Historical Marker

First Methodist Church of Burkburnett

Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Burkburnett township’s Methodists began attending church services on Sixth street in the early 1900s, in a one-room frame building that was a combination school, church, and social gathering place. M.W. and Lula Majors, who moved to the new town of Burkburnett to open a store, were instrumental in finding the Methodist congregation its own home. Lula, a former schoolteacher who also helped build the town’s first schoolhouse, joined with preacher Frank L. McGehee and other active Methodists in a campaign to build a sanctuary, earning her the name “Mother Majors.”

Banker and philanthropist John G. Hardin helped several city churches develop through loans and donations, including the Methodist church that built a frame sanctuary at 5th Street and Avenue C. The church acquired a bell for the steeple, and the first organ came from the Nesterville Schoolhouse on Gilbert Creek. The congregation held its first service on April 12, 1908. Hiram A. Boaz, president of polytechnic college in Fort Worth and later elected Methodist Bishop, delivered the first sermon in the new church. The Methodist Conference named Circuit Rider McGehee the first pastor, and he preached here one Sunday a month.

The church experienced periods of expansive growth along with Burkburnett, especially following the oil boom of 1918 and again with the enlargement of nearby Sheppard Air Force Base after World War II. The congregation built a new brick sanctuary in 1925 and added an education wing in 1957. The First United Methodist Church of Burkburnett has made contributions to the community for more than a century

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Wichita County, Texas, located in the northwest part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The Wichita and Comanche Native American tribes were the first inhabitants of the area, with evidence of their settlements and hunting grounds dating back to at least the 16th century. Spanish explorers, including Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, also passed through the region in the 16th century.

The area that would become Wichita County was officially settled by European Americans in the mid-19th century. In 1856, the Texas legislature created Wichita County, naming it after the Wichita tribe. The construction of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad through the county in the late 19th century brought growth and development to the area, attracting settlers.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wichita County experienced the boom and bust cycles common in many Texas counties. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and cotton farming, were the primary industries, but oil was discovered in the region in the early 20th century, leading to a significant economic boost. The county became an important oil-producing region, with oil wells and refineries becoming a common sight.

In the present day, Wichita County continues to be a vital part of Texas. It is home to the city of Wichita Falls, the county seat and largest city, which serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. The county's economy has diversified, with sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military operations playing a significant role. Wichita County's rich history and natural beauty, including attractions like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, make it a fascinating place to explore and learn about.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wichita County, Texas.

  • 1872 - Wichita County is officially established on February 1.
  • 1882 - The town of Wichita Falls is incorporated on September 27.
  • 1905 - Wichita County experiences a significant population boom due to the discovery of oil.
  • 1922 - The first hospital in Wichita County, Wichita General Hospital, is established.
  • 1927 - Sheppard Air Force Base is built near Wichita Falls.
  • 1957 - The Wichita Valley Airport opens, later renamed Wichita Falls Municipal Airport.
  • 1964 - A destructive tornado hits Wichita Falls, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1995 - Wichita County voters approve the sale of alcohol, ending the county's prohibition era.
  • 2007 - Lake Arrowhead State Park, a popular recreational area, opens in Wichita County.
  • 2019 - The Wichita County Courthouse celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  • 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic impacts Wichita County, leading to various restrictions and measures.