Van United Methodist Church

Area Christians established a congregation in the community of Swindall, later Van, in 1885 because traveling to churches in surrounding settlements was difficult. Originally named Antioch Church, the congregation first met under a brush arbor and used the community school during poor weather. In 1891, George and Lizzie Swindall deeded property across from the school to the church, and members soon built a sanctuary. The Rev. S.N. Allen was the first circuit riding preacher to pastor the church, which also hosted community events. The original structure was replaced in 1910. Oil discovered in Van in 1929 brought a population boom, and church membership increased; in 1931, an oil well was drilled on church property, and the Rev. John W. Mills, Jr. became the congregation's first full-time pastor. Construction of a three-story brick building was completed in 1936, more adjoining property was purchased in 1955 and 1972, and a fourth church building was constructed on the original site in 1987. For more than 125 years, the church has served the Van community through worship, outreach, meals for the needy, English classes, children's educational programs, visits to nursing homes and homebound people, and meetings for various organizations.

Van, Texas · United States