SouthStar Bank Celebrates 100 Years
A recap of the 100th Anniversary Celebration.
SouthStar Bank celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 after first opening its doors as The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Moulton in 1920 with the motto Safety, Strength and Service. True to its Texas Style motto, the Bank welcomed the community for complimentary BBQ accompanied by live entertainment.
“Starting from humble beginnings as Farmers and Merchants Bank, we have grown not only in numbers, but also in talent, services and community. SouthStar Bank has remained true to its community banking roots, growing to over $1 Billion dollars in assets over the past 100 years. I would like to thank all of our loyal customers who have been with us for so many years. Your trust and support have always been the biggest drivers for our continued growth.” said Kapavik.
The bank was honored to have the Schindler family and other shareholders with local ties join the celebration of this historic milestone for SouthStar Bank. The Raymond G. Schindler family of Houston, TX purchased controlling interest in the Bank in 1981 through its holding company, Southern Bancshares, Inc. Operations under the current name, SouthStar Bank, S.S.B., began on January 1, 2015 following the merger of Lone Star, First Star and Texas Star banks with David R. Kapavik being named President and CEO after previously serving as President of Lone Star Bank. The name SouthStar Bank was ultimately selected for its strong reference to the bank’s deep southern heritage, warm hospitality, and recognition as a bright star in the communities it serves.
In conjunction with the 100th Anniversary, the SouthStar Bank Moulton Branch was restored to reflect the building’s original beauty and design. The official unveiling of the renovated building was a highlight of the day and included tours throughout the evening. Built in 1906, the historic “Boehm Mercantile Store” was purchased in 1990 for conversion into expanded Bank headquarters. The building was transformed back into an authentic interpretation of turn-of-the-century, Victorian architecture. Many desirable features were preserved within the building, including original longleaf pine floors, pine structural columns, ornate pressed metal ceiling, and the stately, half-moon window overlooking the rolling hills of the Moulton countryside. Like SouthStar Bank, the building shines with new life, ready to serve its community for another century to come.
