By David Ball
PORT ARTHUR — Lionel Tate, director of Moody Harris Funeral Home in Port Arthur, said when their old building was razed and the opportunity to rebuild arose, they considered building in another part of town, but decided to stay where they were.
“We’ve been officially opened for four months. We stayed in our community,” Tate said. “We thought about moving to the outskirts, but this is our roots. Everyone knows where it is. We want to give back to the community. We’re very much still in business.”
Tate said only Hannah Funeral Home, opened in 1927 on Louis Blvd. has been serving the African-American community in Port Arthur longer than Moody Harris.
“Our old building was built in 1953. The actual business began as Moody Funeral Home in 1928 on Texas Ave. in Port Arthur,” Tate said. “In 1934, B.C. Harris bought the funeral home and it became Moody Harrris Funeral Home. L.L. Moody was the original owner.”
Harris outlived Moody until Harris died on Christmas Day in 1985. The business was then bought by current owner Billy Robinson.
The new 6,200 square foot building is modern in architecture and resembles a house more than a business establishment. The chapel, replete with vaulted ceilings, hanging lights and sconces, seats 200. The lobby has wooden floors and new furniture.
In addition to office space, a lobby, kitchen/break room and chapel, the home features a conference room that can be used by civic groups.
“We pride ourselves in this building. We put in wooden floors, instead of carpet. I wanted a fireplace, but we couldn’t put that in,” Tate said.
The chapel is named after Lena Phillips who was instrumental for decorating the interior of the building and passed away before the new funeral home opened.
“She died on us and we were at such a loss,” he said.
Tate said Moody Harris will soon hold an open house when the building is totally completed.
