripture, the church becomes flabby and weak regardless of outward appearance. The Holy Bible is the engine that propels the church forward driven by the Holy Spirit. Everything else, programs, events and other things we get excited about are just accessories. The church should be most exuberant about the Scripture above everything else, since it informs the methods and motions of the church’s daily activities.
The Word is how we come to faith! The Word is how we know who God is! The Word is how we know who we are! The Word is where we find promises to keep us in times of trouble! The Word is where we are reminded of the only Hope that exists; that is Jesus Christ! Why would the church ever consider homing in on anything else? Yet, it’s happening. Scripture is being manipulated, replaced, disregarded and
hristian education - 10am morning worship - 11am evening worship - 5:30pm Wednesdays walk through the ord - 6:30pm students (all ages) - 6:30pm
W
totally ignored at times. How dangerous! It appears that in the mind of many, in depth study of Scripture takes too much time and confronts the human soul, neither of which invoke much enthusiasm. Yet, this is the great distinction between those who simply profess Christ but do not really possess Him and those whose profession and possession come together in solid spiritual form. When this happens growth either ceases altogether or takes an unhealthy shape, no longer backed by the power of God but thrusted forward on the heels of something else.
GodgrowsHischurchwithHispeople!
First, this requires a preacher and not just any man will do.
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 (KJV)
The preacher must be “called” by God, and this should be evident as Scripture is brought to bear on his life. His ministry should be accompanied by a testimony that establishes without any doubt that God has commanded him to minister to the saints. If a “called” preacher, pastor, minister is asked how he knows he is “called,” he should be able to provide an answer accompanied by a clear biblical precedent that communicates that God was undeniably at work in his divine journey to the pulpit, otherwise, he should be dismissed. (See 1 Cor. 4:1-2)
Second, this requires hearers and not just any hearers will do.
“Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10:33 (KJV)
The pulpit has been plagued with illustrations, stories and just about anything else other than what matters most, a serious exposition of Holy Scripture. The sad reality is many congregations have developed appetites for this type of spiritual food that has no real caloric value. God’s hearers, on the other hand should have a voracious appetite for the Scripture and so much so, that like Cornelius in the above text, they come to the church with an expectation to hear the Word of God. These hearers do not come first to fellowship or to hear whatever pleases their own flesh. They do not come first to be entertained or to be seen and recognized. They come to hear the authentically prepared sermon that only God can
deliver through His “privy pot” of a preacher. (2 Tim. 2:20-21) They come to the Lord’s table with pains in the stomach of their soul that only the divinely prepared and slaved over meal from the Lord can nourish and satisfy!
GodgrowsHischurchthroughobedience!
Obedience is the key word. Obedience requires the prior existence of something or someone worth obeying. God and His Word came first, and obedience is the Christian’s response. It is important to know that our obedience is facilitated first and foremost by our faith and not our understanding. Many times, obedience is required and understanding comes later, and there are many instances of this throughout the Bible. A good example was Mary’s response to the angel who announced the immaculate conception,
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Luke 1:38 (KJV)
Another example, recorded in Acts 10, was Peter, a Jew, lacking a full understanding of God’s redemptive plan, going in obedience to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile, as the Lord flung open the doors to eternity to anyone who would believe, and there are many others scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Yes,Goddoesit!
If the church gets off on any of the above, she becomes vulnerable to human ownership and seeker sensitivity. It is a slippery slope to hypocrisy and what appears to be a church, but in reality, is “like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27 ), or the church becomes a people who “draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9)
The church does not grow on human intervention. The church does not grow on programs. Rather, the church grows on the Scripture and primarily the expository preaching of it. God desires to grow His church. It is imperative that we remember that the church is His. He established it through the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and continues to facilitate its growth through the work of the Holy Spirit and a laser beam focus on the Scripture. We must not get away from the Holy Bible.
As the local church, let us kick cleverness to the proverbial curb and resist the temptation to fall in with the latest fads and worship trends, all of which diminish the church’s credibility as an authentic biblical instrument. (Col. 2:8) Instead, let us be the true worshippers that God seeks and to glorify and exalt His NAME in all that we do. (John 4:23-24) Let us reflect the holiness of God and become more genuinely recognizable as we stand out to the community around us! It is our prayer for God to continue in His operations knowing full well that whatever He does is good! Lord, help Your church!
TEXAS MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 2025
VENDORS | FOOD | LIVE MUSIC
MUSHROOMS | WINE | BEER | MEAD
EVENT DETAILS
The 24th Annual Texas Mushroom Festival is anticipated to be held in October 2025. Be sure to check out our website www.txmushfest.org for the exact date! We saw roughly 11k - 12k people come through the 23rd Annual Festival in 2024. We hope you join us this year, to continue the success and support of our mission.
PopularRestaurants
n TEXAS LEGENDS – AMERICAN 115 S Madison St, Madisonville, TX 77864
936-348-3927
The event is for EVERYONE. It is an all day affair for the entire family. The festival consists of the followng: Shiitake 5k, Kids Mile, Auto Showcase, Shopping on the Square, Amateur Photography Contest, Quilt Show, Mushroom Market, Food, Live Music, Djs, Monterey Mushrooms Famous Mushroom Fajitas, Silent Auction, Texas Wine/Mead/Beer Tasting Tent, Kids Zones, etc.
We hope to bring back many beloved areas and events and add more exciting things to the festival in 2025.
n WALKER’S CAFÉ – AMERICAN 112 W Main St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-348-2672
n LAKESIDE RESTAURANT – AMERICAN 2709 E Main St, Madisonville, TX 77864
936-348-9131
n LOS RANCHOS – MEXICAN 1610 E Main St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-348-9500
n LALO’S MEXICAN GRILL – MEXICAN 102 S Elm St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-241-5007
n WOODBINE INN & RESTAURANT – AMERICAN 209 N Madison St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-241-5003
n MR. TACO & TEQUILA BAR – MEXICAN 3305 E Main St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-245-1017
n THE TACO PLACE – MEXICAN 312 N May St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-349-0880
n JOE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZA– ITALIAN 1608 E Main St, Suite 123, Madisonville, TX 77864
936-241-5006
n LARRY’S COUNTRYSTYLE BBQ – BARBEQUE 710 W Main St, Madisonville, TX 77864 936-348-7487
WWW.TXMUSHFEST.ORG INFO@TXMUSHFEST.ORG
n TX BURGER – FAST FOOD
2902 E Main St, Ste 104, Madisonville, TX 77864
936-348-2723
Son-Shine Outreach Center
BY CONNIE CLEMENTS, MADISONVILLE METEOR REPORTER
The Son-Shine Outreach Center is a beacon of hope for those in need in Madison County and the surrounding area. What started as a clothes closet at Madisonville’s First United Methodist Church in 1987 is now a faith-based, nonprofit occupying 20,000 square feet at 1680 Hwy 75 North.
Thanks to gracious donors, the willing hands and servant’s heart of its 17 church partners, the Son-Shine Outreach Center operates a food pantry, resale shop and can provide emergency rental, utility and prescription drug assistance until the appropriate agencies can address the needs long-term.
Therightperson
Son-Shine Outreach Center Coordinator Lisa Walmsley credits their 54 volunteers with keeping the resale store open Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and the food pantry open Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Walmsley said, “The average age is 80.5. We have 17 member churches, meaning they signed an agreement with us to provide two volunteers and two board members. Of the current volunteers, we probably have 15 that are not regular church goers but they believe in what we do and support our mission.”
When asked what volunteers do, Walmsley replied, “Everything! We never know what’s going to come through the front or back door.”
‘Everything’ includes working the register, stocking, hanging and rehanging, tagging and handling the donations that come in. And what does Walmsley look for in a volunteer? “Somebody who believes in what we do. There’s something here for everyone.”
Some volunteers have found their niche cleaning and matching jewelry, cleaning toys and checking their batteries, or working with holiday-related items. One volunteer gives some TLC to donated dolls.
Walmsley said, “She washes their hair, their clothes, dresses them and brings them back ready to sell. God just blesses us when we have a need. He brings us the right person.”
Donationsessential!
The Center’s primary source of food is the Brazos Valley Food Bank.
Walmsley said, “Since Covid, the availability for them to source food has severely diminished.”
Flour, sugar, oil and crackers - items included in each food box - are not provided by the BVFB but purchased by the case from Brookshire Brothers. Cereal is purchased with donations.
According to Walmsley, the 20,000-25,000 pounds of food purchased each month from the BVFB is only part of the picture. It doesn’t include what’s purchased from grocery stores, making club and corporate food drives “essential to keeping us alive.”
of children who see Frosted Flakes or Gummy Bears in their box and replied she doesn’t.
She said, “Children are real and authentic. It’s not up to me to judge…that’s between them and God. We’re here to provide that service and serve like the Bible tells us to do.”
Somuchmore
Walmsley reflected on the 2022 tornado that destroyed their previous location. They had purchased land in April 2021 and the tornado hit the following March.
She said, “Now we can laugh about it. God had a plan and he wanted us to move our plan faster. At the time, we were totally devastated. We were the go-to place for other people…there was no way for anybody to get in touch with us so we could refer them to somebody else.”
The community rallied with everything from breakfast tacos during clean-up to lumber, to use of a vacant building for a temporary store.
When asked what sets the Son-Shine Outreach Center apart, Walmsley said, “There isn’t anybody else in this area who does what we do. There is normally no ‘ask’ too big because we have this foundation of member churches. There are so many things we do outside the box. Widows and widowers (volunteers) have told me, ‘You saved me, you gave me purpose.’This is so much more than just a food pantry and good place to shop!”
Helping those in need since 1987
Covid sparked a new normal for the Center. Walmsley said that in 2019, they served 130-140 families per month. In January 2024, that number was 223 with October topping off at 398.
Asked if they question need, Walmsley recalled the looks on the faces
Texas Pride Trailers
BY RAE DRADY, MADISONVILLE METEOR CORRESPONDENT
If you want a high-quality utility trailer, and you’re looking to buy directly from the manufacturer to “avoid the middleman” and save money, while also supporting local business – Texas Pride Trailers is your Madisonville go-to.
Located at 1241 I-45 North, the business started as a part time venture in the back yard of Founder/Owner/ CEO Jim Bray while he still lived in Florida. It was moved to Texas in 2006 and has called Madisonville home ever since. Bray runs the operation along with the President and COO, Daniel Bracewell. They currently have about 400 employees.
Bray says Texas Pride Trailers focuses on, “manufacturing quality trailers for small businesses. We build and sell direct to the consumer so that we can make sure the consumer has a good customer experience before, during, and after the sale. There are no middlemen in the process. So, the customer gets good service and good price.”
Bray’s Executive Assistant Davida Perez added that Texas Pride Trailers offers a warranty on all their products and listed some of the various styles of trailers they create, saying, “You have flatbeds, low boys, dump trailers, roll off trailers, goosenecks, deck overs… You can haul whatever you would like.”
Texas Pride Trailers has at least 7 different styles to choose from. Whether you are a Texas rancher moving farm equipment, a contractor transporting an excavator to a work site, or a retiree towing a car behind an RV to travel cross country, they design a line of trailer that will work for your needs.
Bray explains, “We look at our business as different in the way that it looks at people. Our vendors, our customers, our employees, our contractors, are all people and are the backbone of our company. It is only with and through the thousands of people that are connected to TPT that we exist, thrive, and can give good quality products and excellent service to the people that need us.”
“We are a family-owned business that believes taking care of people is our mission statement. We believe that if you put people first, then every other form of success like customer satisfaction, company growth, profit, and public approval will follow,” he added.
Perez also shared that there are five reasons why customers choose Texas Pride Trailers. The first is because of the durable construction, as they are known for their reliability and high-quality materials. For example, the trunnion mount on all their medium dump trailers withstands tough conditions and heavy loads, providing long-lasting performance. The second reason is because the company fosters a local connection and is committed to helping their communities prosper. They employ area
who weld and assemble their products. Customer service, competitive pricing, and buying
The sales representatives at all their locations are happy to guide customers through customization options to suit their exact needs and are quick to resolve problems and ensure satisfaction. The one-year manufacturer warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship.
“Not only are we with the customer from the beginning to the end of the buying process, but after the sale is complete, we are here for any other services. We always want our customers to be happy and stay happy,” said Bray.
In the future, Bray intends for Texas Pride Trailers to, “expand from a regional mid-west powerhouse company into a company with a truly national presence.”
He added that they have plans to expand the parts and service and warranty program, to make it faster and easier to access by being more closely located their customers. With 9 nationwide locations currently, they are already well on their way to achieving their goals.
BUSINESS
Bray’s Motor Museum & Playground
BY RAE DRADY
MADISONVILLE METEOR CORRESPONDENT
Have you ever wanted to drive a vintage car on a racetrack? You can do just that, and maybe even buy a vintage car if you feel so inclined, at Bray’s Motor Museum & Playground, located at 1979 I-45 North in Madisonville. While you are there, you can also check out the museum’s whole classic automobile and memorabilia collection, and maybe even… play with some Legos.
Founder Jim Bray came up with the idea to create a unique attraction that would offer a museum, auction, classic car sales, hands on track experiences, and general fun related to classic and exotic cars.
Bray said he designed the motor museum to, “provide entertainment, education, and a look into the past when it comes to all things Automobilia.”
According to Davida Perez, Bray’s executive assistant, “The motor museum has a collection of old, new, [and] vintage vehicles… there’s boats, there’s tractors, there’s all sorts of automobilia,” and she has enjoyed watching her employer’s extraordinary concept become a reality, adding, “He told me this himself, whenever he was creating it. He loves Legos, and he loves cars, and he wanted to share his hobbies with everybody else, because he had a car collection, and he said, ‘What’s the point of having all these things to admire when I could share my admiration with everybody else?’ So, that’s one of the reasons why he wanted to do the museum. In the museum, they have a Lego room, which is absolutely incredible. He has a team of people that build Legos, essentially. It’s pretty amazing - what he’s doing and what’s to come… it’s not even finished.”
And Perez is correct when she says Bray’s impressive longterm vision for the facility is not yet complete.
Bray explained, “We have tried to combine many different business models under one roof. To try to create a Mecca of automobiles. Not just a racetrack. Not just an auction. Not just a classic car store. Not just a museum. But all of these and more to come. At the end, the vision is a theme park revolving around all things automobilia. The long-term goal is to truly become a destination for the whole family to spend the day or a weekend enjoying everything about cars, automobilia, and history.”
“Customers can have a fun time traveling down memory lane in our museum,” Bray added, “They can have a fun and exciting time racing classic and exotic cars down our different tracks. 100% five-star reviews should say it all!”
Bray’s Motor Museum and Playground has even been a Featured Museum in the Automotive Museum Guide.
Perez shared, “It’s just a great experience to see him build a completely brand-new company from the ground up.”
The entertainment complex is run by 20 employees, varying from professional race car drivers to knowledgeable salespeople, to IT savvy personnel who promote the location across social platforms on the internet, Bray said.
The museum’s website (braysmotor.com/museum) perhaps
says it best, as it invites guests to, “Embark on a nostalgic road trip through time at our Classic Car Museum, where history, innovation, and elegance merge to create a showcase like no other,” saying, “With over 100 vintage treasures, our collection spans the finest classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and an array of memorabilia that tells the story of our automotive past. Marvel at our stunning Corvette display, a chromatic journey showcasing the evolution of this iconic car from the swinging ’60s to the present day. Each model is carefully arranged to form a mesmerizing gradient that is sure to captivate enthusiasts and novices alike. Take a walk down the memory lane of pop culture with our exclusive array of vehicles that have graced the silver screen and the glamorous lives of celebrities. Each piece in our collection comes with a story, ready to be discovered by you, narrated by our knowledgeable guides with a passion for the automotive industry’s rich history.”
Vintage automobile collectors can even sell or consign vehicles at the location, and the museum hosts various types of special events throughout the year.
Admission to Bray’s Motor Museum and Playground is $22 per adult, and $20 for seniors (65+), military and first responders, or teachers and students. The cost is $15 for children age 14 and under, those 5-years-old and under are free.
Monterey Mushrooms
BY EDIE ZUVANICH, MADISONVILLE METEOR CORRESPONDENT
Growingmushrooms,growingfamilies
Since Monterey Mushrooms opened its facility in Madisonville in 1975, culture has played a large role in its success. The company doesn’t just produce mushrooms, it is also growing a dedicated workforce that values good old-fashioned hard work and down-to-earth people.
“We like to think our mission is to enhance people’s lives. We provide a great atmosphere for people to come to work. It’s not easy but you go home and are gratified and satisfied with the work you do,” said Jeremy Glenn, general manager of the Madisonville growing facility. “We’re blue-collar ag and farmers. We’re here to work, and this community matches up well with our cultural belief and who we are.”
Glenn said workers are proud to produce a healthy food and their efforts give a wide population access to the many benefits of mushrooms. The Madisonville plant provides fresh produce to grocery stores including Brookshire Brothers, H-E-B, Kroger and Walmart so more Texans can have mushrooms in their everyday meals. People near Madisonville have the added benefit of being able to buy fresh mushrooms directly at the plant gate.
Monterey Mushrooms is the leading wholesale mushroom grower, packer, and shipper in the United States. Much of the company’s success is attributable to their commitment to growing a high quality product that is hand-picked by dedicated team members. The company also embraces sustainability practices that save water, recycle spent materials and reduce the carbon footprint.
“We source as much of our agricultural input locally as we can,” Glenn said. “All of our wheat straw, supplements and nutrients for the compost -- we find sources as close to the community as possible. That way we infuse the local economy as well.”
The company’s down-to-earth philosophy includes initiatives that help young people develop a strong work ethic. They support programs including county fair livestock competitions that encourage kids to raise healthy animals and learn other farming values. They sponsor local sports teams so kids who otherwise might not be able to afford to play can also learn the value of competition and teamwork.
They are also the top tier sponsor of Madisonville’s annual Texas Mushroom Festival, a citywide event that supports small businesses and which promoters say fosters a strong sense of unity and pride.
“We work really hard at giving back to the community. We devote a significant amount of our income in sponsoring projects including kids. We are investing in a young age that not only instills who we are but also promotes that blue collar work ethic so they are ready whether they join the work force
with us or someone else,” Glenn said.
5816 Hwy. 75 South Madisonville, TX 77864
montereymushrooms.com
As a whole, the company has awarded nearly $4 million in scholarships to children of employees since 1992.
Monterey Mushrooms is one of Madisonville’s major employers, putting food on the table for more than 550 team mates. The company, which has other growing facilities strategically located in other areas around the company, has a strong dedication to helping its employees and their families thrive.
Management prefers to promote workers from within the company and many members of the leadership started at entry level in a growing facility. The company says that just as a good farmer tends their crops, Monterey Mushrooms philosophy is to give its people what they need to grow.
“We have multi-generational families who have worked here since the beginning. It’s neat to see that we have grandparents and grandchildren working in the same facility. That’s something we’re pretty proud of,” said Glenn. “We’ve been here for generations. We’re here to stay.”
Learn more about the company and its products or contact them regarding employment at montereymushrooms.com.
Wondering what to do with
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
BY EDIE ZUVANICH, MADISONVILLE METEOR CORRESPONDENT
Helpingchildrengetagoodnight’ssleep
“No kid sleeps on the floor in our town” may be a lofty goal, but Cheyanne Snook is determined to make it a reality. Snook founded the Madison County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national non-profit organization that builds beds for children in need.
“For a lot of people beds are our safe space. It’s where we go when we had a rough day at school, when we feel sick, or on those cold and rainy days when you just want to curl up in the blankets. It’s something that a lot of us take for granted – including me -- because we don’t realize it’s actually a luxury that a lot of kids don’t have,” Snook said.
Snook, who grew up in Madisonville, first encountered Sleep in Heavenly Peace as a pediatric outreach project in nursing school and knew that she needed to bring the community project back home when she graduated.
“Volunteer service and helping those in need has been something that I have always been passionate about, which correlates with me wanting to be a nurse. I want to be able to make a difference in people’s lives and give hope that there’s still good people in this world,” she said.
Nationally, SIHP has delivered 58,888 beds but says over 160,000 are still needed. The organization relies on volunteers to build the beds and works with community donations and local sponsors for materials. Children in Madison County receive a solid wood bed frame, a new mattress, new pillow, one set of bedding and a quilt handmade by a local quilting group.
“During a survey that I did of Madisonville High School in October of 2023, approximately 20 percent of high school students did not have a bed to themselves, if at all,” Snook said.
After she and her mother received training from the national organization in January, 2024, Snook started raising funds and had her first bed-building event in March. They delivered 24 community-built beds during the year, but Snook
844-432-2337
shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-madison-co facebook.com/SHPMadisonTX
cheyanne.snook@shpbeds.org
hope that there’s still good people in this world. It is a lot of hard work running a non-profit in a small town,” said Snook, who is a single mom as well as a working registered nurse. She credits support from her mother, other members of her SIHP team and the community for helping get the new organization off the ground.
“These kids can’t control the situations that they are born into. But we can help them as a community ensure that they have a safe and comfortable place to sleep on their own,” she said. “At the end of the day we are doing this for the children and there is absolutely nothing better than seeing the tremendous joy on these kids’ faces when we show up and deliver them a new bed. The hugs are pretty great too!”
Beds are provided at no cost to families in need. To apply for a bed or make a donation, visit the website at shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-madison-co. To participate in a bed building or bed delivery day, follow facebook.com/SHPMadisonTX for event dates and sign-up links.
To find out how you can support, scan the QR code or visit shpbeds.org/chapter/tx-madison-co/
BUSINESS
Mustang Septic Service
BY EDIE ZUVANICH, MADISONVILLE METEOR CORRESPONDENT
David and Rebecca Young aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, they just want the chance to build a life and a business together. The couple started Mustang Septic Service with the idea that it would allow them to work side by side, even if it meant they were knee-deep in sludge.
“We were looking for a business that would keep us local and together. Not in the oilfields or out of state. And so, this business just started that way, so we could spend more time together. That was our goal, to be together every day,” Rebecca said.
The couple first fell for each other in junior high school and were separated by their families. When they reconnected 26 years later, they determined never to spend time apart again.
“Fate had not forgotten our story and it was our destiny to be together,” David said. “We pushed though, started this business, God blessed us and took care of the doubts, and we worked through our challenges to be here today.”
The Youngs started Mustang Septic Systems by providing septic and grease trap services to local customers. They soon expanded into commercial, industrial and municipal markets with a fleet of sophisticated equipment with customers throughout the region. They readily take on jobs of all sizes, from helping one customer set up a recreational vehicle as a temporary home with a holding tank for waste, to repairing a malfunctioning 30,000-gallon septic system for a truck stop.
“Sometimes customers don’t need a new system, they just need some work done on it. In this day and age people don’t like to work on things,” David said. The company’s philosophy is to evaluate what really needs to be done rather than just offer the easiest – and often most expensive – solution. They’ve found customers appreciate when a septic system can be repaired for less cost rather than replaced.
“It’s just figuring out what people have planned so we can figure out the right thing to do for them, save them some money, save some time and make their lives a little bit easier,” Rebecca said. “Years of experience have shown us that having integrity with our customers and doing the right thing is the way we want to live our lives.”
In addition to being family owned, the company employs local workers and supports local organizations and events. Their hometown values extend all the way to working with the city to find a less expensive solution to a municipal waste challenge to save their fellow taxpayers money.
“It’s an honor to be able to help our community and be able to grow with it. It’s a big responsibility, but for us we’re just enjoying our life,” David said. “We’re hard workers and honest people, with a good reputation for that. We keep pushing forward, working, operating the company. And I get to hang out with my wife and best friend all day long.”
All day long extends beyond 9 to 5. The company’s website does not list business hours, because Rebecca and David never ignore a phone call.
“People call on the weekend and we’ll pick up and they’ll say, ‘I can’t believe you answered the phone!’ We’re going to answer the phone. We try to do that always. We want to be available for those emergencies,” David said. “We are the number one family in the ‘number two’ business. Rescheduling is what the number two guy does. He calls you back later.”
MustangSepticSystemoffers:
Residential septic tank installation, pumping, maintenance and repairs
Commercial grease trap pumping, maintenance and installation
Commercial septic tank pumping, maintenance and installation
Portable toilet and wash stand rental for construction sites and events
Call 936-668-0130 to discuss your needs or get an online quote at mustangpumping.com/leona
BUSINESS
DBL Real Estate
BY CONNIE CLEMENTS, MADISONVILLE METEOR REPORTER
A commitment to customer satisfaction, a heartfelt desire to promote property ownership combined with decades of experience are hallmarks of DBL Real Estate in Madisonville. Founded in 2000, DBL Real Estate is named after owners Don and Beverly Hatcher and their daughter, Lisa Hatcher Taylor.
Fourth-generation Madison County residents, DBL Real Estate’s owners and its agents are well-equipped to handle transactions ranging from residential to commercial, from farm and ranch to land investment.
AHeartForPeople
Taylor, a realtor and associate broker, works closely with agents Zulma Cuevas and niece Brittany Langley. Cuevas has been with DBL seven years and contributes extensive investment knowledge.
Taylor said, “I got into this business to help people. Zulma has a heart to help people. My parents are that way as well. For us, it’s not a one-time transaction. It’s a deal to build a relationship in the community.”
She continued, “It’s important to me that if I sell you something, that you’re successful with it. In other words, if you buy a house, that you’re happy with it. If you buy investment property, that you see a return on your investment. It’s important to us that you’re happy with what you buy.”
On the sales side, handling land that’s been in a family for a long time requires sensitivity.
Taylor said, “We’ve dealt with all kinds of situations – where people, for health reasons, are downsizing, or maybe they’re relocating because they’re at that time of life they need to be closer to family. We have experience in working with estate properties and we’re very respectful of people’s land. Your land is your life.”
TheNewNormal
According to Taylor and Cuevas, Madisonville hasn’t experienced the large-scale development other Brazos Valley communities have.
Taylor said, “Mostly, we do more farm and ranch, but I’ve handled more residential houses this year than I ever have!”
Noting a spike in land investment, she said, “We’re between Dallas and Houston so I think people from other areas are capitalizing on that.”
Despite news reports of Californians and Chinese buying up rural land, Taylor has yet to encounter either.
She said, “I do warn people who come here from other areas, ‘You’re in for a culture shock!’”
The rhythm of buying and selling has also changed.
Taylor said, “Your big buying time use to be spring through summer but with the market changing, so many people working from home and so many kids homeschooled, it’s pretty much a good buying season all year round. They also see the value of a
home. People that typically would rent are getting bold enough to get a loan.”
Noting a rise in first-time buyers, Cuevas said, “This week a young couple with a 2-year-old just bought their first home. That’s exciting!”
TX 77864 (936)
dblrealestate.com
Taylor added, “They’re still buying with the rates the way they are right now because it’s better than rent a lot of times.”
Taylor also discussed her initial resistance to loan pre-approvals.
She said, “I used to think it was rude or too pushy but as I’ve matured in this business, I learned it’s important. It’s not that I’m not going to show you something if you’re not pre-approved, but we want to make sure that if you want to buy something, that you can buy it. If you can’t buy it, you know what you can buy, or what you need to do until you can buy.”
Support Local
As Madison County Chamber of Commerce members, the DBL Real Estate team believe in supporting the community where they live and work.
Taylor said, “We definitely encourage people to use local banks because they have a stake in helping the community as well. We can’t tell someone to go to a certain lender, but we can tell them if their lender doesn’t work out, try a local lender. It’s very important to support the people and businesses here and what they’re doing.”
