Sivells Bend United Methodist Church
Sivells Bend, Cooke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation formed in 1868 as Sivells Bend Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Brothers William W. and Addison Y. Gunter conveyed two acres to church trustees E. L. Allen, WM. Midkiff and George Dillard in 1880. A large two-story church, school and masonic lodge burned in 1893. W. W. Gunter deeded the current site in 1910. The present frame church has had continuous services since its 1912 construction. During WWII, families taught Sunday school even without a supplied pastor. Later, Sivells Bend shared pastors with other Methodist churches, but has had its own pastors since 1950. Community involvement and regular worship shows a continuing focus on the true spirit of God.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This Methodist congregation formed in 1868 as Sivells Bend Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and by 1880 had land for a church that also housed a school and Masonic lodge until fire destroyed the two-story building in 1893. A new site deeded in 1910 gave rise to the present frame church, in continuous service since 1912. Through hard times—including World War II, when families kept Sunday school going without a pastor—the congregation held fast to its worship.
Why it matters
The little church embodies the resilience of rural Texas faith communities that doubled as schools, lodges, and social centers for the settlements they served.
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Related people
- · William W. Gunter
- · Addison Y. Gunter
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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