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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Now that the Heritage Hall was being fully utilized and enjoyed, the congregation began to recognize that the sanctuary which had so handsomely and proudly served the church for more than 30 years was showing multiple signs of that usage. The beautiful red carpet was threadbare -- even ragged in spots. Several of the pews were cracked, others sagged, and the roof leaked -- especially around the steeple, even preventing the choir loft from being used at times.
In 1996 the Rev. Wesley Howard, Jr., took note of such needs and set about making a schedule of items that needed attention. Small group meetings including every member were held over a period of time so that each church member would have an opportunity to state individual opinions regarding such needed renovations from that list. That data was analyzed; a plan was made and approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mary Burke chaired the Board of Trustees and appointed a committee whose responsibility was to take action. Barbara McCrary chaired the committee that included Gayle Stroud, Kelly Dickey, Craig Smith, Kevin Caraway, and John and Helen Adcock.
As the work progressed, more changes and alterations became necessary, but were finally accomplished. Ultimately the sanctuary was completely renewed. The church steeple and roof were repaired, and the choir loft and altar area rebuilt and refurbished with new altar appointments. New pews and carpeting were installed.
The two vintage stained glass windows from the 1917 sanctuary (now appraised for $25,000 each) were relocated from the upstairs parlor, which is also used as a classroom, to the apex of the sanctuary to become the center of interest over the choir loft and pulpit. The two beautiful hand-painted windows (one, a picture of the angel's proclamation of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, and the other a scene from the Mary and Martha story) were surrounded and worked into a wonderful color schemed design to allow to fit the opening of the previous window. The two windows are topped with a symbol of the cross and crown. The design of the W.S.C.S. stained glass window was copied and used as a divider between the two original windows. The Lexan glass windows on both sides of the sanctuary were replaced with stained glass in color and design to match the original. Each window contains a medallion depicting various scenes from Jesus' life and ministry. These include His baptism by John; His ministry with the woman at the well; the prayer in the garden of Gethsemane; His crucifixion; the resurrection; and Jesus knocking at the door. Sandy Clark of Comanche, Texas, was the artist. All stained glass is protected on the outside with Plexiglas panels.
A new Allen organ with an oak console, 31 speaking stops plus 4 solo second voices, two manuals AGO pedal board, and other features was donated to the church along with a new Yamaha Clavinova keyboard. A new state-of-the-art 16-channel sound system was also added to accommodate instruments and microphones for the praise team. New and larger air conditioning and heating systems were installed. Even the foyer was refurbished with new storage closets under the stairwell, new floor coverings and beautiful new light fixtures. The W.S.C.S. stained glass window from the previous church was framed and lighted and hangs over one of the short oak pews from the 1917 church. Two pulpit chairs and altar table have likewise been reunited with them as foyer appointments.
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