[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       150 YEARS FOR THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS

                                 ______


                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 28, 1996

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate 
the sesquicentennial of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas. 
This church has seen the city of Dallas grow from the small town that 
Dallas was in the late 1860's to the booming metroplex of today.
  The history of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas begins in 
1846 when the Methodist Church sent a minister to the small town of 
Dallas. The population of the city was about 200. The reverend from the 
Methodist church met with several resident, formed a small congregation 
and proceeded to build Dallas' first church on the corner of Commerce 
and Lamar. In 1879, the church was destroyed by fire. The second church 
resided at the corner of Commerce and Prather from 1894 to 1916. Then, 
the church purchased land on the corner on Ross and Harwood and began 
the construction of the church we know today. It was not completed 
until February 7, 1926, exactly 80 years after its formation.
  During the 1960's, the church was a meeting place for civil rights 
activists in downtown Dallas. No other church would let blacks meet in 
Dallas, but the First United Methodist Church has never discriminated 
and has always allowed groups to congregate nonviolently within their 
walls. They believe in accepting people into their church and not 
turning away people who need their help.
  The First United Methodist Church of Dallas, today, is a downtown 
church which has a distinct identity and culture all of its own and has 
been able to flourish. People come from as far as north Texas and Waco 
making the trek downtown, and they pass more convenient churches along 
the way. Music and the arts are the First United Methodist Church's 
outreach to its congregation. Many people attend the other activities 
at the church during the week as well as on Sunday. On Wednesday, the 
church holds a weekly midday music program where the music is free and 
a hot home-cooked meal is provided for $5.
  While downtown churches in many cities are shutting their doors, and 
are experiencing a decline or moving to the suburbs, the First United 
Methodist Church of Dallas is holding its own with no plans of 
abandoning its home in the inner city.
  The church is a spiritual landmark for anyone who has lived in 
Dallas, and everyone has come to know the First United Methodist Church 
of Dallas and the people who work there as friends. It provides a 
wealth of services in support to the community and should truly be 
congratulated for its commitment to Dallas and the people who attend 
this church. This 150th anniversary celebration recognizes all that the 
church has given to Dallas, and now it is our turn to give back to it. 
We wish the First United Methodist Church of Dallas a happy 150 years 
and many more.

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