In a town with many historical markers and buildings, celebrating 75 years may seem premature. But the 75th anniversary of the First United Methodist Church building on Broad St. slated for November 2 and open to all, is one of many chapters in a story of unity and division that began long ago in Mason County.
The German immigrants who first settled this area brought Methodism with them along with their families and belongings. A story composed by the late Stella Gipson Polk, sister of local novelist Fred Gipson, for the August 24, 1978, edition of the Mason County News summarizes the journey of Methodism sheltered in the hearts of immigrants and first established along the Llano River in Castell.
In the early days, church did not always mean an iconic building with a steeple. Services were held in homes, under trees and in schoolhouses, even the courthouse. Circuit riders traveled to serve small congregations here and around the county including Hilda, Art, Castell, and Loyal Valley, to name a few.
