[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14349]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First United 
Methodist Church of Carrollton. For 110 years, this church has been a 
centerpiece for spiritual growth and community outreach for the City of 
Carrollton.
  In 1901, a group of 15 Methodists moved to Carrollton, Texas to start 
a ministry and formed what is known today as First United Methodist 
Church of Carrollton. Preaching only once a month, founding pastor 
Reverend John D. Major visited the congregation as the fifth church on 
his circuit. The congregation met in the attic of W.H. Stephens' store 
in downtown Carrollton, where the church developed a strong Sunday 
school program. By 1902, membership had expanded to 54 and the church 
acquired additional property.
  In the mid-1950s, the First United Methodist Church of Carrollton 
needed to relocate. With a generous donation from the Milburn Family 
Farm, First United Methodist Church secured five acres for future 
growth. Since 1967, First United Methodist Church has been pastored by 
Kenneth Carter, Dr. Paul Morell, and Rev. Jerry Simmons, and is 
currently under the spiritual leadership of Dr. Richard Dunagin. 
Throughout its history, First United Methodist has continued to place 
an emphasis on evangelism in the mission field by providing dental and 
medical care to those in need around the world. In 2001, as the church 
celebrated its centennial anniversary, land was provided for a new 
church and school. In 2004, a new worship center opened which was 
adorned with stained glass windows from the original sanctuary. Since 
2004, the church has added a stadium and sports complex, meeting rooms, 
and a new sanctuary that can accommodate 1,500 people.
  Over the past 110 years, First United Methodist Church of Carrollton 
has also started other successful ministries in the Carrollton 
community. For example, the Sonshine Preschool expanded into Carrollton 
Christian academy, which instructs students from preschool through 12th 
grade.
  In celebrating its 110th anniversary, we recognize the positive 
impact that First United Methodist Church has had on the greater 
Carrollton area. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues 
to join me in celebrating the rich history of First United Methodist 
Church of Carrollton.

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