announcements
mission statement
Our mission statement at Old River Terrace United Methodist
Church is very simple. We believe that it is the calling of every Christian
and every Christian church to, Be Amazing! We believe that this should be our
mission. We should strive to replicate the Kingdom of God in miniature, and we
should do so in an Amazing fashion. We believe that, as the church,
collectively and individually, we should Be Amazing as we do every ministry.
Every worship service, every small group ministry, every Sunday school class,
every mission endeavor, everything we do to Be the church should Be Amazing.
We believe that mediocrity is destructive to the church and to the building of
God's kingdom. God has never done anything halfway and neither should we. We
are called to Be the church, and we are called to Be an Amazing Church!
Church history
Reverend Jesse Roberson (The Bicycle Preacher)
On July 1, 1939, the Reverend Jesse Roberson was appointed pastor of a
church to be located in the Channelview school community. He received $50
per month for his services as he began to visit homes and make surveys
concerning community interests in a new Methodist church. He conducted his
visitations to perspective new church members on a bicycle, and this
earned him the affectionate nickname, "our bicycle preacher". Soon after
he arrived in Channelview, he became pastor of Wesley Methodist Church in
Houston and served both churches until the following Annual Conference
when Reverend Francis Fisher, his associate pastor, started assisting him
in the Channelview area. In October 1939, the Old River Terrace Methodist
Church was established with 33 members. In November of 1939, Reverend
Roberson's duties at Wesley church became too much and he resigned as the
Senior Pastor of the Channelview area.
Reverend Upton and the First Worship Service
Reverend L.C. Upton, who had been serving the Highland's Church, was
appointed to the new church in Channelview. Reverend Upton was paid a
salary of $25 per month. There was no parsonage, so the Board of Stewards
met and rented the Runnenburg House on Market Street at a cost of $10 per
month. It was a stucco, two-story, Spanish-style house which still stands
today. The stewards bought lumber and made seats inside the house, and on
December 3, 1939 at 9:45 AM, the first official worship service was held
with 44 people present. The first Sanctuary was built under Reverend
Upton's ministry and was completed on September of 1940 with a cost of
building materials of only $561. This was materials only, and not finished
on the inside. Reverend Upton resigned in June before the congregation
moved from the stucco building into the new sanctuary, and the District
Superintendent sent two lay preachers to serve the new congregation until
an ordained pastor could be found.
Humble Beginnings
The first preacher was a man by the name of Mr. Moley who had a summer
home in the Old River Terrace community. The second was a lay preacher,
Brother Boone, who was also serving Galena Park Methodist Church at the
time. The first church was unsealed and unpainted. Saw horses were used
for seats. There was one wood burning heater, four kerosene lanterns for
lighting, and one water tap out by the street for water. There was no
parking lot of any kind and no culverts to drive onto the church property.
Members had to drive through the ditch to get to the church. There was a
total of $750 which had been invested in the lots and the materials for
the building. Trees and underbrush completely surrounded the little church
which was 28 feet by 42 feet. There was a borrowed organ that belonged to
one of the church members, the Connerly Family, and a piano that was
purchased for $10, paid out over 10 installments.
Reverend Hutchenson
In October 1940, Reverend Hutchenson was appointed pastor to Old River
Terrace Methodist Church. He was a part time pastor who worked at an air
craft company and spent his weekends at the church. During his ministry,
the men of the congregation would work on evenings and weekends to seal
the building while the women painted. Reverend Hutchenson organized the
first M.Y.F. It was noted in the church records that Reverend Hutchenson
was paid $5 per week and that sometimes he was not paid. In February of
1941, he was transferred to Dallas by the company that he worked for.
A Line Drawn In The Sand
From February 1941 until January of 1942, the church was served by a
part-time supply of lay preachers. A Reverend Cavender preached for about
a month, and it is recorded that the most memorable thing he did was to
forget the Lord's Prayer which was quite embarrassing for him. Mr. W.C.
Hutton from Pea Ridge Arkansas, a layman from Milby Memorial Church,
delivered messages until November 1941. The most memorable thing about Mr.
Hutton's ministry was that he would not eat chicken of any kind. This was
considered by most of the membership to be downright un-Methodist. During
this time, the membership of the church became somewhat disillusioned with
the Methodist church and the District Superintendent and several members
made countless calls to meet with the D.S. about a new pastor. Dr. Whalen,
the D.S. at the time, met with about 14 members of the church one Sunday
afternoon. These members informed Dr. Whalen that they believed it was
time for Old River Terrace to have a full-time minister, and that they
really didn't care what denomination this minister came from. They
informed him that at the end of the meeting they would have a promise from
him for the appointment of a full-time minister or they would find their
own minister. In fact, there was a Catholic priest sitting outside the
church on a stump during the meeting. If the D.S. refused, the Catholic
priest was going to move in. Dr. Whalen's answer to this determined group
was that he would do everything in his power to secure a full-time
minister.
Reverend Peachey, First Full-Time Pastor
In January of 1942, Reverend Peachey was appointed the first full-time
pastor of Old River Terrace. The pastor's salary was $120 per month, with
the Methodist mission board paying $100 per month and the church paying
the other $20. Truth be told, during those years, the church had a very
difficult time raising the $20. There were times when for several months
in a row the pastor's salary was not paid, or some months he would be paid
as low as $3. One month, it was noticed that Reverend Peachey's shoes were
falling apart. The church couldn't afford to pay his salary, but they did
raise $5.50 for a pair of new shoes within one worship service! During
Reverend Peachey's ministry, the sanctuary was finished and work on the
annex began. Natural gas and electric services were added to the church
buildings, and the search for a small building for a parsonage began. The
Reverend John Peachy and his family moved into the community on Bayou
Drive on the first of December 1941. During his tenure, there was a 30 x
60 foot addition made to the rear of the sanctuary at a cost of $1650 for
the materials. This addition was completed in 1943, and Sunday School
classes were formed. Also, at this time, a Baptist named Mr. Howard Miller
donated all the shell that the church needed for the construction of a
parking lot. Reverend Peachey and six boys from the church loaded 35 yards
by shovel and hauled it to the parking lot. It was recorded that all the
boys' hands were bleeding when the project was finished. In June of 1943,
the church voted to pay rent for the minister to move closer to the
church. Reverend Peachey bought a home on Avenue D where he lived until
November of 1943 when he left the ministry to start teaching math in
Pasadena.
Reverend C. E. Clark and a Faithfulness that
Built a Church
Reverend C.E. Clark was appointed to Old River Terrace and started his
ministry in December of 1943. Due to the second World War, the church had
lost many members to the armed forces. Sometimes, Reverend Clark preached
to as few as two or three persons. About 1943, the privy (outdoor
restroom) rotted away and fell down. Oil drums were secured for a septic
tank, and a real-life commode was purchased. The church had it's first
real bathroom. Believe it or not, this was just the beginning of many
great things that occurred during Reverend Clark's ministry. It was said
about Reverend Clark that, "He had the patience of Job." Despite the low
finances and attendance, he never gave up, and by 1944 the church began to
grow spiritually as well as in numbers. Reverend Clark's pride and joy was
his 1928 Ford Coupe which he would drive on his rounds and became a
familiar sight in the Channelview area. In September of 1945, a house and
lot were purchased from a Mr. Wells for a cost of $3500, and this became
the first church parsonage.
Reverend Myers Curtis
In September of 1946, Reverend Myers Curtis was sent to pastor Old River
Terrace. He was the first pastor to officially live on sight and was able
to devote all his time to the church. The church grew rapidly under his
leadership. A narthex and a spire were added to the sanctuary, and
community services began including an Easter sunrise service held in homes
along the San Jacinto River and community and Christmas caroling at
Christmas time. From 1947 to 1948, new pews, hymnals and carpeting were
added in the sanctuary. District compensation to aid in paying the
pastor's salary was no longer needed, and the church held its first
vacation Bible school which included an adult class on the history of the
Methodist church. There was a women's society for Christian service that
was founded and also a Board for Christian education that was created.
Reverend James Jones
In June of 1947, Reverend James Jones was appointed to the church. During
Reverend Jones' tenure, the church celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Church membership was 207. The Easter Worship Service saw 180, and there
were 283 persons on the church school rolls. Reverend Jones introduced
evening alter services and the upper room devotional was introduced into
the church. The church attic was turned into a Sunday School room and a
tennis court was completed. The grounds were landscaped by the Old River
Terrace Garden Club. At this time, Old River Terrace Methodist Church was
seen as the "rich" church in town because after every worship service, the
members of ORT could be seen all around town in their Sunday finest,
ladies in their Sunday hats. The church began to be a meeting place for
several outside community groups: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Brownies.
Reverend Bobb Stepp & Reverend J. Carr Peel
The Reverend Bobb Stepp was pastor of the church from 1950 - 1953. At this
time, the total church property jumped to 5 1/3 acres. During this time,
the parsonage was very inadequate and was practically falling down. Bonds
were purchased, and a new parsonage was built at a cost of $15,000. The
old parsonage was moved behind the church annex to add more Sunday School
space. However, Reverend Stepp and his family moved before the parsonage
was completed, and the Reverend J. Carr Peel and his family were the first
to live in the parsonage. Reverend Peel had a gift of getting to know
people. His regular visitations revived the church and brought in many new
members. Under his leadership, a men's group was organized, the first
president of the men's group being V. Edward Smith. Christmas candlelight
services were organized with the other churches in the community. There
was a revival that brought in many new youth members. It was noted that
The Reverend Peel and his wife Marjorie worked tirelessly with the youth.
Reverend C.W. Faulk
Reverend C.W. Faulk served the church from 1954 to 1955. It was during his
ministry that the current sanctuary was built. The first service was held
February 5, 1955, and apparently the new sanctuary was completed just in
time because the old sanctuary caught fire on February 7, 1955 at
approximately 1:00 AM. All the hymnals were still in the old sanctuary and
were lost, along with the furnishings, the Sunday School literature, and
most importantly, all the Sunday School rooms. Dezavalla Elementary School
offered the church the use of their school buildings until the church
could build new Sunday School rooms.
Reverend Moon and His Untimely Death
The Reverend R.B. Moon was appointed as pastor in June of 1955. It was
under his leadership that the fellowship hall and the educational
buildings were built. Reverend Moon formed the Channelview Ministerial
Alliance, and it was under his ministry that the Reverend Wesley Stevens
entered the ministry from Old River Terrace and began to attend seminary.
He was known as a loving pastor who served with compassion. The church
experienced great spiritual growth under his leadership. In November of
1959, he was shot and killed in a hunting accident. His wife Gussie Moon,
their little daughter Debbie, and their son Bruce, who was born in
December after Reverend Moon died, lived in the parsonage until the last
of February when arrangements were made for her to move out. During those
four months, the church was served by the District Superintendent and by
the church's Lay Leader.
Reverend James Brannan
In February of 1960, Reverend James Brannan and his wife and four children
moved into the parsonage. Reverend James worked hard in the area of
evangelism and like several pastors before him, he and his wife were very
active with the youth. Reverend James was the District Director of
Education, and he directed many district events. During his tenure as
Minister, there were several church spiritual studies and revivals held at
Lakeview and the church sent its first group of kids and adults to summer
youth camp. Reverend Brannan was well known around the community and was
seen at many community and school events. Under his leadership, prayer
groups and small group cells were started, and the church office and
library were built. Reverend Brannan served the church from 1960 to 1966.
By the time he left to serve the church in Gladewater, church attendance
and membership were at an all-time high, and the first church pictorial
directory was made.
Reverend Leon Reed
In Early February 1966, Reverend Leon Reed, with His Wife Lillion and
their grandson David, were appointed to the church. Reverend Reed had a
mission to visit the home of every member in the church, which took him
about 1 1/2 years. The Methodist Men bought a donut making machine and
went into business selling donuts to raise money for the Scout Hut that
would double as a church facility building. Reverend Reed Stayed at ORT
until 1968, at which time the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical
United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church.
The First Pastor of ORT United Methodist
Church
In 1968, Reverend Durwood Crowder was appointed to ORT. His most
remembered accomplishment was the beginning of a stewardship campaign that
significantly helped the church finances. During his ministry, there were
some outdoor revival services that were held and ORT experienced its first
Lay Witness Mission.
Reverend Clarence House
The Reverend Clarence House began his pastorate in 1971. Under his
pastorate, the church had an average worship attendance of 160 with a
Sunday School attendance of about 130. The church hired a paid youth
director. There was a chancel choir, a youth choir, and a children's
choir. There were several more revivals and Lay Witness Missions. A Bible
Study Group started on Monday evenings with an average of 25 persons
attending. The church supported a young missionary family that did
missionary work with the Indians in Columbia. A Mother's Day Out Program
was initiated, and a church playground was built for the kids. The
Reverend House stayed at ORT from 1971 to 1978. During his seven year
ministry, he took in some 178 new members. However, the church experienced
a split because of a charismatic movement within the congregation.
Reverend House moved to Galena Park United Methodist church in 1978. It
was noted in the church records that many of the church's membership left
to Galena Park.
Reverend Bill Walker
The Reverend Bill Walker was appointed to ORT in 1978, and like Reverend
House, Brother Bill was good for the church in many ways. The parsonage
saw many improvements and Brother Walker took in 178 members during his
7-year stay. Just a few years after he moved from Old River Terrace,
Reverend Walker suffered a heart attack and died while serving Grace
United Methodist church in Palestine. His son, Monroe Walker, who
graduated Channelview Terrace, and his widow, Mazalene Walker, have both
been long-time staff members at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center and
are still considered cherished friends of ORT.
Pastors from Recent Memory
The following is a list of some of the other pastors who have served ORT:
1985 - 1988, Reverend W.F. Roberts
1988 - 1992, Reverend Bernard or Bernie Stein
1992 - 1995, Reverend William Rainwater
1995 - 2000, Reverend Mark Fleming, under whose leadership the Child Care
Center was built
2000 - 2006, Reverend Steve Woody
On July 1, 2000, Reverend Steve Woody and family moved into the parsonage.
Reverend Woody challenged the church to "be amazing" and the membership
responded with a faithfulness that has seen many new ministries and many
new members. The history is still being written, and we believe, "the best
is yet to come". Won't you come and be a part of a great history as we
people called "Methodists" at Old River Terrace embark on the great
adventure of building the kingdom of God?
2006 - 2007, Reverend Abraham Ramirez
2007 - Present, Reverend J. Clayton Whitaker