I will be posting pictures of the many stained glass windows of the church building, along with an explanation of the symbolism. However, I will not get this done until arond the first of November.
What is Methodism? Methodism is a Christian denomination which grew out of (or away from) the Church of England in the 18th century under the leadership of John Wesley. (Even today, many Methodist boys have given names of "John Wesley"). It was brought to this country by James Oglethorpe and others in the latter part of the 1700's and quickly became one of the predominant denominations of Protestants, especially in the South. Due to the issue of slavery, in the middle of the 19th century the church split into the Methodist Episcopal Church South and the Methodist Episcopal Church North. Over the years, there were small split-off groups of Methodists, most notable of which are the Congregational Methodists. Most Methodists are today united as one church and the official name is the United Methodist Church.
The Methodist Church in Mexia, Texas, was established in 1872. (Mexia was incorporated in 1871. Previous to that, area Methodists were served by circuit-riding preachers). My great-great grandfather was a founding member of that church, and my family has had membership in it ever since (134 years in 2002).
Methodists are known for their tolerant understanding of others' theology. There is little fire and brimstone in Methodist preaching, but rather the immense magnitude of God's love for all people is expressed.
Email me if you want to know more.
