| Marker Text |
In the early pioneer days of the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle, circuit riders (ministers on horseback) provided pioneers with church services. In north Ivanhoe, Oklahoma, in 1903, a group of rural residents gathered to form the Ivanhoe Methodist Church, led by reverend G.L. Hayes. In 1911, the town relocated to south Ivanhoe and began to hold services at the Stillwater School located near the Texas border. In 1917, the church congregation relocated to the newly-formed town of Follett, Texas, located near the border and close to the railroad. Church worship services were held in the F.J. Birdsall building, later known as the E.E. King garage. By 1918, the congregation broke ground on a new basement building. Many people worshipped in the church basement for five years until membership outgrew the space. Fundraising allowed the church to build a modern structure in 1924 with a sanctuary and classrooms. In 1961, a new building was constructed on highway 15 with a fellowship hall, kitchen and pastor’s study. Over the last century, sixty-two ministers served the church and community. Throughout the years, the Follett United Methodist Church has played an important role in serving the local area through the support of youth programs, financial support, and local and foreign mission work. Despite membership of less than one hundred, the church’s outreach has impacted local and international communities since 1903. (2017) |
