Ladonia United Methodist Church

1960 Church Group Photograph

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More about the Memorial Windows

View the Corner Stone

As early as 1837, missionaries were sent out from the Mississippi Conference to the Republic of Texas, but Methodism in Texas did not take organized form until 1840 when Texas Conference was organized at Ruthersville in Washington County. After going through three conference changes throughout the years, the Ladonia Methodist Church became a charge in the Kaufman Conference some time before 1863. However, since most records were destroyed in the big fire of 1911, we depend upon three stories, or histories, written by Mrs Harve Miller, Mrs Hazel Wilson, and Elizabeth Neilson Mason. The church, parsonage, and four other houses were burned inthis fire. The present church building was constructed in 1912 at a cost of $10,000.00. In the cornerstone of the church were placed the following articles: copies of the Bible, Ladonia News, Texas Christian Advocate, and coins of each denomination one cent to one dollar. Being used currently are two pulpit chairs and a pulpit stand that were saved from the fire of 1911. The building originally had a large dome in the center of the sanctuary. It added to the beauty of the ceiling, but in years became a problem; and in the 1930's it was removed when a new roof was put on the church. The stained glass windows were given as memorials by family members. 
From a lost 1882 roll, the following names of early families were found: C.T. Weldon, W.G. Nunn, J.R. Eaton, L.W. Little ( transferred from Olive Branch), M.A. (Heck) Abernathy, John Bramlett, Harve Miller, Samantha Bramlett Holland, R.M. (Bob) Rattan, Wade Rattan, Dave Myrick, Mrs Hines, Dr. S.B. Neilson (transferred from Olive Branch), W.B. Merrill, Z.T. Carr, Docia Reeves, and Gilbert Baker. In June 1956, a Hammond electric organ was given to the church by the S.B. Neilson family. On August 13, 1963, with the Rev. Don Shaw as pastor, the church celebrated its one hundreth birthday. Since that time, in 1968, the General Conference meeting in Dallas, brought about the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren creating the United Methodist Church. In November of 1964, the first Lord's Acre plan began with a dinner and auction sale. This has become an annual festival of harvest and thanksgivingthat is enjoyed by all who attend. The funds raised have helped make possible the continuance of the Lords work at all levels. At annual conference in 1965, the Ladonia and Pecan Gap congregations were brought together in a single charge whereby they share the same pastor and often meet together for worship and fellowship.Each church has maintained its own organization and met its own obligations.

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From the Ladonia News March 29, 1935  By Mrs Harve Miller

Methodist Church 55 Years Old

Although some of the records of the Methodist Church, South, in Ladonia are missing, we have been able to secure the following records with which to give a history.For some years previous to the year 1880, the Methodists, along with other denominations, worshipped in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Some of the pastors of that time were: Rev Charles Lamb, W.F. Mountcastle, Weaver, McDougal, and Neely.

The Methodists owned the lot where the home of Mrs J.L. Oakley now stands. They did not consider the location a suitable one for a church building, so in 1880 sold the property to J.B. Haden and bought the lot on which the present building now stands. The first church building was erected in 1880 and destroyed by fire in 1911.

The first parsonage owned by the Methodists was the home now owned by the Burrells on East Paris St. This property was later sold and a two story house across the street from the church was rented and occupied by the Rev. A.F. Hendrix and family from 1889 to 1892, during which time a parsonage was built on  the present location next to the church. This was also destroyed by fire with the church and rebuilt  in 1914. 

The oldest church register, while not altogether complete, was very practical and would have contained  the record of a generation if it had been continued. The last entry was made in 1907, the roll of pastors up to this time containing the following names:H.J. Harris who was the first pastor, J.G. Weaver, J.C. Weaver, J.F. Sherwood, C.N. Riggan, A.F. Hendrix, W.H. Hughes, C.M. Harless, W.M. Leatherwood, C.M. Threadgill, O.S. Thomas, S.C. Riddle, Cornelius Pugsley,and John E. Roach.

Mr. J.R. Eaton, now in the confederate home in Austin, is the oldest living member of the church, and those having the longest membership are Miss Mittie Reeves of Dallas, Mrs Docia Reeves Thornton, Miss Lucy Donalson of Dallas, Mrs Sallie Holland Abernathy, Mrs Lillie Hendrix Merrill, and Mrs Ida Isom Hughes.

After the church and parsonage were destroyed by fire, services were continued in the Odd Fellows Hall on the west side of the square, and later in a tabernacle located where the Sinclair Station now stands. The new church was erected in 1912. Outstanding revivals have been held  through the years. Among the many conversions, one well remembered was that of " Happy Jack" Conklin. At the close of the meeting he voluntarily  gave up his business, that of saloon and gambling making a huge bonfire of the stock and furnishings on the square. He later entered the ministry, and for a number of years was a successful evangelist in Texas and Oklahoma.

A history of the local Methodist Church would not be complete without mention of Dr. S.B. Neilson, who, with his wife, was one of the benefactors of the church, and who remained its faithful friend til his death a few years ago.

Later pastors from 1911 til present time were: T.W. Lovell, Thrasher, Wheeler, Carter, R.E. Porter, H.M. Cowling, S.W. Williams, H.G. Haggard, Clarence Bounds, and Dean Breedlove.

The present trustees are: J.W. Bogan, Harve Miller, and R.M. Rattan. The Board of Stewards is composed of R.M. Rattan, A.K. Yates, Geo. Taylor, H.M. Bramlett, Joe Beall, Thomas Stovall, W.A. Jackson, John Morrison, and Dewey Bishop.