Obituaries

Reverend Harry C. Meissner entered into the kingdom of heaven on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Harry was born on July 15, 1940, in Houston, Texas, and attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. He discerned a call to ministry and, having grown up in a southern Baptist church, he attended seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His theological studies led him to unite with the Presbyterian denomination, and he was ordained as a minister in 1969.

His first call was to serve in a yoked ministry where he divided his time between First Presbyterian (Kemp, TX) and Covenant Presbyterian (Kaufman, TX) churches. Later, First Presbyterian (Canton, TX) joined the ministry. On Sunday mornings, due to the distance between churches, he regularly drove his Pontiac GTO over the speed limit in order to be on time at his next parish. Because of his love of driving sporty cars, he was given the nickname “racin’ rabbi.”

In 1973, Harry was called to Calvary Presbyterian (Dallas, TX) and guided this congregation to successfully merge with Meneely Memorial in 1984 to form Eastminster Presbyterian. He served in mission and ministry with the members of this parish until his retirement on October 31, 2006. He enjoyed crafting worship services from liturgy to music to preaching and working with staff colleagues and church members. He was particularly fond of organ music, so much so that he owned multiple instruments, including two pipe organs.

After retirement, Harry began to serve as an interim pastor in 2007. For twenty years, he guided twelve congregations as they worked their way through periods of transition. His friends and family often teased him about failing at retirement, but Harry loved being a part of a community of faith, encouraging and supporting members as they discerned their future ministry. At the time of his death, he was serving Crossroads Presbyterian in Blue Ridge, TX.

In addition to all of the churches Harry served over the years, he also made time to serve the greater church. Until 1982, he was actively involved with the presbytery’s summer camp ministry for children and youth, and then he continued to be involved with camps by serving on committees. Most recently, he was the honorary co-chair of Camp Gilmont’s 2025 capital campaign. He served as Moderator of Grace Presbytery in both 1997 and 2001. Harry also served as Commissioner to the Synod of the Sun and as Commissioner to the General Assembly of the PC(USA).

Beyond his ministry, Harry loved to share time with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling and visited Great Britain, France, Colonial Williamsburg, New England, and the Colorado mountains numerous times. Houston was a frequent destination to share holidays and life events with his many cousins, to whom he was known as Butch. When at home, he loved to cook meals, bake bread, and create desserts for various friends every week. Reading or watching mysteries was a favorite pastime. With his love of music, Harry would gladly sit and play hymns at any piano or organ he came across. When he couldn’t play, he also loved listening to the music from his collection of 45’s, LP’s, and reel-to-reel tapes.

Harry was very attuned to his living space. He was particularly drawn to American colonial architecture, and he mastered woodworking to create the styles he so loved. His houses evolved over time, and he was especially proud of his townhouse, which he owned for over 40 years. He modified every room, removing and adding walls, doors, custom moldings, and fireplaces (sometimes the same one). He particularly liked making built-in cabinets and bookcases.

Harry touched countless lives through his ministry. His many cousins and friends will miss breaking bread with him, planning travel adventures, listening to music, working on house and garden projects together, and having spirited discussions on a wide range of topics.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6th, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Dallas at 6550 Samuell Blvd. The service will be livestreamed at this link: Harry C. Meissner - Witness to the Resurrection on the Eastminster Presbyterian Dallas' YouTube channel. Interment will be alongside his parents in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, Harry requested that any donations be made to Gilmont Camp and Conference Center, Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, Union Gospel Mission, or the North Texas Food Bank.