Saint John's Methodist Church
S. Ferguson St., Stamford, TXSt. John's Methodist Church is one of the most significant structures in Stamford for both architectural and historic reasons. Historically, it has served for generations as the religious home for one of Stamford's largest denominations and architecturally it is a fine example of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century, Prairie Style church architecture designed by a nationally known architect.
The Methodist congregation in Stamford emerged as soon as the town building began. After using temporary quarters for several months, a lot was purchased in December of 1900, and a small frame building was erected. In 1907 Stamford College was established in the south-eastern edge of town as a Methodist institution of higher learning. By early 1909 the growing congregation decided to build a new and impressive structure between downtown and the new college campus to serve both communities better.
After arranging initial financing (and later borrowing $15,000 from the Southern Union Life Insurance Co. of Waco), the church hired two contracting firms (E.J. Holderness Co. and C.S. Oates & Co.) and began the magnificent structure designed by James E. Flanders of Dallas. While construction began in 1910, it took two years of start-and-stop work to complete the exterior of the building. Construction was interrupted by both funding problems and a direct hit by a tornado which severely damaged the unfinished building in 1910. The Methodist congregation chose Flanders to design their church because of his proven track record of impressive churches and courthouses in many Texas cities. Flanders produced an impressive design that uses the Prairie Style with some Gothic features to create a truly unusual structure.
Once the exterior was completed, funds dried up, and work on the building slowed. The congregation moved into the building in February of 1912 but struggled for ten more years, until 1922, to complete the interior.
Since its exterior completion in 1912, St. John's Methodist has served as the spiritual home of the large Methodist congregation in Stamford. It has been the religious focal point for one of the town's largest congregations, as well as a local landmark for all its citizens. The church dominates the entire downtown area, towering over the lesser one- and two-story structures in the area. Architecturally it is an exquisite structure perfectly preserved since its original construction, and still serving its congregation faithfully after seven decades of use.
St. John's Methodist Church bears strong similarities with Flanders' Trinity Methodist Church in Dallas (National Register 1975, burned and removed. 1983). The Stamford church is located between the central business district and an older residential neighborhood.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.
During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.
After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.
In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.
Jones County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jones County, Texas.
- 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
- 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
- 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
- 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
- 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
- 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.