Church History
Welcome to one of the most outstanding and beautiful historic structures in northeast Texas. Completed in 1905, this building is now recognized as a Texas State Historical Landmark.
The Methodist Church in Pittsburg was organized in the late summer of 1867, and met in a log building which stood on the site of the present Educational Building. It was soon torn down and replaced by a two-story wooden structure the top floor of which was occupied by the Masons. In 1888, another church was built just south of the Educational Building, on the comer lot. As the congregation grew, the need for a new structure was apparent. By 1900, Pittsburg’s business district was rapidly converting from wooden to brick buildings. Architect James E. Flanders (1849-1928) was employed to design the new building, which was begun in 1904 and completed in 1905.
The pastor in 1905 was the Rev. E. L. Shettles, who chaired the building committee. Other members were J. A. Coppedge, Secretary; Rev. S. S. Morris, Treasurer; D. H. Abernathy, J. M. Clark, F. A. Lockhart, W. F. Grammar, J. C. Bailey, C. F. Swayze, L. R. Hall, A. J. Askew, J. M. Holman, J. B. Greer, G. C. Hopkins, W. R. Heath, R. F. Lewis, W. L. Garrett, T. E. Russell and E. R. Greer.
The architect had just completed a new church in Bryan, Texas, while Rev. Shettles was there. The Pittsburg church is almost an identical copy of that building, and it is possible that the same plans were used for both buildings. (The Bryan church has since been torn down). The executive committee decided to build this one themselves, and employed a builder from Dallas to oversee the work.
The building is a two-story structure with a small basement for utilities. It was constructed at a cost of $25,000. (An interesting story tells of how Banker R. A. “Lon” Morris made a last minute contribution of $8,000 so the church could be dedicated a few minutes later.) All woodwork is solid oak. The magnificent stained-glass windows were made in St. Louis at a cost of $2,650. The pipe organ was installed when the building was built. It has been modernized, but looks by all appearances original. The ceiling fans were removed when the building was air conditioned in 1962.
More recent renovations have insured the preservation of the stained-glass windows, and assured future generations of the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful turn-of-the century structure. We hope you enjoy your visit here.
In September, 2008, we lost our longest-tenured member. A member since 1920, Dave Abernathy was an integral part of the church and community all of his 96 years. Here is a link to a short slide show put together by his son David.
Here’s another short slide show, this one about the heritage of the church.
March 27 2008 07:44 am