First United Methodist Church of Sinton

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about the First United Methodist Church of Sinton. Now settle in, because this is one of those stories where the beginning is a little scattered, a little improvised, and that's exactly what makes the ending worth somethin'. In 1894, the charter for the Sinton Town Company was granted.

A town was takin' shape in San Patricio County. But here's the thing. Between that year and 1908, there was no organized Protestant church in Sinton.

Not one. Now, that didn't mean the Christians of Sinton stayed home on Sunday. They met regularly for worship.

Visiting pastors of different denominations would come through and minister to whoever showed up. It was interdenominational before that word was fashionable. And when no ordained Methodist minister was available, a local Methodist lay leader named W.T.

Barnhouse stepped up and served. No title, no guarantee, just a man filling the gap. Then came 1907, and the Sinton Town Company made an offer that changed things.

They passed a resolution donating one lot to any group wishing to erect a church building. Now, you might wonder who moved fastest. Members of the Church of Christ accepted the offer, and they built the first Protestant church building in Sinton.

First one. And even then, the old habit held. They kept right on alternating preachers and denominational services in that building, which tells you something about the spirit of the place.

Then 1908 arrived, and the Sinton Methodists organized. They erected their own first church building that same year. A congregation with a home.

From there, the story of First United Methodist Church of Sinton becomes a long record of showing up for people. The women of the church were a driving force, holding events to raise donations and funds year after year. The church itself once suffered flood damage, and rather than just recover and move on, the congregation turned around and donated to others who had suffered from floods as well.

There's a kind of wisdom in that. They knew what it cost. Community health, food ministry, child education programs, Sinton residents found support through all of it.

Notable pastors led the congregation as it grew, among them the Reverend J.J. Mason. Members went on to enter full-time ministry themselves.

Others supported overseas missionaries. And today, First United Methodist Church of Sinton keeps on providing for the spiritual, physical, and educational needs of its community. From a borrowed lot and a borrowed pulpit, to a congregation still standing and still serving.

That's a foundation built on something that lasts.

What the marker says

Serving the community of Sinton since the early 20th century, the roots of the First United Methodist Church date back to earlier interdenominational services. Between 1894, when the charter for Sinton Town Company was granted, and 1908, there was no organized Protestant church in the town. However, Christians met regularly for worship and were ministered to by visiting pastors of different denominations. The local Methodist lay leader, W.T. Barnhouse, served when no ordained Methodist minister was available. In 1907, the Sinton Town Company passed a resolution donating one lot to any group wishing to erect a church building. Members of the Church of Christ accepted the offer and built the first Protestant chuch building in Sinton. There, the practice of alternating preachers and denominational services continued. In 1908, Sinton Methodists organized, erecting their first church building that year. First United Methodist Church of Sinton has a long history of community service. As a driving force within the church, the women held events to raise donations and funds. A former victim of flood damage itself, the church has also donated to others who have suffered from floods. Additionally, members have helped Sinton residents through community health, food ministry and child education programs. Through the years, notable pastors, such as the Rev. J.J. Mason, led the church as it grew. Members have also entered fulltime ministry and have supported overseas missionaries. Today, First United Methodist Church continues to provide for the spiritual, physical and educational needs of the community of Sinton. (2007)