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A HISTORY OF
THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH
GIDDINGS, TEXAS

The first church in Giddings was organized in 1871 in the Austin District as part of the Texas Conference.

The first house of worship in Giddings was a small one that belonged to the German Methodist
congregation. This was reportedly a unit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North.

In 1879, the first building was erected at the corner of what is now Leon Street and Highway 290. This
was the location of the church until the property was sold, and the building torn down in 1956.

The last services were held in the old church on November 18, 1956. The church was held in the Lee
County Court House during the interim.

The members have worshiped in the current building at 279 E. Monroe St. since it was dedicated in 1957.

Traditional Activities of the First Methodist Church of Giddings

Covered dish dinners are held on fifth Sundays after church services.

Bible Studies are held for the whole church.

The Joy Class holds a Time and Talent auction each Spring to earn money for different church and
mission projects.

A barbeque sandwich fundraiser is held each Spring to fund church outreach activities.
Special choir music is performed each Sunday.

The Lenten season includes Ash Wednesday service, Maundy Thursday Service, Good Friday service
and Easter morning service. Easter Lilies adorn the alter each year in honor or in memory of loved ones.

Each year the church participates in the Community Thanksgiving Service lead by the Pastoral Alliance of
Giddings.

The Christmas season includes Advent activities, caroling by church members, the Chrismon Tree, the
children’s Christmas program, and Christmas Eve services. The alter is decorated with poinsettias in
honor or in memory of loved ones.

Vacation Bible School is held each summer.

The members of the church congregation support and work at Rejuvenation, Food Pantry and the Youth
Center.

Food and Fun activities were started on Thursday. A meal is provided and members play games and put
puzzles together.

The church takes platters of cookies to all school campuses in the Giddings area at the start of a new
school year.

The Giddings First United Methodist Church disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church and affiliated
with the Global Methodist Conference effective January 1, 2023. The church name was changed to the
First Methodist Church at that time.