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In the 1920s, the local Col. George Moffett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) conceived of a grand memorial to show appreciation for the many Texans who served during World War I. Plans circulated for several years, and in 1931, the city of Beaumont authorized the Col. George Moffett Chapter to finance and oversee construction of a memorial chapel in Pipkin Park.
To finance the project, the DAR held state-wide fundraisers. The Beaumont Ministerial Alliance donated a bible to be placed at the altar inside the temple. Beaumont architects Livesay & Wiedemann donated their time to produce plans and sketches for the building. Many other local suppliers donated materials needed for the project. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, citizens and businesses donated enough funds and services to see the temple finished quickly. The Col. George Moffett Chapter hired King-Huff Construction Co. Inc. as contractor. The temple officially opened October 19, 1932, dedicated to Texas military of all wars.
The late gothic revival structure, comprised of rough finished manitou green stone cladding over brick, measures approximately 18 feet wide by 32 feet deep. Gothic details include buttresses, the Tudor arched entry and arched double entrance doors, and gothic arch and rose leaded glass windows. Master glass artisan Roger D. McIntosh of Dallas designed and produced the windows. Six windows on the side elevations represent six pivotal years of Texas military history: 1685, 1689, 1824, 1836, 1861 and 1865. For generations of Beaumont citizens, the Temple to the Brave has been a place of peace and reflection.
RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2023
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