First United Methodist Church

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about First United Methodist Church in Madison County. Now settle in, because this congregation's story stretches back further than the county itself. That's right.

Before Madison County even organized, back in 1842, a circuit riding preacher named Henderson Palmer was already out here working this ground. Palmer rode for the Galveston district of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was the kind of man who brought the church to the people, because the people were spread thin across this big Texas country. Circuit riders from the Washington, Rutersville, and Huntsville districts followed in his tracks, ministering to that same congregation in the years that came after.

Then in 1856, the church became a separate charge, with the Rev. Joseph H. D.

Moore as its pastor. That was a turning point. A congregation finding its own footing.

But they were still without a building of their own for quite a while longer. It wasn't until 1892 that members built a one-room church, set diagonally across from where the educational building stands today on Trinity Street. One room.

Think about what had been accomplished in that one room before the walls even went up. By 1904, the congregation had grown enough that a larger building was needed, and members constructed one. Additions came through the years, layer by layer, until 1951, when that structure was razed and members raised up the present sanctuary in its place.

Then came 1968, and with it a name change: from First Methodist Church to First United Methodist Church. Now, a name change can sound like a small thing, but it marked something real. Through all those decades, this congregation had been doing the work.

Providing necessities and assistance to the needy. Serving neglected and mistreated women and children. Supporting local and foreign missions.

Becoming a hub for regional Methodist congregations and for interchurch ministry. A number of young men from the church entered full-time ministry. That's a legacy that runs deep and wide.

From one circuit rider on horseback in 1842 to a cornerstone of the Madisonville community today. Henderson Palmer probably couldn't have imagined it. But then again, maybe he could.

That's why he rode.

What the marker says

First United Methodist Church traces its origins back to 1842, before Madison County organized, when circuit riding preacher Henderson Palmer from the Galveston district of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South served the area. Circuit riders from the Washington, Rutersville and Huntsville districts ministered to the congregation in subsequent years. In 1856, the church became a separate charge under the pastorate of the Rev. Joseph H. D. Moore. Members built a one-room church building in 1892. It was located diagonally across from the present educational building on Trinity Street. In 1904, members constructed a larger church building to accommodate the growing congregation. Additions were made to the structure through the years before it was razed in 1951, when members erected the present sanctuary. In 1968, the congregation changed its name from First Methodist Church to First United Methodist Church. The congregation has a rich history of community involvement, including providing necessities and assistance to the needy, and serving neglected and mistreated women and children. The church has become a hub for regional Methodist congregations and for interchurch ministry. Members have also supported local and foreign missions. A number of young men from the church have entered full-time ministry. Today, First United Methodist Church continues to be a benevolent and generous leader in the Madisonville community. (2009)