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| The First Bank of Celeste |
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Overview:
The First Bank of Celeste is a locally owned and controlled full service bank that was chartered in 1900. Throughout our existence, we have been committed to deliver the most courteous, personable and confidential banking relationships possible. We pride ourselves on long term relationships that have, in many cases, spanned several generations of a customer's family. We are committed to continue this "old fashioned" approach by always having an actual employee (not an automated system) answer each direct telephone call during our regular business hours Monday through Saturday morning. Let us help you build a personal relationship with our bank that will last a lifetime! With this personal approach and our ability to deliver the most current banking products, we believe you will truly enjoy banking with The First Bank of Celeste.
We provide a full range of services including regular personal and business checking accounts, free checking, NOW and money market accounts, ATM/Check cards, certificates of deposit, and a wide range of loan services. Loan services include consumer, commercial, interim construction and permanent mortgage. In addition, you may bank though our Telebank system or our Internet product 24 hours a day. |
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History:
Chartered on May 1, 1900 as the First National Bank of Celeste, our bank has enjoyed tremendous stability coupled with very steady growth and success. In 1986, the bank was converted to a state charter and the name changed to The First Bank of Celeste. During the 100 plus years of our existence, there have only been four Presidents of the bank. The bank's founder, M. K. Harrell served in that capacity until 1913. S. R. Granberry became President and CEO in 1913, a position he held for 50 years until 1963 when his son, Albert Granberry, succeeded him as President. In 1981 Bob Barnard, who was serving as Senior Vice-President for the Granberry family, became part of a new ownership group headed by Dallas banker William F. Stevens and was named the fourth President of the bank. A 1972 graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Agriculture Economics, Mr. Barnard continues to serve in that capacity today.
The bank operated at the original location until 1978 when a new building one block west of the old bank was moved into. Expanded in 1984, this building continues to serve the bank well today.
The bank has always been soundly and conservatively managed as indicated by its ability to withstand "The Great Depression" which began in 1929. This tradition continued under the guidance of President and CEO Bob Barnard, Senior Vice President David Kent and Chairman of the Board, Williams F. Stevens during the banking and Savings & Loan crisis of the 1980's and very early 1990's. During this volatile time, which included hundreds of Savings & Loan and bank failures throughout the nation and Texas, The First Bank of Celeste continued to prosper with steady growth and solid returns for its shareholders. Many banks in Texas experienced significant problems related to poor loans and minimal profit margins which resulted in problems with both Federal and State regulators. However, First Bank of Celeste avoided these pitfalls and moved forward toward the beginning of the twenty-first century with stable management and employee stability.
Many factors have contributed to the success and stability of the bank throughout its history. Perhaps the most important are continuity of management and loyal, well-trained employees who have been truly concerned with the needs of all customers of the bank. |
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