Odem in San Patricio County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First United Methodist Church of Odem
The Rev. F. H. Barnhouse held the first recorded church services in the city of Odem in the home of J. W. Wright in 1909. Soon after, Sunday School services were held in the vacant store that was formerly the site of the Gisler blacksmith shop at 400 Main Street.
In 1910-11 the First Methodist Church of Odem was organized under the leadership of the Rev. J. A. Pledger. The Rev. W. N. Carl organized the congregation's efforts to build its first small church building at 401 Main Street. There were nine charter members: Mr. and Mrs. George Humphries, Sr., George Humphries, Jr., Otto Humphries, Alva Humphries, Zula Humphries, Jarred B. Clark, Mrs. Anna Clark and Miss Lula Williams. The congregation grew, and in 1922 the first parsonage was purchased at 306 Kline Street. The Rev. W. F. Buss was the first pastor to live there.
Through the years several hurricanes damaged the original church building. In 1949 the congregation broke ground to build a new sanctuary. The old frame church was dismantled and its lumber used in the construction of the new building. Services were held in the Odem High School auditorium until the new building was completed in 1951. The new sanctuary had stained glass windows paid for by family donations, and in 1964 an electric carillon was placed on the roof. The sanctuary was badly damaged by hurricane Celia in 1970 but repairs were covered by insurance and volunteer labor.
The First United Methodist Church of Odem continues to thrive and has grown to include educational services and supports numerous civic activities in Odem.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12180.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 27° 56.663′ N, 97° 35.44′ W. Marker is in Odem, Texas, in San Patricio County. Marker is on Haisley Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 Haisley Ave, Odem TX 78370, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Odem First Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Meansville and Kaleta (approx. 0.6 miles away); Odem Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); White Point / Rosita (approx. 0.6 miles away); Early Odem Area Schools (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bethel Baptist Church of Christ and Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Nuecestown (approx. 6.1 miles away); Nuecestown Raid (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Odem.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.