In the 1960s, changes in U.S. Immigration Policy resulted in many highly skilled immigrants settling in Houston, which was experiencing an energy sector boom. Several of these families were Sikhs from Punjab, India. The Sikh faith is a monotheistic religion that originated with Guru Nanak (1469-1539) and is among the world’s major religions. It is characterized by the equality of all people, service, honest work and humility. On August 1, 1971, about a dozen families held their first religious gathering in a member’s apartment. They continued to meet monthly for about two years. In August 1972, a decision was made to form an organization to serve the religious, social, cultural and educational needs of the Sikh community in Houston and beyond. By 1973, the Sikh community had grown to about two dozen families, including architects, engineers, builders, doctors and entrepreneurs. That year, they purchased two acres at 8819 Prairie Drive for a place of worship, called a Gurdwara. Community members, led by the engineers and architects among them, designed and built a small wood-frame building with their own hands. The Gurdwara features a traditional Nishan Sahib, a Sikh triangular flag. The Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast Area, Inc. was incorporated in October 1973. The opening ceremonies were held on November 25, 1973, on the anniversary of founder Guru Nanak’s birth. In summer 1974, a fire caused by lightning destroyed the building. Once again, the community came together to design and build a new Sikh center of brick, concrete and steel. The new structure was completed by December 1975. Since then, a school, residential building, library and kitchen have been added. The Sikh center has also acquired additional land for future development. From this center, the first Gurdwara in Texas, the ever-growing Sikh community continues its tradition of education and public service for humanity. (2022)