First United Methodist Church of Pasadena Plaque

The First United Methodist Church of Pasadena is a testament to faith and resilience. Right here, on Fairmont Parkway, stands a historical marker narrating its journey through the decades. Erected in 2010, it commemorates the enduring spirit of the church. The marker tells the story of a small group of Methodists who gathered in 1896 in the nearby community of Deepwater. They ventured forward, establishing a congregation in Pasadena in 1898, holding their first services in the town’s one-room schoolhouse. Seven dedicated individuals, including Martha H. Knapp Bailey Rawlins, William B. Bailey Sr., and Katherine Lydia Hogge Bailey, laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant community.
Their numbers grew rapidly. By 1904, the congregation boasted twenty members. A testament to their commitment, a frame church building was constructed at the corner of South Shaver and Broadway in 1907. As Pasadena transformed from an agricultural community to a bustling industrial center, the church expanded with its congregation. Two additional sanctuaries were built in 1938 and 1955, and the church eventually relocated to its present location on Fairmont Parkway in 1986.
Through the years, the church has served the community in countless ways, providing food and shelter through the Society of Saint Stephen and offering assistance with home maintenance through the Levites. The Pasadena Rotary Club found a home for its weekly lunches at the church in 1936. The church has even organized boy scout and girl scout troops.
The church’s missionary outreach has extended far beyond Pasadena’s borders, supporting an orphanage in Mexico, contributing to the programs of the Unalaska United Methodist Church in Alaska, and aiding in the rebuilding of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Texas City after it was destroyed by fire. Their commitment to serving others is a beacon of hope and inspiration. This historical marker serves as a reminder of the unwavering spirit of the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena. Today, their story continues to unfold as they remain a vital spiritual leader for the people of Pasadena.