The Polly Texas Pioneer Association was founded in 2013 and received its 501c3 from the IRS. Its mission is to preserve and conserve the legacy and heritage of Polly, Texas, its celebrated founder, and all the pioneers of that era.  The goals of the group are to educate students, and the public and bring awareness of this history through exhibits, restoration projects, publications, and online communications. Along with these plans, the voluntary board of directors is tasked to operate front office management and provide for the maintenance, security, and community access.

            In 2013, the group began fundraising to restore the Chapel. With that in mind family and community friends were contacted to make contributions and began to secure funds from the business community. As a result, we received approximately $60,000 from family and community pledges, and the balance was gathered from our first fundraiser.

            In 2014, we were pleased to rededicate the chapel along with the replacement of the new gleaming windows, doors, and painted interiors and exteriors.  The association along with its family, friends, and community sponsors should be complimented for its strong and generous commitment to restore this vibrant Texas Historical landmark.

            Also, in 2014, Polly’s Chapel and grounds and Polly’s Cemetery were successfully transferred from the Methodist Church to the Polly Texas Pioneer Association. During the transfer, it was discovered that an additional road right of way was needed to approach the cemetery site. A request was made to the Wyatt/Baker family, and we are pleased to report that a gift and survey were completed from them.

Also, plans for future cemetery internments and ingress and egress were conducted. Funds for the plans, transfer and the surveys required were expensed from our restoration budget. Also, the cemetery continues to serve the community and family. Just as at the chapel, continual security and maintenance are expensed from the association’s operating funds.

In the last three years, we have placed historical outdoor signage at major landmarks in Polly, Texas, bought a storage building for supplies and equipment, installed a new solar-powered fourteen-foot security gate, and created a brand-new association website. In 2016, after the transfer of Polly’s Schoolhouse from Bandera ISD, we began fundraising for the restoration of the school. We’ll also have it registered as an official Texas Historical landmark.

In 2018, work was begun on applications for Texas Historical markers for the schoolhouse and cemetery. Improvements were made to the existing men’s and women’s rooms used by visitors to the chapel. Plans have also been made to convert the pavilion into a hall with a kitchen pantry, storage, and larger men’s and women’s room facilities. We are also very pleased, to have been selected by “Preservation Texas” to be included in a 2020 national conference on preservation.

            In 2019, a new standing-seam roof was installed on the schoolhouse along with other improvements. Early in the year, we conducted several historical presentations on “Polly” in Bandera, Boerne, Comfort, Kerrville, and other hill country communities leading up to our annual May “Hill Country Heritage” event. We will also be giving tours of Polly Texas to groups that are interested in learning more about our great hill country legacy.

            In 2023, after a two-year hiatus from “Covid”, our plans are back on schedule. The floors, walls, and wood ceilings have been restored and stained. Also, the windows and doors were restored. In 2024 exterior painting and water gutters and downspouts will be installed. Then, the much-awaited “Prayer Garden” in the rear of the chapel was also completed. Currently, we are budgeting for benches and a pedestal cross for the garden. Plus, new historical signs were placed around Polly, Texas.

In 2025, we plan to install new fences and front gates and final landscaping improvements at the schoolhouse. Also, we will begin budgeting for new fences and a new front gate at the cemetery.  Once again, we are very pleased to be returning to our goals of preserving and conserving the many historical landmarks in Polly, Texas. We are very pleased with all the continued support and contributions the community has given.