Methodist Church to hold centennial celebration

The opening of a new building and the birth of a new Methodist conference were big events in 1910, and now the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon will commemorate those occasions with a 100th anniversary celebration this weekend, November 6-7.

What was then known as the Methodist Episcopal Church South started out in 1888 at the southeast corner of Fourth and Kearney Streets, but the congregation quickly outgrew that wood frame building. So in 1910, the present building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. O.P. Kiker at the corner of Fifth and Jefferson at a cost of $40,000.

Preparations for the church were rushed to completion in time for a meeting of Methodists from across much of Texas, who came to Clarendon to establish the present Northwest Texas Annual Conference and Central Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Legend holds that the workmen went out the north door of the building as the bishop came in the south door.

The building has continued to serve generations of Christ’s followers, although some modifications have been made to modernize the building. The most notable change occurred in 1950 when the landmark domed roof was replaced with a gabled roof due to chronic leaks that had plagued the building for many years.

To commemorate the opening of this beautiful structure and the organization of the two conferences, the First United Methodist Church will hold a two-day celebration this Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7.

The Saturday program will feature Dr. Tom Fuller, General Evangelist for the United Methodist Church, who will discuss the influence of John Wesley and how his teachings apply to Christianity today. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and also will include a selection of music that will span the generations since 1910.

Sunday service on November 6 will begin at 9:45 a.m., and former pastors have been invited to attend and participate. Conference representatives will also be on hand as the church building is rededicated and a special message is brought by Dr. David Murrah, the author of “Are We Yet Alive?”: The Centennial History of the Northwest Texas Conference.

Following the service, a noon meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

Commemorative plates featuring the original and modern appearances of the building have also been commissioned and are on sale through the church office. Note cards bearing the church’s original design are also available.