During our sesquicentennial year we used a special bulletin specially designed for the occasion. The cost of these bulletins was covered by donations of memebrs wanting to honor someone or remember someone.
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During our sesquicentennial year we used a special bulletin specially designed for the occasion. The cost of these bulletins was covered by donations of memebrs wanting to honor someone or remember someone. |
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Jay Beavers |
Hiram E. Johnson, Jr. |
J. W. Sellers |
Howard Martin |
Former pastors were invited to return and preach on November 12th, 13th and 14th. Dr. Jay Beavers, the pastor who stayed in Belton the longest of all (7 years), came on Sunday, the 17th. Also present that evening was Rev. Hiram Johnson. Rev. J. W. Sellers came on Monday, the 18th and Rev. Howard Martin came on Tuesday, the 19th. A Cross-and-flame statuette made by Happy Harris was presented to each returning pastor as a memento of his visit.
On November 19, 2000, First United Methodist Church in Belton, Texas celebrated its 150th birthday. It was on November 19, 1850 that three trustees of the church obtained the deed to the land on which the first church was built. The celebration had three main parts - a worship service at 10:45 a.m., a dedication of a historical marker after the service followed by a dinner in the Family Life Center.
Bishop Ben Chamness and District Superintendent Harry Ozmer were here to celebrate with us. The choir showed off their new robes and presented special music assisted by an orchestra. Bobby conducted the Children's Sermon. Betty Chappell presented Bobby with a stole to match the sesquicentennial banner and paraments she made for the occasion. Bishop Chamness brought the sermon. To see a transcript of his message, click here.
Immediately following the worship service, the congregation gathered outside around the front steps for the dedication of the new historical plaque. Ms. Dena Hill, with the help of the youth, conducted the ceremony. To see a transcript of that ceremony, click here.
After the historical marker dedication, we all headed for the Family Life Center for dinner. The head table consisted of Bishop Chamness, DS Ozmer, Rev. Baggett and their wives. Former pastor, Jay Beavers, was also present. Mayor of Belton, Bill Holmes, presented a proclamation which may be viewed by clicking here. Gary Terlouw gave us a glimpse of what life was like around the time of our church's beginning. To see a transcript of his talk, click here. We were dismissed by Rev. Beavers.
During the dinner, members and guests could view a display of historical documents, pictures, artifacts, etc. put together by Mary Lou Marks. Ms. Winnie Lewis loaned us the two original pulpit chairs for the display that she had rescued and restored.
