White Deer to celebrate century of ministry
Written by by White Deer Church Tuesday, 01 March 2011 10:53
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized White Deer United Methodist Church as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it an Official Texas Historical Marker.
The designation honors White Deer United Methodist Church as an important and educational part of local history.
A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be held at 5:15 p.m. April 9 at the church.
White Deer UMC also will celebrate its 100th anniversary April 9-10.
Other activities to commemorate a century of ministry include a birthday banquet, brunch, special worship service and fellowship.
Registration will be at 1 p.m. April 9 followed by visitation and viewing of historical displays. The banquet will begin after the historical marker dedication.
Brunch will be served at 9:30 a.m. April 10 followed by worship at 11 a.m.
Speakers for the April 9 historical maker unveiling will include Bishop Max Whitfield of the Northwest Texas and New Mexico Conferences; Amarillo District Superintendent Todd Dyess of the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and Carson County Judge Lewis Powers.
“The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of THC. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources.”
A subject qualifies for a marker if two basic criteria are met: historical significance and age.
Historical significance is established by reviewing its role and importance in local history, and the age requirement depends on the topic.
THC’s Official Texas Marker Policies are outlined in the Official Texas Historical Marker Guidelines and Application Form, which may be obtained by contacting the History Programs Division, Texas Historical Commission, at (512) 463-5853 or visiting the web site at www.thc.state.tx.us.
“It is vital that as we move forward, we do not forget our past. Not only will the Texas Historical Marker provide awareness in the community of our fascinating history, but it will become a building block for the promotion of local tourism,” said Linda Germany, Chairman of the Carson County Historical Commission.
Texas has the largest marker program in the United States with approximately 12,000 markers. The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation.
