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History of the Methodist Church in Forney

Information provided graciously by Betty Haynes

In 1874 the town of Forney became official when a U.S. Post Office was established and one year later, a pastor was named to the local Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The first permanent structure was located at Church and Austin Streets; a new addition and steeple was completed in 1884. By 1913 a two-story parsonage was built. This was home to all of the Methodist preachers who served the church until 1964 when it was sold for $6000. It still stands today on Austin Street.

A building committee looked into plans for a new church in 1919. (Members were Mr. and Mrs. D.P. Moore; Nell Yates; B.G. Edwards; Dr. Fowler; Mrs. Shands; and L.L. Lindsay.) The drive stalled, but in 1923 Sallie Brooks started the building campaign drive with a $15,000 contribution. The church was torn down in 1924 and services were held at the high school until the new structure was completed.

By March, 1925 the impressive red-brick three story structure was completed, and the first service in the new sanctuary was held with the Bishop John Moore preaching. Choir and special orchestral music was presented along with the new beautiful pipe organ that resonated throughout the church. After the service, all members stood on the steps and a picture recorded the event. A plaque was unveiled; this plaque can be found at the front door of the present-day sanctuary, and the picture is in the church records.

Costly roof repairs and a flooding basement helped to ease the decision that the congregation could no longer afford to maintain the building. In March 1963 the membership voted to purchase the Full Gospel Church on Old Highway 80 (present day Broad Street) and move there after Ollie Stark and C.L. McCuistion conducted discussions with Rev C.E. Cox. Later church purchases included property adjoining the church and property to the Service Road of Highway 80. This property was in conjunction with Fellowship Baptist. A new sanctuary was completed in 1975; the McLain Family Life Center was consecrated in 1997; and the Children and Youth Disciple Building in 2005.

After the Methodist Church joined with the United Brethren in 1968, the official name for the church became the Forney United Methodist Church.

(information taken from First United Methodist Church History).