11-heritage-sundayPROCLAMATION 2002-11
WHEREAS after Texas became an independent republic in 1836, appointments were made in the East Texas Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church, which included Huntsville as a part
of Montgomery County; and
WHEREAS the Trustees of the Huntsville congregation acquired property in August of 1854, Lot #37, Block 2 on “Jackson Street”, now Sam Houston Avenue, the current location of the church;
and
WHEREAS in 1857 the first church building was constructed that served the congregation until 1888 when a larger facility was built on the same site, and a few years later a Sunday School
building was added. The church was rebuilt twice, once in 1912-13 and again in 1919, both due to destructive fires; and
WHEREAS other various properties were obtained through gifts and purchases, allowing for such improvements as the educational/social hall built in 1973; and
WHEREAS the current building was completed in 1991 after an extensive church-wide study of the church in the mid 1980's. Improvements included the addition of administrative and staff
offices, Sunday School classrooms for preschool age children and adults, an assembly room and a much-used elevator. Ministries to all ages have expanded with the addition of the new
building; and
WHEREAS gifts to the church throughout the years have included land, several beautiful stained glass windows, pulpit furniture, the pipe organ, the Dean Chimes, and other innumerable
gifts; and
WHEREAS the First United Methodist Church, in celebration of their 160th year in Huntsville, continues to be a positive force in the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED, by the power vested in me as the Mayor of the City of Huntsville, Texas, that:
April 28, 2002
be declared:
“FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - HERITAGE SUNDAY”
in Huntsville, Texas.
PROCLAIMED AND SIGNED this the 26th day of April 2002.
WILLIAM B. GREEN, MAYOR