Church History

The first Methodist worship service in Waxahachie was in 1848.  In the spring of the following year, 1849, a Methodist Society was organized by the Reverend Falcius Reynolds.   

The first building The congregation erected its first building in 1852 on what is now East Franklin Street.  The building was 16 feet by 20 feet and was wood frame construction.  The building was destroyed by fire. 

The second building Built on the adjoining lot to the west of the first building, the second building took two years to construct.  It was the worship facility for the Methodist, the Cumberland Presbyterian, and the Baptist congregations.  This wood frame church was dedicated by Bishop Robert Paine in 1856. This building served the congregation for almost forty years.  Later it would be used as a boarding house and a salesroom for automobile tires. 

The third building In 1893, the Methodist built a new brick building, located on College Street, across the railroad tracks from downtown.  The Gothic Revival Victorian building incorporated a high quality pipe organ as well as stained glass windows.  It had two towers, the larger one at the entrance. In November 1904, the church caught fire while being remodeled.  Only a few items were saved.  The church, valued at $20,000 was insured for $10,000.  The pipe organ was insured for $1,000. 

The fourth building A new building was started immediately on the site and was occupied in 1905.  The new structure was Prairie style, common to Methodist churches of that time.  It had a new pump organ and many beautiful stained glass windows.  The 1904 building went through many expansions and modifications as it served the congregation for forty-five years. 

The fifth building In June 1950, the final worship service was held at the College Street site.  A war surplus building was moved to the new site on Marvin Street.  A ground breaking service was held in October 1950 with District Superintendent Dr. Stanley Williams delivering the message.  The opening prayer was offered by W.C. Bynum, a respected member of the congregation. 

The church was operated from this building while the Education Building, our present Banquet Hall, was under construction.  The Education Building was dedicated on Sunday, May 18, 1952 with Bishop William Martin dedicating the building and delivering the sermon. 

Construction of the sanctuary began in March 1954.  The formal opening was May 1, 1955, with a crowd of over 700 in attendance.  Rev. C.D. Wooten was the pastor. 

The fifty year old organ, after extensive updating, was installed in the new church.  Many stained glass windows were used from the College Street building.  The large stained glass window behind the altar of Jesus knocking at the door was from the front wall of the previous church. 

The children's wing and church offices, the third phase, was completed in 1967.   

Between 1848-2006, the First United Methodist Church has given 158 years of service to God and the community.  This church has been served by many faithful Christians who have let the light of Christ shine through their lives.