| HISTORY OF PETROLIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Lucille Glasgow- November, 2008 When oil was first discovered in North Texas, in north Clay County, in 1901 on Mr. J. W. Lochridge's farm while he was drilling for water for his livestock during a hot dry August, there was no such place as Petrolia or Byers. As the news of "black gold" spread, fortune hunters and workers arrived; a tent city called Oil City housed the boom. In 1904, the Wichita Falls and Oklahoma Railroad came through to the present- day Byers, and later, on to Waurika. Oil City folks picked up and moved about two miles northwest to the present location of the town and named it Petrolia after Petrolea, Pennsylvania, where oil was first discovered in the United States. In 1906, the Baptists in Petrolia started to build a church about two blocks west of the present structure. While the building was under construction, a storm practically destroyed it. Building was not resumed until the fall of 1907. It was built with the understanding that it was to be used as a community church, with the Baptists occupying it two Sundays, the Presbyterians one Sunday and the Methodists one Sunday. The Petrolia church was at the time part of the Benvanue Circuit. A pastor, Rev. A. P. Johnson, was appointed in November 1907, so this could be considered its beginning, but it wasn't until September, 1908, that the 37 charter members were put on the roll. That day eleven people were baptized and 39 took vows of membership. The old records now extant are very brittle, almost illegible, very disorganized and contain many discrepancies. In 1910, with C.P. Martin as pastor, a great revival was experienced under the preaching of Rev. R. E. Porter, who later was appointed pastor of Petrolia in the 1950's. The Methodists wanted their own building. Through the efforts of Jim Taylor, a land man for George Byers, the owner of some 22,000acres in the vicinity who had given the land for the streets and cemeteries in Petrolia and Byers, a lot was bought for the building of a church. Lumber was bought for $36,000 from Lyon-Gray Lumber Company. The note was held for several years by the Continental State Bank of Petrolia. When Rev. Martin left in 1912, there were 151 members in the church. Who were these people who felt a need for a church building to be a house of worship of our Lord, a place to congregate in fellowship, a place to pray and sing together, a place to meet to share joys and sorrows, to support each other in Christian love, a place to be empowered with the Holy Spirit to go beyond these walls to invite others and to minister to the community? They were the ancestors of many of you or your friends - ordinary citizens who had come from other places to find a way of making a living as farmers, oil field workers, mechanics, teachers, merchants and many others. They had the same dreams and aspirations for their families as you do for yours. Just as these pioneers had the faith to establish a congregation and a church home, all of us and those who came before us have had the faith to carry on our Christian witness in this community for these last 100 years. The old church records, brittle and disorganized, list names and dates with many discrepancies and blanks. I'll blame them for some of the disorganization and vagueness in this narrative. What they don't show are the stories of the people, their ordinary lives that all add up to the real strength of a congregation, to their love of God and to their willingness to sacrifice to maintain this church during hard times as well as good ones. We all know the church is the people, not the building, but it is easier to record facts about a tangible building than about an unwavering faith in God's providence. The building was remodeled in 1915 when Rev. W.D. Sauls was pastor. The front entrance originally faced east, with a large open porch across the front. Another great revival occurred in 1927 when Rev. George Slagle was pastor and Rev. E. H. Coburn did the preaching. On April 27, 1927, thirty-nine members were received into the church. In 1928, while Rev. Lee Stanford was pastor, the church building was again remodeled. It was at this time the balcony was built, the interior was rearranged, and the walls and ceiling redecorated. The altar area was moved from the south to the west side of the sanctuary and the entrance was on the north side. M. A. Moon and his son, Marion Moon, had this contract. In the year 1951 when Rev. Harmon Keelin was pastor, the building was badly in need of paint and repair. Since the church was low on funds, they decided the work could not be done at that time, but the young people called for volunteers to work at night; both young and old responded. There was hardly a night that you could not find someone at the church working. The building was painted both inside and out, the floors sanded and varnished, and the pews varnished. The ladies all raised the money and had the old clear glass windows replaced with frosted glass. The young people raised money for carpet runners and laid them. When all was finished, the church was very proud of the young people and their efforts of behalf of the church. In 1955, when Rev. William Robinson was pastor, he asked the church to let him install a dossal curtain over the window behind the pulpit. He contributed the labor and the young people raised the money for the material. This added greatly to the appearance of the church. With the decline in attendance and finances by 1956, the congregations at Petrolia and Byers were combined into one charge with Rev. Weaver as pastor living in the parsonage at Byers. Ways and means for building a kitchen onto the church in Petrolia were discussed but thought impossible because of lack of funds. However, at an official board meeting in the early spring of 1957, a building committee was appointed to raise money and work out plans for erecting a kitchen. H.W. Perkins was chairman, with Wayne Glasgow, Alvin Kafer, Mrs. Ray Stine, and Mrs. Lee Weatherall committee members. Plans were made and each member was asked for a donation of either labor or money. In May the kitchen was finished and two rest rooms also, all for a cost of $2000. The sanctuary was sheet rocked and painted. The ladies did the finishing and cleaning and added new curtains. We had learned to say "We can" instead of "We can't." In June, 1958, Rev. W.M. Johnson came to us as our pastor. We felt we were fortunate to have this fine young preacher to serve our church. On October 12, 1958, the Petrolia Methodist Church observed its fiftieth anniversary with a homecoming of former pastors and members. Over 200 people were present for the services and lunch. A wonderful time of remembrance and praises to the good Lord was enjoyed by all. By the time Rev. Johnson left in 1960, 20 new members had joined the church. In May, 1960, Rev. Millard Fairchild came as pastor followed by Rev. Walter Lynn Zimmerman in 1960. We all fell in love with Walter and Joan and little Deborah. He was good with the youth and great with his "chalk talks" to illustrate his sermons. His leadership on a camping trip to the Wichita Mountains is still remembered by many. After four years serving jointly at Byers and Petrolia, he was promoted to a larger church and eventually became a District Superintendent before he retired in 2008. It was with sad hearts that we heard his last sermon on May 30. All eyes were dimmed with tears as we sang, "Blest Be the Tie that Binds." Rev. Rex Carleton was sent to us in 1965. He was a sincere man of God and a good preacher, loved by the Methodists and the community in general. In 1966 the church got busy and worked to raise money to remodel and repair the building once more. The ladies made $165 from a chicken spaghetti dinner; everyone pitched in with donations and work. Al Kafer donated his labor to install the paneling that still covers our walls. The painting and repairing cost $700. In February, 1966, Rev. Carleton was attending a preachers' conference in Dallas and was struck by an automobile while crossing a street. He spent eight weeks in Parkland Hospital and returned with a slight limp and several braces. Everyone was happy to have him back but he was moved to Floral Heights as associate pastor in October. Norman Williams, a student pastor from S.M.U. next filled our pulpit and that of Byers. He, his wife and four little girls would come on Saturday afternoon and return to Dallas on Sunday afternoon. In 1969 he accepted an appointment in the state of Washington. In June, 1969, Petrolia Methodists were happy to know they would have a pastor and his wife living in the Petrolia parsonage again. Rev. Norman Bruner and his wife Nell stayed one year before moving to Scotland UMC in Wichita Falls. In June, 1970, Rev. Johnnie Haney and his wonderful family were sent to serve Byers and Petrolia churches. He was a hometown boy, having grown up in Byers, and everybody loved him. He worked to improve the parsonage in Byers that was designated the permanent parsonage for both churches. Rev. Wilma "Robbie" Corse became the first woman pastor of the Byers-Petrolia charge. Work on the parsonage was continued and before many months had passed, we had a pastor in residence once more. "Robbie" remained with us from December 1972 until June 1976. She plunged into the work of both churches immediately, becoming involved in the organization of youth activities, visiting the sick and the shut-in's, counseling, and taking part in community affairs generally. During this period, an effort was made to update the membership roll. Ten new members joined the church. As usual, the roof on the church kitchen continued to leak, even after a new one was installed by a contractor. More improvements were made on the charge parsonage at Byers in order to bring it up to standard. Petrolia Church considered selling their former parsonage but decided to rent it and use the money for part of Petrolia's share of the upkeep of the charge parsonage. Programs begun or continued during Rev. Corse's term as pastor included family night, skating parties, Holy Week services, children's hour story-telling, weekly Bible study night, covered dish suppers, Christmas parties, and Vacation Bible School. We regretted losing her to a larger church but were happy to see her advance to a wider field. Next, Rev. Craig Watson came to us from Georgia and served while he was a graduate student at Perkins, from June 1976 to June 1977. he lived in the parsonage on week- ends and during vacations. He was a talented musician and did much to infuse our worship services with varying types of musical experiences. His "children's" sermons each Sunday were inspiring to the adults as well. He was a blessing to our church and the feeling of warm Christian fellowship continued to be felt. One new member joined us. Rev. Steve Clinton came from Florida to be our pastor in 1977 while attending Perkins. Before he had been here a week, he had visited every member. He visited the nursing homes and hospitals once or twice a week, a practice that gained him and us many friends among the people of Clay County. Rev. Clinton started taping every worship service to take to shut-in's. He led us in a Chrismon and candle lighting service at Christmas, and Maundy Thursday Seder meal and Good Friday Tenebrae services at Easter. An Easter sunrise service was held on the hill in Bob Brown's pasture, with the Alphas and Boy Scouts assisting. There was even a piano lugged out for Myrtice Moon to play. The young people were organized into the Alpha Group and met at the church on Sunday evenings for singing, recreation, and refreshments. They provided us with many beautiful special songs for Sunday morning services. Rev. Clinton was assisted by John Horany, and later Tom Gunter was employed as Youth Minister for a stepped-up program of activities. Mrs. Myrtice Moon, our long-time pianist, cheerfully accompanied. They also enjoyed many fun times -swimming, skating, hayrides, camp- outs, and dances. One highlight was their participation in the Pioneer Reunion parade in Henrietta as an old fashioned congregation with pews and a piano loaded onto a trailer. Myrtice Moon played the piano and the youth sang as they rode along in the parade. Entitled "Wesley and His Music," it won first place. Rev. Clinton taught a course in Methodist beliefs and the Wednesday night Bible Study, led by Lucille Glasgow, continued in various people's homes but most often in that of Betty and Bob Brown. Family night suppers continued to alternate between Byers and Petrolia churches with a great spirit of brotherhood and co-operation existing. The Petrolia Church adopted the Henderson family as their missionary project. They were located in Puebla, a village south of Mexico City, and were engaged in training people in farming and in raising rabbits and heifers. During the Clintons' stay, a room was built onto the parsonage (located at Byers) to house the washer, dryer and water heater, with both churches sharing the cost. One of the biggest ventures this church undertook in recent years was the addition of vinyl siding to the building and the replacement of the windows in the sanctuary. In order to do this, $3000 was borrowed from the bank in the fall of 1977. That work was soon finished; then came the extra repair and refinishing jobs that the members took care of. The lobby was redecorated with the removal of the bell tower where it had been impossible to stop leaks when it rained, the kitchen was refinished, a completely new roof was put on the kitchen, the bathrooms were worked over, and everything that needed it was painted. The loan was repaid long before it came due because of the dedication and work of every member. A couple of successful rummage sales helped complete the task. We celebrated the repayment of the bank loan with an ice cream supper. Guest preachers led the services several times during the year. They included Rev. Donald L. Clinton, Jan Edwards, Dr. Emma Justis, Esther Hammond, Jim Burch, and Byron Myrick and Layman Dan Burleson. In July 1978, Rev Craig Watson brought a group of young people to present a program called LOVE UNLIMITED. They came from the church in Augusta, Georgia, where he was serving as associate pastor. The Petrolia church joined the Byers church in providing homes and food for the group and in enjoying their performance. Four members joined the church. We celebrated our 70th Anniversary in November, 1978, with 115 people present for the morning and afternoon services and lunch in the fellowship area of the sanctuary. Two former pastors were able to attend, Rev. Robbie Corse and Rev. Johnnie Haney. Our lay members, Myrtice Moon from Petrolia and Dorothy Graves from Byers, faithfully attended Annual Conference for several years and reported back to the Official Board and to the church. They also attended Rev. Clinton's graduation and ordination as Deacon at SMU in May 1980. Petrolia joined with the Byers Church in a revival before Steve left. His father, Rev. Don Clinton, was the preacher. Rev. Clinton was returned to Florida and was followed in Byers and Petrolia by Rev. Jim Rowland, a student local pastor who had been a youth director at Henrietta. He served two years here before being sent to a church in Dallas. Our MYF group, the Alphas, continued to function for several years until they scattered to other areas. After the Clintons left, they became known as the Christian Crusaders under the leadership of Barbara and Everett England. Both groups were active in the community with financial backing from the church. Under Rev. Rowland, the Alphas continued to serve the churches. They and John Horany participated in the Byers School Hootenanny. The Alphas and many adults from the church saw "South Pacific," and "Fiddler on the Roof," musicals at Backdoor Theater in which John Horany acted. John preached on August 17, his last day in Petrolia before departing for Dallas. The Alphas attended a SMU-UH game and a Dallas Holm concert in Dallas. The ladies of both churches made 34 lap robes and took them to nursing homes. The holidays were celebrated with a play, "Love Was When," by the Alphas and Christmas and New Year's parties in the home of Ralph and Dorothy Glandon. A garage sale was held in August to help finance the painting of the inside of the sanctuary and the outside trim. Rev. Jimmy Davis was appointed to this charge in 1982. His wife, Laura, was excellent in working with the choir in Byers who sometimes used their talents for special occasions in the Petrolia Church. Financial projects occupied a large part of our attention during this time. New carpet was laid at a cost of over $2500 in 1981. In March letters were mailed to members and former members advising them of the fact that our lovely pews were beyond repair and needed replacing. The response was tremendous. Every pew was financed in full as memorials to family members with enough additional donations to pay for the public address system and other needed improvements. A plaque on the wall near the front door contains the names of all donors and memorial name plates are on the pews. During 1982, the roof of the church kitchen was remodeled, hopefully putting an end to the history of leaks and repairs. Also during this time Petrolia did their share of the work and the expense at the parsonage, where steel siding, a new roof and insulation, and a new refrigerator were added. Two new groups appeared in both churches under the leadership of Rev. Davis and Laura, the Methodist Men and the United Methodist Women. The pastor organized the men with a meal he fixed at the parsonage. Two circles of women were organized, one to meet in the afternoon and one to meet in the evening. Johanna Householder of Byers was the first president with Dorothy Glandon of Petrolia as vice-president. In 1983 the Petrolia Church celebrated their 75th Anniversary. One hundred people signed the guest register for the afternoon homecoming. The Byers Methodist Church sang at the morning and afternoon services and the Rhythmnears, a Petrolia singing group including many Methodists, also shared their talents in praising God in the afternoon. Some twenty mums were given for decoration in memory of loved ones. It was a time of great rejoicing and remembrances of God's goodness in our past and in his promise of his goodness in the future. The Methodist Men established a food bank for both churches. The Petrolia Church donated 2 vacant lots to be used for a Senior Citizens Center to serve north Clay County. Membership reported at Charge Conference in 1983 was 75. Both churches accepted minimum salary and apportionments and picked up the 20% of salary the Conference had been paying. Another 20% was picked up in 1984 and membership had dropped to 71 with the death of 3 long-time members, Olive Webb, Bealuh Tinsley, and Ruby Stine. Nat Fleming joined. The UMW continued strong and received the Extra Mile Award for raising their pledges while helping people in the community. In 1985, a church newsletter was started with Dorothy Graves doing the typing and Lucille Glasgow helping gather the news at Petrolia. The house owned by the Petrolia Church was spruced up with siding to make it easier to heat and cool, with new tile on the bathroom, kitchen, utility room, with new paint where necessary, new back door, light fixtures, clean carpet and other minor repairs. All done with volunteer labor. In June 1986, Rev. Doyle Henderson was sent to pastor the Byers-Petrolia Charge. Revivals were held in both churches. Under Doyle's spirited preaching, members were revitalized and increased the number of Visionaries shares. Rev. Kandeler, District Superintendent, felt our church's response to goals set last year was good in small group studies and the food bank as mission work. We needed to work on visitation and youth ministry. Rev. Millard Fairchild came as pastor in June 1987. A new church sign was erected on the corner by the church and the church helped the Lions' Club buy Christmas lights for the town. New hymnals were purchased. There was no change in membership. The UMW ladies served lunch to the students at the Wesley Foundation at MSU, Wichita Falls, several times a year for two years. They supported battered women with a donation and held several interesting studies. In 1989 the kitchen of the Petrolia Church was refurbished with new paneling, carpet, curtains, back door and hot water heater. The kindergarten class that meets there also received a new table and chairs. At the 1989 Charge Conference, thirteen names from Petrolia's roll were read for the third time in as many years and were thus removed from the roll. A letter was sent to each one several different times and no response was ever received. These were James and Nancy Allison, Craig Allison, Warren Golden, Sandra Biter, Dwain Davidson, Neita Edgar, Bartina Edgar, David Harwell, John Hamilton, Mrs. Sherry Hamilton, Leslie Moore Fulton, and Kelly Roth. This put the membership at 50. Prospects for new members were not very good. The Lion's Club met at the church which helped with community exposure. A special Charge Conference was held May 20, 1990, being duly authorized by the District Superintendent to consider the recommendation of the PPR Committee to request equitable salary assistance of $2000 for 1990, with the goal of requesting $1000 for 1991 and being self-supportive by 1992. The recommendation was accepted. In June 1990, Rev. James McKenzie came to Byers-Petrolia as a full-time local pastor. It was a leap of faith for the churches to accept the attendant financial increase. All the gas lines in the Petrolia Church were replaced and part of the water lines. The outside wood trim was painted and new lights and a new air conditioner were installed in the fellowship area. Equitable salary was received from September on. Tax-exempt status was received after incorporating on a non-profit basis. Money was collected for the Philippine disaster relief fund. Both churches of the charge cooperated in providing an opportunity for the community to have family photographs taken at the church and a church directory published. A mid-week service was begun and the pastor reached out to the community through participation in activities of the Lions' Club and the Senior Citizens Center. The Church recommended Lucille Glasgow to take training to become a lay speaker. Tom Crowder announced his candidacy for ordained ministry. In 1991, acting upon a vision by Ann Rutledge, members renovated the former parsonage for a fellowship hall and an after-school program was started for the children of the community. This gave an average of 15 children Christian activities, fellowship and love. Seven members were added in 1991, Floyd and Margie Patterson, David and Silvia Webb, Slim and Velma Lundy, and Tommie Crowder, while Lorene Donadson, Katherine Spruiell and Opal Denney died and Noe Garcia transferred. A special Charge Conference was held in October 1992 by Rev. Joan LaBarr, District Superintendent, to act upon a recommendation by the congregation to purchase the 2 lots adjacent to the church from owner Toby Davis for $1900. The church would pay $1100 and a couple made a pledge of $800, so there would be no indebtedness. It was unanimously approved. At the regular Charge Conference in November, membership at Petrolia stood at 61, starting the year with 53 and adding 11 new ones, Lewis and Gaylene Sleeth, Rick and Darla Fields, Robert and Sheila James, J. L. and Delores Hair, Minnie and James McKenzie, and losing 2 to death, Mattie and W.M. Coots, and Lucille Owen by transfer. The Byers-Petrolia UMW hosted a meeting to hear Dr. Kathryn Keller tell of her work with Wycliffe Bible translators in Mexico. She is an aunt to Rev. Jim McKenzie. Certified lay speakers, Tommie Crowder and Lucille Glasgow, were voted to continue in the program and Rev McKenzie and Tom Crowder were recommended to continue in their ministry. The Byers UMC and the Petrolia UMC had already voted to discontinue the charge and each to have a part time pastor. Rev. LaBarr saw a bright future for both churches and urged them to work together in any way possible as they were doing in the UMW and the Methodist Men. At the 1993 Charge Conference, Rev. Jim Mckenzie reported 62 members with 5 new ones, Katie Jo Gardner, James Gardner, Sidney and Jean Holt, and Karen Wynn, and a loss of 4, Eueill Spruiel to death, Larry Spruiel by request, and Tom and Tommie Crowder by transfer. A special Charge Conference accepted the donation of a 25 x 144' lot adjacent to the 2 that were purchased the year before. The Petrolia Church earned the Marvin T. Judy Award for Excellence as the Outstanding Church of the Year for member churches with a membership of 50 to 100. In May Rev Mckenzie instigated the beginning of a community worship service and singing on the fifth Sundays of each quarter. The Baptist Church of Petrolia and the Methodist Church of Friberg-Cooper agreed to participate. Attendance started at 56 and rose to 102 at the next meeting. On November 14, 1993, the church celebrated its 85th Anniversary with Rev. Doyle Henderson, Pastor in 1986-87, preaching. The after-school program for community children held twice a week in the fellowship house continued, and two new children's Sunday School classes were formed. The pastor involved more laity in the worship services as readers, children's sermon teacher and ushers. A grant of $750 from Town and Country helped build handicap ramps at the church and fellowship house and a covering over the church entrance. The church funded set-up and steps for the pastor's mobile home on church property adjoining the fellowship house. Rev. Mckenzie owned the home under the agreement that he would sell it later only to be removed from the lot. The practice of putting a monthly notice in the county paper about our worship service schedule was begun. New directional signs were installed on Hwy 79 and the Charlie Highway. 1994 saw a lot of activity under the leadership of Rev. Jim McKenzie. Five new members came: Katha Shawver, Jerry and Marti Grimes, James and Rhonda Rue. One died: Mamie Weatherall. Water lines under the church were replaced. The gas line from the fellowship house was connected to the one at the church to save one minimum charge. New floor coverings and commodes were installed in the rest rooms in the church, a new air conditioner was installed in the sanctuary, the ramps were given new steel railings, and the outdoor sign was stained and the letters repainted. Lewis Sleeth joined the Bi-vocational Pastor Program and began serving the churches at Vashti and Bellevue. The Lydia Patterson Institute was supported and a delegate was sent to Annual Conference. A revival was held with Bishop Blake, District Superintendent Walter Zimmerman (a former Petrolia pastor), and District Superintendent Joan Gray LaBarr were the preachers. "Fun Time" was continued with the children. A group of youth were taken to a TEXANS basketball game, to a swimming party and to an Evangelism Rally. "The Sobbing Stone," a play by St. Marks UMC of Wichita Falls, was presented in our church. Rhonda Rue became our pianist, choir robes were donated to us from Midwestern State University, and plans to begin a choir were made. The Byers-Petrolia UMW met sporadically but continued their giving to missions. The food pantry and clothes closet were continued. One church family was helped when their house burned and another family helped through a crisis. In 1995 four new members were added: O. C. and Helen Hurst and Charles and Vivian Drescher and one died, Ada Merrill. The above programs were continued in 1995. "Bring a Friend Sunday" was celebrated, a new roof was installed on the fellowship house, and the vinyl siding on the church was repaired after hail damage. Four people attended the Visionaries banquet, the Bible Study was reactivated, and Contemporary English pew Bibles were purchased. Three families were helped with financial aid, birthday cards were sent to members and close friends, Native American Sunday was celebrated, a wiener roast was held to close "Fun Time." An area and electricity were provided for the Senior Citizen outdoor Gospel Music fund raiser and funding was provided for the drug and gang McGruff program. A new pastor, Rev. Richard Lucier, came in 1996, after Rev. McKenzie retired because of health reasons. Membership stood at 69. Joanne McDonald, Richard Lucier, and Sheryl Lucier were added while Lora Gibson, Myrtice Moon and Duff Davis died. New carpet was laid in the sanctuary, possible through a gift from M/M Darrell Massie in memory of Lora Gibson, a long-time member. The church got a new roof because of hail damage. The children's after school program was revived and renamed "Wacky Wednesday." A CD of all the hymns in the Methodist Hymnal was purchased to be used when pianist Rhonda Rue could not be present. The Fifth Sunday community services, food pantry, clothes closet, Easter breakfast (prepared by men), egg hunt, special Easter and Christmas services, Wednesday night Bible studies, and good preaching continued with the change of pastors. Rev. Rick Lucier returned in 1997. Membership dropped to 62 with the death of Ralph Glandon and Bob Rutledge and the transfer of James and Minnie Mckenzie and Robert and Sheila James. New insurance was acquired to cover replacement values and professional liability for the pastor and officers. Rev. Rick Lucier remained with us in 1998 with 60 members at the end of the year. We lost 4 to death, Rick Fields, Maria Garcia, Chuck Drescher, and Bob Brown, one transferred to another church, Charlie Garcia, and 2 joined, Helen and Danny Griffith. Family night and fifth Sunday community church services continued with good cooperation among churches and inspiring sermons and singing. The food pantry served 5 families, the Wycliffe translator was supported, and the children's Wacky Wednesday program continued. The UMW continued with the women of both Petrolia and Byers making up the unit. Bro. Rick continued to be a favorite of all in the church as he was a most effective preacher and leader. In 1999, Cindy Armour and Melody Morris joined the church under Rev. Lucier, Annice Bell and Eula King died and Dewayne Glasgow was removed by Charge Conference. Bible study and Methodist history were studied and the usual programs went forward. In 2000, with Bro. Rick still our pastor, the Sunday School was revived and a choir was begun, the first in Petrolia UMC in at least 50 years. A candle lighting service was held at Christmas and the pastor led a mime communion service at the fifth Sunday community service at Byers and the Petrolia Church hosted another fifth Sunday service. At Easter, a breakfast, egg hunt, and a special baptismal covenant worship service were held. Grace Chapin, daughter of charter members of the Petrolia UMC, made a special, generous gift to the church with the specification that it be used only for the maintenance of the church building. A special building fund was thus established. A new heating and air conditioning system was installed. A new CD player was purchased to upgrade the sound system. Support for Kathryn Keller of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mexico was continued. The food pantry was discontinued because of a lack of need in Petrolia. Cards were sent to members absent, ill, or having birthdays and anniversaries or as invitations to special events. The pastor was paid an additional housing allowance of $100 monthly. In the spring of 2001, Rev. Lucier was moved to a church in Wichita Falls and was replaced by Rev. Louis Pearce. New siding and windows were installed on the church and other necessary repairs made. Special services were held at Christmas, Palm Sunday and Easter. A prayer chain was set up to be activated when needed in a crisis. Monthly family nights of food and fellowship were continued, as were also participation in fifth Sunday community services. In 2002, membership stood at 47 with Jamie Elledge joining and Darla Fields transferring out. Jamie Elledge, started an after school program with an enrollment of 42 and an average attendance of 27. A children's Sunday School was also started. The pastor was active in visiting the nursing homes of the area and the hospitals. Fifth Sunday community services continued to be held. By Charge Conference in 2003, membership had dropped down to 44. Pat Ott and Danny Griffith died, 2 members came by confession or faith restored. The kids' programs on Wednesday afternoon and Sunday mornings and their acting as acolytes were continued under the direction of Rev. Pearce and Kim Goolsby. A new TV was purchased for the program. The children and youth made a trip to the Holy City in the Wichita Mountains. The altars and communion rail were painted white with brown trim and a lighted walnut cross was installed on the wall behind the altar. Fifty new hymnals were purchased. In 2004, Rev. Pearce was moved to Grant Street UMC, Wichita Falls, and we welcomed Rev. Al Easterling and wife Clara to the church. Membership was 41 with the withdrawal of 5 at their request and reported at Charge Conference: Bruce and Kim Goolsby, Butch and Olga Rosinbaum, and Buddy Linton, and 2 coming in from another Methodist Church: James and Minnie McKenzie. Pastor Al was enrolled in his first course toward being a certified local pastor. The leaders of the children's programs were among those who left before Pastor Al came; the program was put on hold until leaders could be found. Participation continued in Fifth Sunday community services and in monthly family fellowship meetings. New linoleum was laid in the fellowship house and a new roof was put on the church to repair hail damage. Most of the same programs were continued in 2005 under the leadership of Rev. Al Easterling. He continued to be outstanding in visiting people in the hospital and in checking on others by phone. He continued his Course of Study under the direction of Beverly Drive UMC, his home church. The choir program was outstanding and children's sermons and then activities and Bible stories involved them in the back room of the church by the pastor's wife. The church continued to support UMCOR and the county Outreach Ministry with money, food and clothing. A new clavinova was purchased to replace the ailing piano. In 2006, membership increased to 41 with new members Bill and Carolyn Holmberg and Jane Evans, death of James McKenzie, transfer of Minnie McKenzie and removal by Charge Conference of James and Rhonda Rue. Basically the same programs continued during 2006. The church donated Christmas gifts to nursing home patients, helped a needy family with rent money, and celebrated Christmas and Easter with special services. Several different Bible studies were held. Pastor Al continued at Petrolia UMC in 2007, continuing his Course of Study and doing a good job of preaching and visiting in the hospitals and generally ministering to the needs of the congregation. Membership declined with the addition of Jerry Grimes but the death of 4 members: Jerry Grimes, J. L. Hair, and Floyd and Margie Patterson. A vacation Bible school was held and went right on in to Sunday School with mostly grandchildren of church members attending. The church took advantage of the conference-wide insurance program which saved it considerable money. A donation was made to the Senior Citizens Center each month and offerings continued for UMCOR, Nothing But Nets and the county Outreach Ministry. In 2008 family night was discontinued because of flagging interest and more disability among members. The kids' messages and Sunday School were still going strong as well as the usual programs, preaching, and general ministry by the pastor and members. A new copier and inter net service were added to make office work more efficient and easier. VBS was well attended. As 2008 draws to a close, the Petrolia UMC is strong in spirit and enthusiasm with the addition of 5 new members and a flurry of activity in preparing for our 100th Anniversary. The pews were recovered in the summer, the bathrooms and upstairs renovated, and the outside sign painted. God has richly blest the people called Methodists in this part of the world for past 100 years and we have faith in His Providence for the future. |