How often does a church’s name reflect its very purpose? Here we are at the Union Memorial Methodist Church in Houston. This church stands as a testament to unity and remembrance.
Union Memorial Methodist Church sits in Harris County Texas. It stands at an elevation of 42 feet. You can find it on the USGS 1:24K topographic map Settegast TX.
Though a small congregation of about 27 people now worships here the spirit of Union Memorial Methodist Church remains strong. Services are conducted in English.
The church’s location is 4712 Cavalcade Houston Texas. It is part of the United States.
The story of Methodism in Houston is rich. First Methodist Houston is the oldest Methodist church here. Its history dates back to the 1830s before Texas even became a state.
In 1835 Colonel William Barrett Travis requested Methodist pastors for the new Republic being born in Texas. The Methodist Church responded by assigning three missionaries.
Reverend Jesse Hord organized Houston’s first Methodist Church in 1839. It was in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol Building.
By 1843 the Houston congregation included 36 white members and 32 black members. The first Methodist church building in Houston completed in 1844. It was also the first brick church in Texas.
The World Methodist Conference convened in Houston. More than 2000 people came. They represented Wesleyan Christian denominations worldwide including The United Methodist Church. Church politics were set aside. Preaching teaching singing Bible study workshops networking and fellowshipping took center stage.
At the conference Rev Jo Anne Lyon received the World Methodist Peace Award. She founded World Hope International. The organization brings clean water and spiritual nourishment to communities. It also provides healing programs for post-war amputees.
The World Methodist Council attracts other meetings. The 13th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women met here. About 850 women from around the world participated.
The men’s affiliate rebranded itself as WesleyMen. They introduced a campaign to fight world hunger called Fast Pray Give. People forgo one meal a week. They use the money for hunger relief.
The Texas Conference provided volunteers choirs and communication support for the World Methodist Conference. The World Methodist Council inducted Sarah Wilke into its Order of Jerusalem. This is reserved for distinguished service to global Methodism.
So as we stand before Union Memorial Methodist Church let us remember its purpose. It is a place of union and a memorial to faith. Its small size today does not diminish its significance. The church continues to serve its community. It provides a space for worship and fellowship.