The Woman's Society of Christian Service has compiled all of the available data and facts concerning the First Methodist Church of Jewett, Texas, and in the following pages presents a history of the Church as accurately as the accumulated data has made possible. For information about the earliest history we are indebted to a former Church member, Mr. W. A. Craig, now of Hearne, Texas.

The Methodist church of Jewett, Texas was organized in the year of 1872 with Rev. J. J. Davis as the first pastor. Among the first members who contributed to the support of the early Church were: Mr. Henderson manager of the first lumber yard; Mrs. Mollie Black grandmother of Robert Swindler, who is now a member of the same church; Mrs. Ellis, and B. R. Springfield, father of Mrs. Annie LaGrone, who has been an active member for many years. Other pastors from 1872-1890 were Reverends: Sam C. Vaughan, Brice, Anderson, Graham, Walker, Kelly, Brinson, and Brooks. The pastors who served the Church from 1900-1940 inclusive are listed in consecutive order: Reverends: C. M. Thompson, J. W. Holt, G. W. Riley, S. W. Thomas, F. O. Raver, J. R. Murray, T. S. Williford, J. L. Red, L. B. Saxon, R. S. Marshall, B. F. Bell, J. C. Carr, J. C. Huddleson, J. C. Stewart, W. F. Weeks, J. D. Wallace, Paul Moon, J. N. Vincent, A. M. Williams, and J. M. Lee.

The first church building was built in 1872 and stood on the lot facing the present Church. In 1900 during the pastorate of Rev. Brooks the Church which is in use today was erected. A few of the changes that have been made in the building are the lowering of the high steeple; the building of concrete steps by the pastor, Rev. Paul Moon; and the adding of Sunday School class rooms during the pastorate of Rev. Arthur Williams in 1939.

The Sunday School was organized soon after the organization of the Church. One of the first Sunday School Superintendents was Mr. W. A. Craig who served from 1884-1888 with Mr. Jim Waltman as assistant. The latter became acting Superintendent from 1888-1891 during the absence of Mr. Craig who resumed his duties in 1891 and acted until he moved to Hearne in 1893 where he is still living and is very active. Mr. L. D. Waltman followed Mr. Craig as Superintendent. Others who served in this capacity have been J. D. Atkisson, Sr.., Coaky Evans, Dr. V. L. Smith, R. B. Adams, who served for twenty years, and the present Superintendent G. W. Leathers.

When the Church was first organized, it was in the Calvert District, later it was changed to the Marlin District; and in 1941 it was put in the Jacksonville District.

The present Church members owe a debt of gratitude to those who worked so faithfully during their lifetime to the advancement of the local Church. Some of those who were so faithful are Mrs. Iva Adkisson, Mrs. Lela Adams, Mrs. Maggie Keeton, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Brady, Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Harrison, Mrs. Beulah Weakley, Mrs. Nellie Adams, Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Minter, and Mr. J. T. Boucher.