Introduction
In the Beginning
The Beginning of Methodism
The First Methodist Church Building: 1883-1895
The Second Methodist Church Building: 1895-1917
The Third Methodist Church Building 1917-1964
The Fourth Methodist Church Building: 1964 to the Present
The Addition of Heritage Hall
The Church Renovation Project: 1999-2000
The Church Bell
The Time Capsule
Little Children's Daycare
Sunday School Superintendents
In Closing
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After World War II, not all of the women who held jobs while husbands and fathers were in the service of our country could or did return home to “keep house and care for the children.” No longer could Grandma, Cousin Sue, or Aunt Mary be called upon for childcare because they, too, had gone to work. In response to this critical need for childcare, the Methodist Church purchased the property at the corner of Labadie and S. Houston Streets, at a cost of $21,000. The building that stood at that location had been Sharp and Nabors Funeral Home and at one time a medical clinic. It was a perfect place to renovate and turn into a childcare center.
The building committee was chaired by Mrs. Forrest (Pat) Eisenrich, Mrs. Hiram (Dale) Smith, Jr., Mr. Fred Williams and Mr. Charles Taylor. Kay Taylor and Judy Williams also served on the committee.
Mrs. G.H. (Montie) Johnson was the first director, assisted by caregiver Carolyn Burlison and cook Tywanah Smith. In the beginning, they were assisted by numerous Methodist women volunteers. Fees for care were set on a sliding scale of family income and number of children. Supplementary costs of operation were met through the years by the church’s annual Harvest Festival held on the first Saturday in November and other fund-raising projects of various church groups.
The first children to be enrolled were Sanno and Clint Burlison and Stacy Smith. The Center officially opened March 4, 1972 and was consecrated on March 17, 1972. An open house was held, with board members, building committee, and the public participating and admiring the beautiful murals that added such beauty and cheer to the interior. Those murals were designed and painted by Karen and Bea Milner, Polly Caraway, and Kay Taylor.
District superintendent Dr. Floyd E. Johnson participated in the ceremonies along with Marvin Holdridge, chairman of the board of directors. Rev. W. L. Milner was the pastor.
Bishop W. McFerrin Stowe dedicated the Day Care Center in an impressive ceremony at the morning worship service on February 10, 1974, “to the glory of God and for the service of children in this community.”
The center was licensed for 44 children ages 18 months to 11 years. Attendance was fluid, accommodating the needs of the community for part-time care, regular attendance, and after-school care.
Four full-time employees, volunteers, and a part-time janitor made the days of the children happy and safe, with multiple learning experiences integrated into their routine. And equally important, working parents were grateful for such care for their children as they pursued their work-a-day routines.
Treasure Mailloux became the second director for about two years, and then Nell Burkeen was named director in 1984 and served until the day care center closed in April of 1999. By then, other day care centers had opened in the community, and enrollment had declined so that the church could not provide the financial support required. The building was in need of a great deal of repair and could no longer meet the state licensing standards. The church and the day care board felt that, since other centers were providing the same service, it was time to seek new avenues of service. The board announced that the facility would be sold to the highest bidder by sealed bids. The building was cleaned out and sold to First Baptist Church for $25,001.
But for over 25 years this project had achieved its purpose, providing childcare for families in the DeLeon community during a time when it was desperately needed.
Today, First United Methodist Church has turned its efforts and resources to meet yet another need of the community: after school care -- with assistance with homework, tutoring, recreation, and activities for many “latchkey children” in the Jump Start Program.
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