Methodism in Collingsworth

The small congregations rose and fell with the county's farm population. Collingsworth County counted 357 people in 1890 and 1,233 in 1900, then quadrupled to 5,224 by 1910 as newcomers bought ranchland for cotton, corn and wheat. By 1930 it had 2,112 farms and 14,461 residents. The Depression and Dust Bowl cut that to 1,358 farms and 10,331 people by 1940, and mechanization after World War II kept the decline going, to 6,276 people in 1960 and 3,206 in 2000. Most remaining residents now live in Wellington.

What the plaque says

Methodism in Collingsworth Originally, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most Collingsworth County communities were small settlements that grew up around area ranchers. A number of Methodist congregations were formed throughout the county by circuit-riding ministers. Worshipers met in such places as private homes, dugouts, school buildings, open-air arbors, and Union churches with other denominations. The smaller congregations gradually disbanded and joined larger churches, and by 1984 they had all affiliated with the Wellington Church. (1990)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• First Methodist Church of Wellington — steps away
• O'Neil Building — steps away
• Collingsworth County Hospital — 0.5 mi
• Collingsworth County — 2.7 mi