Follett United Methodist Church

The church's name records two national unions. In 1939 three branches of American Methodism, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Protestant Church, joined as the Methodist Church; in Texas the Southern branch brought 451,897 of the 475,021 members. In 1968 the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren formed the United Methodist Church at a uniting conference in Dallas, which called for ending the Methodist Church's segregated central jurisdiction. By 1970, the Handbook says, all Black members had been integrated into the five geographical annual conferences in Texas.

What the plaque says

In the early pioneer days of the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle, circuit riders (ministers on horseback) provided pioneers with church services. In north Ivanhoe, Oklahoma, in 1903, a group of rural residents gathered to form the Ivanhoe Methodist Church, led by reverend G.L. Hayes. In 1911, the town relocated to south Ivanhoe and began to hold services at the Stillwater School located near the Texas border. In 1917, the church congregation relocated to the newly-formed town of Follett, Texas, located near the border and close to the railroad. Church worship services were held in the F.J. Birdsall building, later known as the E.E. King garage. By 1918, the congregation broke ground on a new basement building. Many people worshipped in the church basement for five years until membership outgrew the space. Fundraising allowed the church to build a modern structure in 1924 with a sanctuary and classrooms. In 1961, a new building was constructed on highway 15 with a fellowship hall, kitchen and pastor's study. Over the last century, sixty-two ministers served the church and community. Throughout the years, the Follett United Methodist Church has played an important role in serving the local area through the support of youth programs, financial support, and local and foreign mission work. Despite membership of less than one hundred, the church's outreach has impacted local and international communities since 1903. (2017)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Follett United Methodist Church and Church Bell — steps away
• Follett — steps away
• Northeast Corner of Texas — 7.6 mi
• No Man's Land — 15 mi