Much of the change in worship is in its more relaxed atmosphere than in format. Long ago, Sundays were “dress-up” occasions. Probably up until the 1960s people made a huge distinction between Sunday clothes and shoes and everyday wear. Sunday clothes were in sparse supply. During the morning worship services, men sat on one side of the church and women on the other. Worship was participatory, but serious and somber. Children attended worship services, but were expected to be still and quiet. Hymns were sung from the Methodist Hymnal. Special music was always a part of the services.

Evening services were a whole different matter. Dress was still “proper,” though women left their hats at home. But the service itself was much less formal. The youth group met prior to the evening service and then joined the congregation for worship. There was a large emphasis on congregational singing and the service revolved around the music. Still, there were no songs chosen beforehand. People called out numbers of their favorite hymns from the Cokesbury Hymnal (and later, Tabernacle Hymns). Impromptu specials were not unusual with quartets and duets performing because someone requested on the spot. Methodists were known as “the singing Methodists” with good cause.

Revivals were still another form of worship that is a part of Methodist history. They were standard summer fare and people from many denominations participated. Usually, they lasted two weeks. At one time they were held under a large tent to the west of the church. Lights were strung inside the tent (yellow bulbs to ward off the bugs) and chairs were set up inside. July meetings were very hot, but no one seemed to mind.

The heyday of singing was in the 1930s and 40s. There were singings held on an area-wide and local basis. People attended singing schools where many quartets performed and attendees were taught to read shaped-note music and were introduced to new songs. Several names were prominent in this movement, namely Stamps-Baxter and the Rippetoes.

This church had hymnals printed with shaped notes and people who could read that music could easily pick up a hymnal and sing with no accompaniment. One quartet in the church became almost synonymous with music and Methodism. The quartet was not made up of the same four men at all times. There were enough so that if one was not available, another would be. Some of these men included Marvin and Lee Holdridge, Homer Hafford, and Ambrose Morgan.

W.B. Nowlin promoted a statewide event each year in the Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth. It was known as “The Battle of Songs” and featured nationally-recognized gospel musicians from across the southern United States. It was a huge event. As a way for the youth group to earn money for programs, Mr. Nowlin used the youth to usher at these events. It earned dollars, but also introduced youth to a big-time musical event.

During the period of our history, the hymnal has undergone at least five revisions.

Music still remains an important element of church worship. The newest addition to the history of worship and music in the church is the Breath of Life Service.