Lorena Methodist Church

In 1865, Lorena was a preaching point on a circuit of churches that extended southward to Cameron. The Cedar Bridge Church and schoolhouse, located between Lorena and Bruceville on South Cow Bayou, was one of the earliest in the area and had fourteen members. Records show that Lorena Methodists attended this church in 1868. At this time, the Methodists worshipped in a number of places, including a

log cabin located near the entrance to the Elizabeth Estes residence. Later, until their own church was built, they worshipped with the Baptists at times, and on occasions, the two traditions held joint revivals. Land for the now existing Lorena Methodist Church was acquired in 1881 from Daniel Aerl for one hundred dollars. Plans for the new church were supplied by H. The architecture resembled that of a church he had attended in England as a young boy. The new building was erected in 1886 consisting of the present sanctuary, vestibule, and steeple. Membership was forty in 1884 and the offering was less than a dollar. In 1916, two rooms on the south and a choir loft were added with seating facing that same direction. In 1943, the seating arrangement was revised and once again the pews faced the east. The education unit was built in 1922, and in 1950 was joined with the church in one harmonious structure. In 1950, the members of Spring Valley Church and of Stanford’s Chapel disbanded and joined the Lorena Methodist Church to continue the unbroken line of faith. The Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church merged throughout the United States in 1968 to form the present United Methodist Church, hence our church then became the Lorena United Methodist Church. In April of 1977, a Texas Historical Marker was dedicated at the church. The plaque was presented “To be dedicated to the glory of God and to the honor and memory of those who pioneered and developed, not only the soil of the country, but also its spiritual and cultural atmosphere.”

Through the endowment of Denton Stanford, in 1990, surrounding property for future expansion was purchased. At the same time, the sanctuary was completely renovated with the acquisition of a new organ, sound system, and lighting, while retaining the atmosphere of the original rural church. Additionally, the Stanford endowment has sponsored many special programs, scholarships, and ministries. In 2002, the church held a special Church Conference to select a Building Committee to initiate and begin the work on a Family Life Center across the street. In 2022, the church disafilliated from the United Methodist Church to be part of the new Global Methodist Church. The story is far from complete — it goes on, as it is daily being weaved into history through each worship service and ministry dedicated to the Lord’s work.