A History of

First United Methodist Church

Goliad, Texas

Methodist congregations formed in Goliad County between 1840 and 1847. Although documented history of Methodism in the community of Goliad begins in 1847, a congregation organized about 1840 as a part of the circuit which included Victoria. Records show that Joseph T. Sneed, Daniel Carl, J. W. DeVilbiss and David L. Bell were the earliest pastors to preach on a regular basis in Goliad and in the community on Perdido Creek which later became the town of Fannin. All early records of these church were either lost to fires or storms, or misplaced. When Joseph Hord was appointed to Goliad in1847, the Goliad church recorded more members than San Antonio.

The early Methodist preachers were active in their community. Besides preaching and holding camp meetings, they were involved in various enterprises. The Goliad Express, founded in 1855, was published by two Methodist preachers, Cox and Pierce, until it changed hands in 1859. Rev. Alexander F. Cox, who came to Goliad in 1856, was not only involved in newspaper operation, but also became President of Aranama College. During the Civil War, he acted as Confederate tithe collector.

Early Methodists of Goliad County were concerned about quality education for females as well as males. Paine Female Institue was sponsored by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1852. Rev. Jesse Hord, then retired, was elected President of the Board of Trustees. Their commitment was so strong that the Goliad methodists sold their church building for $700 and invested the money into the building that housed the Institute onteh condition that they would be allowed to use the building as a place of worship. Therefore, their large second story auditorium was used for all Methodist church meetings for many years.

Action taken at the 1858 General Conference divided the Texas Conference and Goliad was in the area that became known as the Rio Grande Mission Conference. In 1859, the new conference held its first meeting in Goliad at Paine Female Institute with a total attendance of 1,395. The Goliad Circuit had 166 members, which was the largest membership for any charge in the Conference. Rev. William R. D. Stockton was appointed as pastor of the Goliad Circuit.

Early Goliad Circuit Churches included both black and white members. Following the Civil War, the black Methodists separated to form their own congregation. Both churches were served by the same white pastors until 1872, when Fannin Street Methodist Church was formed and since has been served by mainly black pastors. There was also a German Methodist Mission in Goliad and Yorktown for many years.

The property where the church now stands was conveyed by Percy W. Whitby for the sum of $1.00 to James M. Word, James A. Burke, T. C. Taylor, M. T. Tippin, Jr. and Milton N. Shive, Trustees of the church on May 28, 1877. The original building was destroyed shortly after its completion by the May 1902 tornado. Wood from the original structure was used for the interior of the new building which was ready for services in 1903. It has been preserved through the years at its location on the corner of Chilton and Peral Streets. The historical building features the original interior woodwork and exquisite stained glass windows.

Since 1840, the members of this church have given themselves in service to this community and the world beyond. We have renewed our vision and have committed to a plan of ministry through the year 2000, that will allow for growth both as individuals and as a faith family. We face the future in the Spirit of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve - we will open our hearts with love, reach out our hands and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.

This brief history contains excerpts from:

When the Methodists Came to Goliad County

Richard Heacock, Jr. & Grace Ann Heacock.

The History & Heritage of Goliad County

Pruett, J. and Cole, E. B., 1983

Pastors who have served us in Goliad

For information about the history of Goliad, click here!

For information about Jesse Hord (our fifth pastor) click here!

For information about Joseph P. Sneed (our first pastor) click here!

 

Last revised: August 10, 2007 Web page maintained by:  Paul Podschelne, podschelnes@yahoo.com The space for this web site is provided by the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church