Near May in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
May United Methodist Church
Methodists in this area were initially served by circuit-riding preachers. First to come to the region in the 1860s was the Rev. Hugh M. Childress, and worship services were held in private homes. In 1882, the Rev. Peter Gravis organized Mt. Zion Methodist Church, which later merged with the congregation at Byrds. Both of these communities, along with Bethel, Brooks, Clio, Gap Creek, Green’s Chapel, Holder, Pleasant Valley, Rocky, Shrum, Verbena, Williams, Windham and Wolf Valley became part of the May charge. Brush arbor revivals were held each summer.
The May Methodist Church was formally organized in 1886. Members gathered for services in nearby Verbena until 1890, when they began meeting in the newly constructed May schoolhouse. Four years later, members built their own one-room church, which served until they constructed a new brick building with memorial stained glass windows in 1929-30. After 70 years of service, the church building was destroyed by fire in January 2000.
Throughout its history, the May United Methodist Church has upheld the ideals and traditions of its pioneer founders. Despite the Depression, droughts, floods, wars and fire, the church has served its members and the May community for more than 100 years.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission . (Marker Number 12532.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 2000.
Location. 31° 57.829′ N, 98° 55.248′ W. Marker is near May, Texas, in Brown County. Marker is on U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of County Road 478, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18005 US 183, May TX 76857, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The May Community (approx. 1.3 miles away); Wolf Valley Cemetery (approx. 4.4 miles away); Heflin Cemetery (approx. 7.1 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Rising Star (approx. 9˝ miles away); Rising Star (approx. 9.6 miles away); Rising Star Area Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.6 miles away); Community of Sidney (approx. 10.8 miles away); Pendergrass Cemetery (approx. 11.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in May.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 477 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 19, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.