First United Methodist Church
Gainesville, Texas
History | Worship | Stewardship | Church Staff
First UMC History
"A Proud Past..."
Since 1848, the organization and expansion of First United Methodist
Church parallels that of the city itself. Early settlers requested
the establishment of a Methodists church at a conference held at
Basin Springs on May 22, 1852. This was the first time the church
appeared in official records. The first church building, granted by
the Commissioners Court on May 21, 1855, was used for worship,
schooling, and as the Masonic Hall. The Methodists, Cumberlands,
Christians, and Baptists shared the first floor.
First United Methodist Church,
Circa 1910
Previously know as
"Denton Street Methodist Church"
Looking Southward on Denton Street
The current sanctuary site was given to the Methodists by Judge J.
M. Lindsay, a prosperous early settler. In 1892, a resolution was
passed to construct the current sanctuary for a total cost of
$10,000. John Garrett served as designer and builder. The stained
glass windows arrived in 1893, as did the organ, which is still in
operation today.
The Gothic Revival
style of the sanctuary reflects a simple
beauty.
The semi-circular seating pattern was designed to allow the pulpit
and choir loft to be a focal point. The many Art Nouveau stained
glass windows are irreplaceable, and there is no known record of
their origin. The beautiful pipe organ was the first tracker pipe
organ in North Texas. Originally having 363 pipes, 85 wood and 278
metal, it was made by William King of New York. Over the years,
improvements and repairs have been done to the organ, with
replacement pipes coming from Holland. The pipes now number 600.
The education building was constructed in 1965 and renovated in
2006. Additional properties have been purchased for the continued
expansion of the church’s mission and ministry. In 2002 a new
Fellowship Center, with needed classroom space, was constructed on
the church property. The "Second Time Around" thrift shop is housed
across the street from the church and has been in ministry since
1976. "The Learning Tree" preschool has been in operation since
1981, and is housed at First Church.
In recent years, growth has expanded First Church’s educational
ministries, children’s and youth programs, Bible studies, and
mission programs.
Future building programs, facilities’ expansion, spirituality growth groups, and expanded mission efforts within Gainesville and Cooke County will maintain our focus as a church "on the grow".
November 2006
