First United Methodist Church of Hempstead

Methodism in Hempstead began circa 1857, shortly after the Hempstead town company was founded in December 1856 to sell lots in the new town. Church histories indicate that an 1859 revival added members to the existing Methodist congregation, and that the congregation had purchased a large building to be adapted for church use at the corner of 10th and Austin streets. This property was officially conveyed to the Methodist Episcopal Church South on September 17, 1883. Along with other early community churches, the Methodist church influenced the rapid growth of Hempstead by serving as a primary social institution and gathering place for townspeople and rural community members. The church erected several buildings over the years, including new sanctuaries in 1860 and 1907, the relocation of the 1907 structure to the northeast corner of Ninth and Washington Streets in 1930, and the construction of the current structure, completed in 1957. Originally known as the Methodist Episcopal Church South and later called the First Methodist Church, the congregation took the name First United Methodist Church of Hempstead in 1968 after the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church. Since its founding, members have been involved in missionary work and community outreach, including the formation of the United Methodist Women in 1900 as the Ladies Aid and the creation of the United Methodist Men in 1953.

Hempstead, Texas · United States