Bovina United Methodist Church
Historical marker location:The town of Bovina was organized in the early 20th century in the heart of the "XIT" Ranch on the Pecos Valley Railway. Soon after its establishment, a Methodist church was founded with nine charter members. The Rev. V. H. Trammell, who served as pastor from 1905 until 1908, helped organize the congregation and held services one Sunday a month.
Members of the Bovina Methodist Church first met in a one-room schoolhouse. In 1910, during the pastorate of the Reverend J. A. Sweeney (d. 1919), the congregation constructed its first sanctuary across the street from this site. Much of the money raised to help build the structure came from cowboys on area ranches. The church hired its first full-time pastor during the 1940's.
As the oldest Methodist congregation in Parmer County, Bovina Methodist Church has a long history of providing service and leadership to the community and the surrounding farming and ranching area. With its emphasis on Christian education, youth ministry, and music, the congregation continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders. (1985)
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.
In the late 19th century, as the railroad expanded westward, Parmer County saw an influx of settlers from various backgrounds. The county was officially established in 1876, named after Martin Parmer, a veteran of the American Revolution. The county seat was established in Farwell in 1907, which remains its central town today.
Agriculture has always played a significant role in Parmer County's economy. In the early days, farmers relied on dryland farming, cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, oats, and cotton. However, the lack of water posed a significant challenge, which was addressed with the development of irrigation systems in the early 20th century. This led to a boom in the production of high-quality crops, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, and peanuts.
Parmer County has also experienced its fair share of hardships. The Great Depression in the 1930s hit the county hard, and many farmers struggled to make ends meet. However, with measures like the New Deal programs and advancements in farming technology, the county was able to gradually recover.
Today, Parmer County continues to be a vibrant agricultural region, with its fertile soil supporting a variety of crops and livestock. The county also offers recreational activities, historical landmarks, and a sense of community that reflects its diverse and resilient past.
Parmer County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Parmer County, Texas.
- 1876 - Parmer County is established on August 21, 1876.
- 1887 - Bovina is founded as the first settlement in the county.
- 1890 - The county's population is recorded at 307 people.
- 1900 - Parmer County's population grows to 1,285 residents.
- 1906 - Friona is established as a new town in the county.
- 1912 - The first courthouse in the county is completed in Farwell.
- 1917 - Farwell becomes the county seat.
- 1955 - Bovina becomes an incorporated city.
- 1970s - The county's population exceeds 10,000 due to increased farming and production.
- 1989 - The Parmer County Wind Energy Association is formed to utilize wind power resources in the area.