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BLACKWELL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
In
pioneer times the country between Robert Lee and Sweetwater was
sparsely settled. Circuit preachers rode
In those days there were no forms of communication or advertising such as telephones, radios, television or e-mails. According to "old-timers", when the circuit rider arrived and needed to summon the pioneers to a gospel meeting, he built a fire on one of the taller mountains called "Church Peak" for everyone to see and come enjoy singing and the gospel service at the foot of the mountain.
This was near the od "Butterfield Trail" (which is now Highway 277) a few miles from what is presently historical Fort Chadbourne.
The only way this country received any mail was by horse and buggy over the Robert Lee - Sweetwater line. The first mail stop was at the house of Judge J.Q. Hanna and his wife, Mary. The mail stop was named "Olga", after their granddaughter.
The Olga Methodist church was organized May 3, 1903, with 16 charter members, under the united leadership of several Reverends who had been coming to bring the gospel to this small group.
In 1907, the town of Blackwell was established. These were days of bad roads, no automobiles or airplanes. In 1907, the railroad arrived bringing a welcome link to the world and new opportunities for the rural population.
The new building site for the church was purchased in 1909 and a small white frame building was constructed in 1911. This was used by all denominations for that time. There is a photo of the church being built as Martha Carlisle viewed it from the window of her home.
Blackwell's population grew. Many people received Jesus as their Savior as a result of different types of events: services at brush arbors, outdoor prayer meetings and revivals at the tabernacle (used by all denominations), bible studies, camp meetings, youth rallies, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School, and good old Christian witness. The church has had the great joy of baptizing new Christians into the family of God three ways: immersion, sprinkling or pouring water on. It has been done in different places such as: dirt ponds, creeks, rivers, lakes and sprinkling with water from the Jordan River.
On
Easter Sunday 1945, just before completion of a 24x44 rock annex,
the church was completely destroyed by fire. Almost before the
fire was over, men began to make contributions for a new church.
It was rebuilt in 1946 with a lot of prayer and trust in the Lord
and many hours of hard work donated.
Soldiers, home from World War II, along with the entire community, helped. No one was too young or too old to contribute to the rebuilding.
This is the building that is still used today and a fellowship hall has been added to the property, which is used for fellowship, community group meetings, bridal and baby showers, diners, etc.
Blackwell Methodist Church has a special love and support for Camp Butman, which was given by the Shep Methodist Church in 1985, when they became members of the congregation. Many young people have had lasting Christian experiences there and the chapel services have been a special blessing to everyone.
The official emblem for the United Methodist Church is the cross and flame symbolizing the Holy Spirit. These are ancient symbols of the church dating back to the days of Christ and Pentecost. Each evokes images of sacrifice, witness and service. They remind us of both the opportunities and obligations of discipleship.
Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. John Wesley Submitted by: Glenda Van Zandt Stroud |
horseback
from house to house to bring the gospel to the people. This
area is known for hospitality and they are usually very welcome to
eat and stay the night.
In
1914, the Methodists bought out the others and the church became
Methodist Church South. In 1919, A.D. Jamison became the
church's first full time pastor. There have now been 58
pastors.
