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History of New Fountain United Methodist Church |
New Fountain and vicinity was settled by immigrants from Germany and Alsace Lorraine, mostly Lutherans or Roman Catholics. The first settlements were Quihi, Soldiers Camp, and Vandenburg. New Fountain was located somewhat centrally on the Verde Creek and later absorbed all of Soldiers Camp.
With hostile Indians surrounding them, life became a struggle for mere existence.Consequently churches and schools were placed in the background for several years.
On August 17, 1835, Colonel Wm. B. Travis appealed to the Board of Missions for preachers to "dispense the tidings of salvation". Rev. John W. DeVilbiss was one of the most colorful of the early circuit riders in Texas. He was teaching and preaching in San Antonio when he learned of conditions in Medina County and succeeded at length to get some missionaries to go into this territory and make arrangements for services. Rev. Ulrich Steiner was the first missionary to preach Methodist sermons at Vandenburg. In 1858, Rev. F. A. Schaper organized a Methodist Society known as the Ebenezer Church of New Fountain. There were 15 charter members that began this organization at the home of John and Aalke Wiemers. Frequently meetings were held under the famed "Wiemers Oak" in their backyard.
Rev. Jacob Kern said, "The uplifting effects of the Gospel upon the East Friesans of New Fountain can never be over estimated". The bold stand for law and order taken by ministers and laymen was felt throughout Medina County to such an extent that quiet, gentle Methodists were regarded as a terror to the law-breaker.
The first sanctuary was a small pole style building approximately 16 x 20 feet with a crude adjacent shelter for the parsonage. The building also served as the area school with the pastor as the school teacher. When heavy rains flooded the area sloughs and creeks water damaged the building and washed away some of the nearby cemetery.
For the support of the minister it was agreed in May, 1861, to establish a fund consisting of donated cattle. Their brand, "711", and mark under the left ear, were filed for record November 2, 1861.
In 1871, land was donated for the erection of a house of worship at a new location. John and Aalke donated one acre and Friedrich and Antje Muennink donated two acres (one acre north of FM 2676 for the cemetery). A rectangular building 46 x 28 feet was erected in 1872.
In 1879, the vestibule and steeple were added. The bell for the congregation was cast by Henry McShane & Co., Baltimore, Maryland with the following inscription: Ebenezer Kirchen Glocke, M.E. Church S. 1880; Seiein Ruf den Armen Sundern, Ein Mahnung Gotteskindern. Amen! (Ebenezer Church Bell, M.E. Church S. 1880; A call to the poor sinner, A reminder to God's children. Amen.!)
During the period 1900-01 extensive repairs were made and the building was enlarged to the south for the chancel and choir loft.
In 1888 a parsonage was built east of the sanctuary that served until a new parsonage was constructed in 1958. The 21st Century parsonage on the north side of FM2676 was completed in 2001.
The first Education Building was erected in 1947-48. In the fall of 1991 a new Educational Building was put into use. In August of 2006 construction was begun on additional Sunday school space and an Activity Center to accommodate the needs of the growing congregation.
The real history of the New Fountain UMC is not written in records or monuments, but is alive in the spirit of those witnessing from this congregation and will be evident in the coming generations.