first melissa history-legacy sunday

On October 18, 1884,the Baptist Church of Christ at Melissa

was organized by Pastor Levi Dunn

and 22 charter members.

As we gather on October 19, 2014…

Our church was founded:

• 4,102,444,800 seconds ago• 68,374,080 minutes ago• 1,139,568 hours ago• 47,482 days ago• 1,560 months ago• 130 years ago

Where are we?

Where are we?

FM 545

SH 121

Current church

facilities

N

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:9

First Melissa's passion is to make disciples of Jesus who reach

intentionally, connect authentically, equip continuously, and

live passionately. 

Why are we here?

American History in Brief

October 1884

In October 1884…

• Chester A. Arthur was president of the United States.

• There were 38 states in the United States.

• The cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty had been laid in August on Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor.

In October 1884…• Mark Twain had just written The Adventures

of Huckleberry Finn.

• The first long-distance telephone call, Boston to New York, had occurred in March.

• Ringling Brothers circus had just premiered in May.

In October 1884…• Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the US from 1933 to 1945,

was born.

• The first roller coaster in the USA opened in June at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. The ride travelled approximately six miles per hour and cost five cents to ride.

In October 1884…• George Eastman patents paper-strip

photographic film.

• The International Meridian Conference in Washington, DC adopts Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) worldwide, creating 24 international time zones with longitude zero at the Greenwich meridian.

For the word of the Lord is upright,and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.

Psalm 33:4-5

Local History in Brief

Map of Collin County in 1881

Map of Melissa in 1881

Map of Texas in 1884

Map of Collin County in 1897

History of Melissa

• C.H. Wysong settled in Melissa as early as 1846.

• The town was laid out in 1872, when the Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the area.

• After the organization of the Melissa community, residents of Highland, 2½ miles north, moved there.

• On May 16, 1873, James R. Rogers was appointed to be Melissa's first Postmaster.

• Source: http://collincountystation.com/melissah.html

History of Melissa• The first school in Melissa was built on land purchased in 1882 by trustees

James Graves, John Gibson, and George Fitzhugh, who were early settlers of the area.

• The first teacher was Mary Huckerston, who taught there for five years. The school began with 38 pupils. Church services were held there for all faiths on Sundays.

• Its population was estimated at 100 in 1884.

• In 1886 Melissa had a flourmill, two cotton gins that shipped 3,000 bales of cotton annually and severalbusiness houses.

Source: http://collincountystation.com/melissah.html

History of Melissa• Melissa was an important shipping point in the early 1900s. Corn, wheat, alfalfa

hay, wood, and livestock were sent out on the railroad.

• Beginning in 1908 the community was connected by the Texas Electric Railway (Interurban) to surrounding Collin County towns and to Dallas. This transportation network made Melissa a commercial and community center for area farmers.

• By 1914 its population had reached 400. Unlike many rural communities in Texas, Melissa had electric lights, a telephone exchange, and paved roads before 1920.

• By 1920, Melissa had five churches, a large school, and a number of businesses, including a bank. 

• Sources: http://collincountystation.com/melissah.html and http://www.cityofmelissa.com/about_us/history_of_melissa.html

Melissa High School before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

Now Cooper Street

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

RailroadDepot

John Gibson Staple and

Grocery Store

First Melissa

City of Melissa before 1921 tornado

Now Red River Street

First Melissa

April 13, 1921 Tornado

History of Melissa

A tornado struck the town on April 13, 1921, killing thirteen people, injuring fifty-four, and demolishing many businesses. Tornado tore the roof off the brick school building, but the children inside were not seriously injured. All churches in town, three cotton gins, every business, the post office, and the railway station were damaged. Sources: http://collincountystation.com/melissah.html and http://www.cityofmelissa.com/about_us/history_of_melissa.html

Hotel Walden damaged in 1921 tornado

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

History of Melissa• On August 8, 1929, a fire destroyed many of the buildings that had been

rebuilt after the 1921 tornado. 

• The Great Depression, the mechanization of farming, and job opportunities in the Dallas metropolitan area after World War II further slowed community growth.

• The population of Melissa declined from a high of 500 in 1925 to 285 in 1949. In 1966 it was 375. Melissa was incorporated in the early 1970s. In 1980 it had a population of 604 and nine businesses. In 1990 its population was 557. Sources: http://collincountystation.com/melissah.html and http://www.cityofmelissa.com/about_us/history_of_melissa.html

First Melissa Church History

On Saturday, October 18, 1884, the Baptist Church of Christ at Melissa

was organized by Pastor Levi Dunnand 22 charter members.

Charter members:

P. A. Humphries, Bettie Parris, S. J. Parris, John G. Humphries, Delia Lair, Martha Graves, James M. Graves, Mary Crain Harriet Shirley, G. A. Humphries, Martha A. Vanters, T. C. Lair, Z. T. Humphries, Mary

Slaughter, Virginia R. Ogilvie, Frederic H. Ogilvie, Mary Atkinson, Suzie Humphries, Maranda F. Gibson, John f. Gibson, James S. Hill, and E. P. Hill.

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you

always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

• In 1884, the first deacon was J. M. Graves, F. H. Ogilvie was the first church clerk, and J. S. Hill was the first church treasurer.

• Worship services were held one Sunday per month from 1884 to 1898.

• In December 1886, the church decides to select a site on which to build, to be located on the south end of the F. H. Ogilvie lot. Plans were developed to contract a church building with J. F. Gibson, J. S. Hill and J. M. Graves appointed as trustees for church property, and the same with the addition of T. C. Lair, appointed as a building committee. Services led by Pastor William Dunn.

In the 130 year history of First Melissa, 37 different men have answered the call to serve as

the church’s senior pastor and spiritual leader.

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of ChristEphesians 4:11-2

LEVI DUNN 1884-1885WILLIAM DUNN 1885-1889JOHN W. CONNELLY 1889-1895J. F. SEAGRAVES 1895-1896G. O. KEY 1896-1897J. H. MYERS 1897-1898G. O. KEY 1898-1902J. L. TRUETT 1902-1907M. L. FULLER 1907-1908L. L. SAMS 1908-1909BRO. BLACK 1909-1910G. M. COOK 1910-1915T. J. FURNESS 1915-1918R. C. FLETCHER 1918-1919G. L. WEST 1919-1921JOE PEARCE 1922-1927ED H. RATLIFF 1927-1929R. L. BONNER 1929-1933M. M. BARNETT 1933-1937

GEORGE HUMPHREY 1937-1939BERNARD FRANKLIN 1939-1941E. E. GILBERT 1941-1945T. H. Mc SPADDEN 1945-1946LEWIS FERRELL 1946-1947TRUMAN SKAGGS 1947-1952LOREN WHITE 1952-1956PAUL MYERS 1956-1957J. C. OGG 1958-1960CLYDE T. BOYD 1960-1965GLENN BRIDGES 1965-1973RICHARD IVY 1974-1976MAC POPE 1976-1978MILTON MAGNESS 1978-1980KEN KELLEY 1980-1986DONNY CORTIMILIA 1987-1990MORGAN MALONE 1990-2000RAY MILLER 2000-2001TREY GRAHAM 2002-present

First Melissa History• Worship services held once per month from 1884 to

1898.

• First building was dedicated in March, 1890.

• Name of Baptist Church of Christ at Melissa was changed in December, 1891. The church became known as Melissa Baptist Church.

• In 1898, the church decided to meet twice per month.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments”

Deuteronomy 7:9

• By 1887, missions funds were being sent to Home Missions and Buckner Orphans Home. Records show gifts of $5.00 to Home Missions and $11.00 to the orphans were sent that year.

• Church’s first building was dedicated debt-free in March, 1890.

• Name of the Baptist Church of Christ at Melissa was changed in December, 1891. The church became known at that time as Melissa Baptist Church. Services were led by Pastor John W. Connelly.

• In 1898, the church decided to meet twice per month.

• In April of 1898, Training Union (discipleship class) was organized with thirty members, with J. H. Graves as director.

Pastor G. O. Key (1896-1897, 1898-1902)

Pastor J. L. Truett (1902-1907)

A tornado struck Melissa on April 13, 1921, killing 13 people and injuring 54.

All churches in town, including First Melissa, were damaged.

• On May 1, 1921, a meeting was called to rebuild the church. In July of 1921, a $2,000 note was issued for rebuilding costs.• The new building was dedicated debt-free in 1924.• In April of 1925, pews were purchased for $700 from the

First Christian Church of Sherman.• Weekly worship services began August 15, 1948. • In 1950, a new of building improvements were completed,

including re-papering, repainting, carpet added, piano purchased.• Name of the church was changed in June, 1952, to

First Baptist Church Melissa.

First building was destroyed in 1921 tornado.This second building was constructed in 1924.

First building was destroyed in 1921 tornado.This second building was constructed in 1924.

Bible Class certificate from January, 1922

Sunday School Registration Certificate – March, 1924

Women of the church standing outside church front doorsDate is late 1920s

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

Matthew 24:35

Pastor George Humphrey (1937-1939)

Old Collin County Courthouse in 1939Photo courtesy Tx DoT

Community Church Tabernacle in MelissaPhoto taken in June 1957

Located where Melissa ISD now parks school busesPhotos shows a local baseball team coached by Jim Wysong

• In 1955, air conditioning added to the sanctuary.

• In 1959, a major remodeling project included

folding partition doors, complete sheet-rocking,

acoustic ceiling, painting, new carpet, floor

refinishing, new baptistery with dressing rooms,

built-in literature cabinets, new roof. Cost:

$12,227.97.

• On March 19, 1961, the church votes to add an educational building

adjoining the sanctuary. Plans included heating/cooling system,

plumbing, Sunday School rooms, nursery, pastor’s study, dining room,

kitchen, restrooms, entry hall, outside entrance, and parking area.

$22,000 note issued.

• In October 1963, new educational building dedicated and note burned.

• In 1966, the church’s original parsonage sold for $4,500. Brick

parsonage (located at 3306 McKinney St) built on a lot deeded by

Mary Lou and Ruth Graves in memory of their father J. H. Graves.

Cost was $17,800.

Pastor J. C. Ogg (1958-1960)

Pastor Clyde T. Boyd (1960-1965)

Program created for the church’s 75th anniversary

celebration in October, 1959.

First Melissa’s former location as it looked in 1969. This building still stands on Harrison St.

Pastor Glenn Bridges (1965-1973)

Pastor Richard and Joy Ivy (1974-1976)

In 1977, major structural improvements included a new peaked roof built over existing flat roof, stucco exterior, new foyer, new choir loft, repainting inside and out, new carpet, paneling, and folding door panels. Cost was $49,000.

Pastor Milton Magness (1978-1980)

Pastor Ken Kelley and wife Anita (1980-1986)

Program created for the church’s

100th anniversary celebration in October, 1984.

Pastor Donny Cortimilia (1987-1990)

Pastor Morgan Malone (1990-2000)

• In 1998, the church votes to relocate. Land search committee formed, composed of members James Bell, Brian Hall, Allan Baxter, Paul Griffin, and Al Guin. Land identified and secured in December. Land located at intersection of SH 121 and FM 545 in Melissa. Land was purchased for $214,000.

• On February 28, 1999, a special worship service was held on the new property, led by Pastor Morgan Malone.

• On June 27, 1999, a dedication service held on new property.

The church’s former location in 2000.Now the home of Shiloh Church of God in Christ.

Our church’s oldest active members •Helen Browning (age 92)

Mrs. Browning joined our church in 1941

•Lorene Kemp (age 92)Mrs. Kemp joined our church in 1951

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

Pastor Trey Graham (2002-2014)

Baby Dedication in August 2002

Deacon Ordination in August 2002

• On December 1, 2002, church begins two Sunday morning worship services each week.

• In 2003, design begins for facilities to be constructed on new property. Brian Billings serves as Building Committee chairman, with committee members Tim Buchanan, Larry Magers, Art Collins, Doris Hanson, Kathy Mixson, Kevin Barham, Ed Newsome, Charlie Whittington, Allen Calvert, and Kassie Koons.

• On May 18, 2003, ground-breaking ceremony held for new facilities. Planned facilities include more than 21,000 square feet of multi-purpose worship, education, kitchen, fellowship, and office space.

• On November 14, 2003, Grand Opening service held for what is now called Building A. Cost approximately $2.5 million.

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Impact Week 2004

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building A in May 2003

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building A in May 2003

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building A in May 2003

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building A in May 2003

Construction on Building A began in March 2004

Construction on Building A began in March 2004

Grand Opening of Building A in November 2004

Grand Opening of Building A in November 2004

Grand Opening of Building A in November 2004

“BMW” teaching series in May 2005

• In 2005, church begins three Sunday morning worship services each week.

• In March 2009, construction begins on Building B, new 22,000 square foot education building for preschool and student ministries

• Construction completed in December 2009. Cost approximately $4.0 million.

Impact Week 2007

Impact Week 2008

Christmas Food Deliveries, December 2008

2010 Men’s Golf Tournament

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater things than these he will do;

because I go to the Father.” John 14:12

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building B in April 2010

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building B in April 2010

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building B in April 2010

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building B in April 2010

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building B in April 2010

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Building B in April 2010

Construction of Building B in November 2010

Construction of Building B in December 2010

Princeton campus worship service in August 2011

Strive Students worship in March 2014

Ignite Kids at summer camp in June 2014

Strive Students at Camp Eagle in July 2014

What does the future look like?

Collin County Population Projections

NOTE:Buildings in BLUE have not yet been built

What does the future look like?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of

Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6