University United Methodist Church
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1912, a small Sunday group under the guidance of Reverend Alonzo Monk, Jr. Began to meet in a rental house on Hemphill Street under the name Hemphill Heights Methodist Mission. The church grew rapidly and, in 1919, moved to George Clark Elementary School while a new building was built on Hemphill Street. The building was completed in 1923; however, in 1934, it was condemned due to foundation problems. With no building to worship in, the congregation decided to use a temporary location in a warehouse with no air or heat. In 1935, they secured the site at the present location on the corner of Berry St. and McCart Ave. And spent the next two years raising money for a new building. On January 27, 1937, the congregation held their first service in the new church as Matthews Memorial Methodist Church. The congregation changed its name to University United Methodist Church in 1975 to identify itself more closely with Texas Christian University. The church has demonstrated Christ’s word through ministries such as the United Methodist Committee on relief, which helps those in need after a catastrophe strikes, youth and adult mission trips and through the support of international projects and missionaries. The congregation also provides local assistance to help those in south central Fort Worth through hands-on projects such as transportation services and partnerships with several local organizations. Today, University United Methodist Church continues its legacy as a source of outreach, hope and spiritual guidance in the community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A small Sunday group first gathered in a rented Hemphill Street house in 1912 as the Hemphill Heights Methodist Mission. The congregation grew, weathered a condemned building and worship in an unheated warehouse, and in 1937 opened a new church as Matthews Memorial Methodist. Renamed University United Methodist in 1975 to reflect its ties to Texas Christian University, it has long anchored outreach in south-central Fort Worth.
Why it matters
The congregation's persistence through repeated setbacks illustrates the role neighborhood churches played in binding together a growing city.
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Related people
- · Alonzo Monk, Jr.
Themes & tags
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