Methodism in Del Rio
Six individuals met on September 23, 1882 to create The Methodist Episcopal Church South, the forerunner of the First United Methodist Church of Del Rio. These first congregants Randolph Pafford, J. Lyman Bailey, William M. Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Rosalie Roberts and William G. Hancock. During the earliest days of our congregation's existence, church meetings were held in the home of members. Mr.Pafford donated a town lot and $500 to the church in 1883, and a wood – frame structure was soon erected on Cemetery Street (now Pecan Street), on what was then the northern edge of town. Growth of the congregation was modest into the 20th century, and later a Stone Chapel was constructed in 1903–1904 by John Taini a well known Italian stone mason.
The congregation grew to slightly greater than three hundred members by 1917, as members opened their homes to soldier trainees at Camp Del Rio, later known as Camp Michie. The church was also used and shared with the local Episcopalian Church at one time.Because of this and the continued growth of the congregation this created the necessity for another, larger facility, Implementations began as property on Spring Street, which was once a cemetery and located a few blocks north and east of the Pecan Street church,was purchased. Most of the graves were relocated, although it is said that some were never moved, and the first service in the new building was held on May 31, 1931. The larger sanctuary was well justified, as the congregation doubled in size to over seven hundred members between the World Wars. The growth of the city and the opening of Laughlin Air Force Base facilitated the enlargement of the membership to more than nine hundred during the 1960s. In 1968, The Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren church merged into The United Methodist Church.
Our church has promoted missions and charitable work after numerous hurricanes, earthquakes,floods,fires as well as abroad in Mexico and Liberia and also provides numerous out reach programs throughout our local community.
Below are photos of the first church on Pecan (Cemetery Street) and the present day (2020) First United Methodist Church on Spring Street as well as some from the 1940s, 1950s
The congregation grew to slightly greater than three hundred members by 1917, as members opened their homes to soldier trainees at Camp Del Rio, later known as Camp Michie. The church was also used and shared with the local Episcopalian Church at one time.Because of this and the continued growth of the congregation this created the necessity for another, larger facility, Implementations began as property on Spring Street, which was once a cemetery and located a few blocks north and east of the Pecan Street church,was purchased. Most of the graves were relocated, although it is said that some were never moved, and the first service in the new building was held on May 31, 1931. The larger sanctuary was well justified, as the congregation doubled in size to over seven hundred members between the World Wars. The growth of the city and the opening of Laughlin Air Force Base facilitated the enlargement of the membership to more than nine hundred during the 1960s. In 1968, The Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren church merged into The United Methodist Church.
Our church has promoted missions and charitable work after numerous hurricanes, earthquakes,floods,fires as well as abroad in Mexico and Liberia and also provides numerous out reach programs throughout our local community.
Below are photos of the first church on Pecan (Cemetery Street) and the present day (2020) First United Methodist Church on Spring Street as well as some from the 1940s, 1950s
The original cornerstone from the"Stone Chapel" located on Cemetery (Pecan) Street. The stone was moved to it's current location in 1964 from the former church.This massive stone is currently located near the elevator entrance door on the east side of the church. The above drawing is what it looked like originally. Time, weather, vandalism as well as it being limestone have taken it's toll on it.
Below photos
The final resting place of Randolph Pafford and his wife Mary and daughter Cora Annie in Westlawn Cemetery.
Mr. Pafford was one of the 6 members of the very first Methodist Church in Del Rio. He donated a town lot, money, and was a benefactor for many years of our church.
He was buried in the "old city cemetery" where our current church is located today. Later his remains as well as his wife and daughter were exhumed and moved to the current Westlawn Cemetery to make room for our current church building.
The final resting place of Randolph Pafford and his wife Mary and daughter Cora Annie in Westlawn Cemetery.
Mr. Pafford was one of the 6 members of the very first Methodist Church in Del Rio. He donated a town lot, money, and was a benefactor for many years of our church.
He was buried in the "old city cemetery" where our current church is located today. Later his remains as well as his wife and daughter were exhumed and moved to the current Westlawn Cemetery to make room for our current church building.

The original church bell from the 1884 wood framed Cemetery (Pecan) Street church.When the new "stone" church was built, It was placed in that belfry. Since the "new" church building on Spring Street did not have a belfry, it was not needed, so it sat for many years not being used. Wayne M Love who as a child rang it every Sunday morning several years later obtained permission from the new owner of the old church to rescue it and perhaps utilize it. He then donated it to Del Rio High School to be used during the football games. Every time there was a touchdown, it was rung! Soon the bell became known as the Del RioHigh School Wildcat Victory bell. It remained mobile as it was mounted on a two wheel trailer and was rung during parades going down Main Street and followed the football team on out of town road trips.When the new high school was built, it was later installed in the new stadium. After consolidation of the two school districts, The bell became known as the Del Rio Rams Victory Bell. lt is located on the west side near the scoreboard on the football field and is rung during football games, and other athletic events.At the top of the bell there remains a metal plaque with the inscription of the bell and donor
The bell was made in 1884 by the Baltimore, Maryland firm of Henry McShane &Co.
,Mr. Love's daughter is Joanna Love Rose.
The bell was made in 1884 by the Baltimore, Maryland firm of Henry McShane &Co.
,Mr. Love's daughter is Joanna Love Rose.

The Very First Methodist Episcopal South Church in Del Rio.. This was located on Cemetery Street (present day Pecan Street).1883-1884 This was a wooden framed building.

The first church built of wood was partial torn down and Sunday School classrooms were built behind this newer church from that wood.
The "Stone" Church on Cemetery Street now Pecan Street opposite the Val Verde County Courthouse. As was the custom back in the day, the parsonage was right next door. Built in 1903-1904. Although it was decommissioned as a church when the present building was built, it is still standing today and has been extensively refurbished for a community meeting building for a local bank.
The "Stone" Church on Cemetery Street now Pecan Street opposite the Val Verde County Courthouse. As was the custom back in the day, the parsonage was right next door. Built in 1903-1904. Although it was decommissioned as a church when the present building was built, it is still standing today and has been extensively refurbished for a community meeting building for a local bank.
The "Stone" Church on present day Pecan Street. Above the front doors was a Half moon shaped stained glass window which says Methodist Episcopal Church South Del Rio Tex 1903
Early 1940's postcard
A "penny" postcard from the 1940's
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(Above )
The 1950-early 1960 FUMC. Notice the "cross" on the left side of the building which was attached above the side door. This was a neon light fixture that was painted dark blue with red neon lights that spelled the words "First Methodist" The Aleppo Pine trees on either side of the front of the church were growing well and lasted until the early 2000's before an incurable tree fungus infected them causing their removal. |
Notice there were curtains in the balcony windows in this 1944 photo and a sign in front on the grass. The reason for the sign was many townsfolk confused the Methodist church for the First Christian church which was around the corner on Pecan and Garfield St. The First Baptist was across the street and the Presbyterian was nearby on Washington St. The Church of Christ was across the street with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church just down the street.
Mary Gilbert Palmer is pictured here.(family photo) |
Our current beautifully landscaped church in 2017 To the right of the building near the elevator entrance door is the original cornerstone from the 1903 church from Pecan Street (see photo above)
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