Part VIII
Centennial Celebration
of the United Methodist Church of Texhoma, Oklahoma 1903 - 2003
The story of the Youth organizations in our Church is another piece of our history. It's earliest name was the Epsworth League. This
organization was not only for the teenagers, but for young adults also,
and was a very active organization in Texhoma. The Woman's Missionary
Society organized a Junior Missionary Society for the girls of the Church
in the early days that was very active also.
When the various branches of the Methodist Church combined in the
1940's, the Youth organization name was changed to the Methodist Youth
Fellowship. This was the youth group that I was a member of for several
years. As stated in a recent newsletter, Mrs. L.B. Field was the leader
for this group for many years, and I think that any youth who was ever
a member during that time, was greatly influenced by her. I would venture
to say if any of them were asked who had influenced their lives, outside
of their family, almost all would name Velma Field. And in those days,
she was always, Mrs. Field to us. As great fun as she was, she was greatly
respected, and so honored. No one could truly take her place.
During those years, WWII came along; gas and tires were scarce, and our "fun"
had to be found near home. The local Theatre burned, and even that
entertainment was gone for awhile. The Methodist Youth always had social
programs going. They entertained the youth of the town almost weekly.
We started the forerunner of our Methodist Bargain Store, as we organized
Rummage Sales for fund raisers for money to go to Camp. We had a great
camp place while we were in the Northwest Texas Conference at Ceta Canyon,
and Institutes at the College at Goodwell, and at Mount Sequoah in Arkansas.
We had great spiritual discussions also, and Church was a great part of
all of our lives.
I can't remember all who helped with the Youth organization after
Mrs. Field retired. I know Scottie and Irvin Hopson were directors for
awhile, Charles and I took our turn for 3 or 4 years. George and Jeanne
were the leaders for some years, various ministers and their wives helped,
later Nancy and Fred Freeman had a very active youth group for many years.
Mike Yates, Josh and Carrie Freeman, the C. B. Inghams, Linda Berry and
Georgene Larson helped for a time when their children were in that age
group. Recently the Nyes, the Paul Freemans and others have helped. I'm
sure I am leaving out many others. Let us know of others you remember
giving their time to the youth, and of some of their activities.
Centennial Celebration Schedule
Our Centennial History, Part I
Our Centennial History, Part II
Our Centennial History, Part III
Our Centennial History, Part IV
Our Centennial History, Part V
Our Centennial History, Part VI
Our Centennial History, Part VII
Texhoma's Location and History
Texhoma, Oklahoma/Texas Home Page