First United Methodist Church Round Rock
Round Rock
TX

• United Methodist Churches in Round Rock, TX
• United Methodist Churches in Texas
• United Methodist Churches in United States
• United Methodist Churches near me
• All churches in Round Rock, TX

Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Round Rock, TX
First Church exists to share the love of God in Jesus Christ.

We invite you to join us in worship at 8:30, 9:40 and 11 am on Sundays, and to get involved in the myriad of ministry and mission opportunities in our church. Please take a few moments to browse our website in order to learn about the Christian faith and how you can find your place here at First United Methodist Church Round Rock. We know you will find this to be a warm and welcoming congregation.

Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.

As members of the United Methodist Church, we share beliefs with other Christian groups, including faith in God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Download First United Methodist Church Round Rock vCard with Service Times

Download Senior Pastor Dr. Will Cotton vCard

United Methodist Church

United Methodist Churches in Round Rock, Texas, United States

United Methodist Churches in Texas, United States

United Methodist Churches in United States

All churches in Round Rock, TX

http://fumc-rr.org

Dr. Will Cotton

Senior Pastor

1004 North Mays
PO Box 1448
Round Rock
Texas
78680

512.255.3336

Cindy Thompson

Operations Manager

1004 North Mays, PO Box 1448
PO Box 1448
Round Rock
Texas
78680

512.255.3336

PO Box 1448
Round Rock
78680

Parking lots are located north and south of the sanctuary.

8:30 am Worship Service (Blend of Traditional and Contemporary Style of Worship), Sanctuary

9:40 am CrossRoads AM Worship Service (Contemporary Style of Worship), Family Life Center

11:00 am Worship Service (Traditional Style of Worship), Sanctuary

Nursery and toddler care is provided at all three morning services.

Service Times last updated on the 21st of February, 2018

English

Handicapped accessible.

New Revised Standard Version

I am not afraid that the people called Methodist shall ever cease to exist either in Europe or America.
But, I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.
And this undoubtedly will be the case, unless they hold fast the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which
they first set out.

John Wesley

The mission of the First United Methodist Church of Round Rock is to share the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Rooted in a rich Wesleyan heritage, First Church provides nurture in the Christian faith through worship, study, and fellowship. Reaching out, like the branches of its historic Council Oak, First Church seeks to minister to the needs of the growing community and to participate in the worldwide mission of the United Methodist Church.

The history of such a congregation is not the story of one person or any small group of people, but the recounting of countless stories of the vision, faith, and generosity of folk who saw beyond the experiences of their present day and looked forward to the ministry of the future. They were not afraid of stepping out in the faith to bring the presence of God clearly into focus in the
community. The history of this congregation has been expressed in the stories of sacrifice and spiritual growth of those on a journey of faith.

Contained in this, our newest family album is a sampling of our history which will appear in its final published form in the future. Countless bits of history, pictures and memories will be put together to truly tell our story, “The Story of First Church Round Rock.”

Where do we go from here? God can lead us no further than we are willing to go. He can lead us to do no more that we are willing to do. What can we accomplish together in partnership with Him through the church?

The Communications Leadership Team appreciates the hard work of everyone who participated in the directory project, whether it was simply having your picture made, hosting the photography sessions, assisting with the scheduling of appointments, providing information and working on the development of our sampling of history that is contained in these pages.

We hope you enjoy and appreciate the efforts of all who were involved.

The Communications Leadership Team

1879-1956
With the town of Round Rock’s population reaching 1,500, the people called Methodists were anxious to have their own church. The congregation purchased two lots at 110 South Brown Street from the Texas Land Company at a cost of $1 on March 26, 1879. On April 6, 1879, about four hundred area Methodists, traveled in four chartered train cars from Georgetown to Round Rock, gathered for a dedication service and pledged their support for the new church by collecting about $300 for its construction. By 1897, the congregation had a membership of 195.

Like the architecture of many other churches, the white wooden building was rectangular with a tall steeple containing a bell tower. The steeple was blown down by a windstorm in the early 1900’s and was not replaced.

The church was remodeled in 1942 with a new roof, new pews and other repairs. Pews were purchased from the Hutto church with proceeds from a box supper honoring the 1942 high school seniors.

In August 1947, a committee was appointed to consider the feasibility of building additional Sunday school classrooms. With only two small Sunday school rooms in the church, the adults had to meet in the sanctuary, the young people met in the choir loft, another class met in the funeral home and others met in members’ homes. The young people presented the play, “Sally Lou”
and $157 was raised for the building. The vacant lot next to the parsonage was sold to E. J. Walsh, Jr. for $425 which was immediately deposited into the building fund. An annex was constructed at a cost of $3,284.15. Dedication services were held on January 12, 1949.

This facility continued to serve the needs of the church community until April of 1956 when the Administrative Board discussed whether to remodel the old church, adding more Sunday school rooms, or to build a new church. There were mixed feelings about tearing down the old church, but the Church Conference which met in October of that year voted to build a new sanctuary. The last service held in the old church was April 6, 1958.

Methodists Give Tabernacle to Old Settlers Association

In 1899, a group of Civil War veterans and families gathered for a social event. The gathering was enjoyed so much that it was decided to make it a yearly occurrence. The “Old Settlers Association” as it became known met in the Georgetown area and in 1923 moved to Round Rock. Land was donated on the southwest corner of what is known as IH-35 and Highway 620. A double log cabin built about 1850 near Liberty Hill was moved to Round Rock and became the headquarters of the Old Settler’s Association (OSA). The community was “enthusiastic” at the relocation of this association to their town. A forty-eight-by-eighty-four foot tabernacle was given to the Association by the Methodist Church. The structure provided a covered pavilion for many gatherings throughout the years. For example, the Baptists and Methodists together held a revival meeting at the Old Settlers’ Tabernacle on July 29 through August 9, 1931.

Church Parsonages
In 1939, the church purchased two lots on the corner of West Main and Harris Street, with an old house located on one of the lots. Members of the church worked together remodeling the house to be suitable as a parsonage. Prior to this time, the church had to rent a home for the preacher’s residence.

The Board of Trustees, in 1965, was given permission to purchase four lots south of the church for a price not to exceed $3,100. The called Quarterly Conference approved the selling of the old parsonage and the construction of a new one on part of the South Brown property. The new parsonage was completed on July 2, 1965 and was dedicated on September 19. When completed, the building was completely free of debt.

After Rev. Charles (Joe) McAfee left in June of 1983 the parsonage was needed for Sunday school classes and the Rev Jim D Chandler leased a house until he could build a new home. Instead of furnishing a parsonage for the preacher, a housing allowance was given.

First Church Moves Down Main Street

The old church was torn down to the floor and moved down the middle of Main Street to Black and Circle Streets where it was used as the floor of a house
there.
Opening services were held Sunday morning, August
31, 1958, with former pastors, the district superintendent,
and C. D. Fulkes, Chairman of the Administrative
Board taking part in the services. The Methodist
Youth Fellowship (MYF) provided the landscaping for
the new facility and the Women’s Society of Christian
Service (WSCS) paid for the old art glass windows. A
30-foot redwood cross was placed at the front to greet
the eyes of all passers-by.
That afternoon, a historical record box was placed in the structure as the cornerstone was laid.
During the rest of the week, returning pastors filled the pulpit and special music was provided by
members of other community churches.
On September, 14, 2002, the historic box was opened during the 10:45 worship service. In the
box were several newspapers with articles about the new sanctuary and the services associated
with it. Also, there were several documents that gave a snapshot of the church at the end of 1957.
Membership totaled 198, Senior MYF numbered 6 and there were 7 members in the Junior MYF.
There were two infant baptisms in 1957.
1970-1982 Remodeling and Expanding
Continuing to expand, the Administrative Board and church leadership felt that a new educational
building was needed in the best interest of the church and the community. A Church conference was
held on May 3, 1970, and voted to build an educational building with costs not to exceed $30,000.
Students from the Round Rock High School Building Trades class constructed the Fellowship Hall
with assistance from church members. Open House was held for the new facility on June 20, 1971.
Church members as well as the community benefited from this facility.
On March 25, 1976, the people called Methodists of Round
Rock unanimously approved the construction of a new
wing, major repairs, and refurbishing of the sanctuary
at a cost not to exceed $60,000. The outside façade was
contemporary with rock trim inside and out. A covered
walkway connected the overall project to the existing fellowship
hall, the exterior of which was remodeled to provide
a unity of appearance. The main entrance was moved
to the south end of the sanctuary and was marked by a
thirty-foot tower from which was suspended a cross and
the original church bell. Inside, the pulpit and the chancel
were moved to the north end of the sanctuary. Pews were
sold for $175 and the old art glass windows sold for $50 each with the unsold windows being auctioned
with the other trim. The first worship service was held in the remodeled sanctuary in January
1977. The membership at that time was 433.
In the 1976-77 remodeling of the Brown Street Church, the art glass windows were replaced with a
set of faceted glass windows depicting the creation. The construction of the new sanctuary in 2003
utilized the antique stained glass windows from the Brown
Street church as doors leading into the sanctuary signifying
that the congregation is preserving their past while working
towards the future.
With the continued increase in Sunday school attendance, a
need for additional classroom space was felt. In 1978, four
new classrooms and a large nursery were constructed connecting
the Fellowship Hall and the Church. This was accomplished
by the work of Hilary “Butch” Canon Builders as well
as members of the church. Consecration of this addition was
held in September of that year.
The Council of Ministries Task Force began looking in 1982
for ways to provide space to accommodate the growing
church family. Recognizing that the Brown Street property
was land-locked, the only viable option was to relocate the
Church. The Partners in Growth share program from the Texas Methodist Foundation announced a
grant of $50,000 to assist in the relocation effort. The relocation committee began looking at possible
sites for relocation.
After investigating several properties in the immediate area, the committee recommended selling
the current property and purchasing 6.9 acres on the historic site known as Council Oak owned by
Mrs. Liamor-Dane Pearson for the purpose of relocating the church campus.
The proposed property had a rich history dating back to March 1841 with the assignment of a First
Class Headright land grant to Thomas Anderson, an assignee of Wiley Harris by Mirabeau B. Lamar,
President of the Republic of Texas. First Class Headright grants were given to any man who arrived in
the Republic of Texas prior to March 2, 1836. Wiley Harris arrived in Bastrop County in 1823. Being a
single man, he was eligible for a labor of land, or approximately 1, 476 acres of land.
Located on the property was one of the earliest homes in Round Rock, and an example of an early
Texas ranch house. This limestone structure was reported to have been built around 1860. The
house became known as “Council Oak”, named for the site and the large oak tree located on the
west-front side of the home where Tonkawa Indians were said to have held council. Washington Anderson,
son of Thomas, is said to have built the home for his
daughter Chloe who married Robert Hay Taliaferro, a Baptist
minister, in 1855. The land was subsequently sold to the W. E.
Egger, Hedwig Nelson, Louis M. Henna, and T. F. Wessels families.
Local contractor Bennie Bustin added a carport (which
later became the Son Room) and porch as one of the last
remodeling projects. In 1963, the property was sold to Raymond
Pearson and remained in the family for twenty years.
Plans were implemented to move all Sunday school classes
and worship services to C. D. Fulkes Middle School. Space
for the rapid growth that was being experienced was not adequate
to wait for the new facility. Activities being held at either
the South Brown or the new church site would remain at those
locations.
A Place to Grow
By March 4, 1983, an architectural model of Phase I of our “Place
to Grow” was on display in the foyer of the church for all to see.
The plans included a worship and fellowship area of over 1,200
square feet and classroom areas of nearly 6,500 square feet.
September 30, 1984 was another historic milestone in the life of First United Methodist Church Round
Rock. On this Indian summer morning, an open-air service was held under the 500 year-old Council
Oak Tree on the new church site. The air was filled with all sorts of sounds as the people called Methodist
gathered to worship.
Following lunch on the grounds, the historic house was dedicated in memory and celebration of the
life and ministry of Dr. Jack Payne who served
as District Superintendent during 1982-1983.
He was the impetus behind the church’s relocation
effort. His wife, Lillie, and daughter Dana
Payne Turner, were present for the dedication
representing Dr. Payne who suffered a fatal
heart attack in September of 1983.
Following the dedication, ground was broken
for Phase I of the new church. A special address
was given by Connie Zimmerman prior to
the Rev. Jim Chandler and Rev. Vaughn Baker
leading the congregation in the formal groundbreaking
ceremony. Members created a human
chain along the site of the foundation. Following the ceremony, 400 helium-filled balloons containing
the address of the church and a note was released noting that on this date, ground was broken for
Phase I.
In December of that year, the church offices were relocated to historic home on the new site at 1004
North Mays Street. The new church building was consecrated on January 26, 1986.
Almost immediately, further classroom expansion was needed. Donations totaling $2,000 were taken
to be used in converting the storage rooms off the west end of the Family Life Center into classrooms.
In 1988, the Family Life Center was rearranged. From the beginning, the congregation faced the north
windows which partially obscured the view of the beautiful grounds. The Council on Ministries as
well as the Worship Committee agreed that moving the chancel and choir area to the south wall of the
Family Life Center was advantageous as to allow for better
sound projection from the choir and handbell groups and to
make room for additional seating.
The Methodist Men began supervising the installation the
bell tower from the South Brown property. This tower, containing
a cross and the functioning bell from the original
church building, became the centerpiece for an outdoor worship
area north of the Council Oak. As an Eagle Scout project
of Doug Reed, the cross was set in a planter constructed
of native stone. The bell tower was dedicated in April 1987, and was, as originally, dedicated to the
memory of Frank and Betty Jane McNeese.
Who is buried under the Council Oak Tree?
The number one church greeter, Holy Smoke, a little gray friendly cat met each and every one as
they arrived at church on Sunday Morning. Where did Holy Smoke come from? Who did he belong
to? These questions would remain unanswered. For a brief time, he was a very
important part of our church family. Holy Smoke died of natural causes and was
appropriately buried under the Council Oak.
Expansion continues with acquisition of the Anderson House
The church was given the opportunity to acquire the Anderson property south of the current location.
There was a house with a large stone fireplace and room for large gatherings, in-ground pool,
and a two-story red barn which could be converted into an activity building. The Charge Conference
approved the acquisition and the Georgetown Title Company donated $850 as a part of their contribution
to the acquisition and final closing costs of the property which became known as the Youth
Ministry Center (Youth House). In preparation for construction of the new sanctuary, the Youth
House and barn were sold and moved to another location. This area, and adjoining property, were
repurposed into a parking area which also served as a staging area for construction materials and
equipment.
Upon this Rock
In less than ten years after relocating from South Brown Street, the congregational family had grown
to a point where current facilities would not keep up with the record number of people who wanted
to be a part of First Church Round Rock. There were three times as many children enrolled in Sunday
school classes as there was space for. The adult program was limited because of the lack of classroom
space. In June 1996, an All-Church Conference, after receiving a presentation of preliminary plans for
additional parking, educational and worship facilities, voted to proceed.
“Upon this Rock. . . we build for Christ. . . for our faith. . . and for those who will follow us!”
was selected as the theme for the implementation of Phase One of the Master Plan which included an
educational/administrative building, nearly doubling the size of the current space. The new facility
would contain 43 new classrooms to house children, youth and adult classes, as well as office space.
On March 16, members enjoyed an all-church continental breakfast and worship celebration at the
Round Rock High School Field House. With floor and bleachers full, hymns of faith were sung as
sights were focused on the full range of God’s plans for the congregation. Phil Seawell, Minister of
Music, composed a special song entitled “Upon
this Rock” which was used throughout the campaign.
Once again, the congregation participated in
a groundbreaking ceremony; this time it was
for the educational building. On November 23,
1997, members gathered around the outline of
the new building with shovels, picks, rakes—
whatever they wanted to use to help the dream
get a great start. Following the ceremony, members
enjoyed the annual Thanksgiving dinner in
celebration of God’s blessings and their work
together in faith.
On Sunday, August 15 members were allowed to participate in an unannounced “walk through” of the
new building. Members of the building Committee were stationed throughout ready to direct people
and answer questions. Because there was no budget for new furnishings, approximations of furnishing
costs were posted next to all the room numbers to give everyone an idea about what was required
to make each space truly usable in ministry. By November 1, all rooms/offices had been furnished
without incurring any new debt.
Kentucky Fried Chicken Buckets...a new tradition
There were not enough offering plates to take the gifts and tithes of the large group that met at the
Round Rock High School Fieldhouse for the kick off service for the Upon This Rock campaign, so
the tradition of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) buckets was inaugurated by using them to take the
morning’s offering. During a like service for the It’s Time Campaign, not only were the buckets used
for the offering, but also to pass small sterling silver acorns to each member present as a token of the
campaign effort.
It’s Time...to plant...to grow...and to bear fruit
Individually and collectively, the church family felt it was it truly time and committed itself to the
construction of a new purpose-built sanctuary to be the center of their spiritual expression, a place
of rest and refreshment in grace as well as a witness to the entire community. “It’s Time. . . to plant,
. . . to grow. . . and to bear fruit” was the theme for this endeavor. It’s time to plant new seeds that
will carry on our legacy. It’s time to grow our congregation as Paul spoke of in Ephesians 4:13, “We
will grow in numbers of people brought to Christ, grow in unity, and grow in spirit.” It’s time for future
generations to enjoy the fruit of the sacrifices and hard work of earlier congregations dedicated to
spreading the word of God. . The acorn, from which the mighty oak tree grows, became the tangible
reminder of the task set before the congregation.
The Building Committee members, Sabrina Butler, Elbert David, Becky Harris, Dick Lee, Leo Maguire,
Jim Mills, Steve Oltmanns, Rich Thompson, and Joe Vining facilitated design development meetings
held with various groups regarding classroom needs, worship center design, and site utilization.
Some of the sanctuary design guidelines resulting from the development sessions were:
• It has to look like a church. . .
• It has to have stained glass windows...
• It has to fit in with Central Texas. . .
• It needs to remind me of my old church. . .
• It needs to reflect First Church Round Rock. . . We are different!
• It should be open with lots of light. . . awe inspiring!
On April 8, 2001, the congregation met once again in the Round Rock High School Field House to enjoy
a light breakfast and to worship as one body. Minister of Music Phil Seawell presented his composition
for the campaign which included the words, “Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy,
tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.” As with “Upon this Rock”, this
hymn was sung throughout the campaign and upon completion of the sanctuary.
Groundbreaking for the sanctuary, the long-awaited moment in the life of the congregation was scheduled
for Sunday, November 18, 2001. A weather balloon will a cross hanging from it was hoisted to the
same height and over the site of the new steeple Following the ceremony, the traditional Thanksgiving
Dinner which had been celebrated by church members for over thirty-five years was held in the
Family Life Center.
Once the foundation was poured, one hundred pilings were drilled deep (ten to twenty feet) into the
bedrock, the living rock upon which the church was to be built in order to be fully grounded and
secured with a firm and lasting foundation. A “foundation of faith truly founded upon this rock” took on
new meaning for all.
The first of many steel pilings went in the ground on September 11, 2002, on the one year anniversary
of the 9/11 disaster in New York, Washington, D.C. and the Pennsylvania countryside. It was a poignant
moment for all in attendance as Rev. Adkins met with the workman for a short memorial service
and prayer. Many congregational members witnessed this historic event as a fireman’s hat was hung
on the fence surrounding the construction site.
November 13, 2002, was designated as “Standing on the Word Sunday.” The contractors prepared so
that members could tour the site as part of the worship experience. In fact, members and friends
were asked to bring a permanent marker with them to place the Word of God on the foundation and
the steel uprights throughout the structure.
An ancient tradition, “Standing on the Word” gave members the opportunity to remind themselves
that it was God who was building this home through their hearts and hard work, and that without the
Word of God in them what they do is truly without a future. Marked then on the sanctuary floor and
on the supporting steel beams would be their favorite scriptures, word of blessing and the names
of all those who participated as a historical act of faith and trust in God. Everyone present felt the
power and presence of God there with them.
A Gathering of Believers
With the raising of the 12-foot cross to its final height atop the new bell
tower during a 23 mph wind, on Sunday, February 16, 2003, the congregation
notified the community that there is a gathering of believers that works to
put Christ first in their lives. This sacred symbol, which has been the core of
the church since its inception, reminds all of our true focus in faith.
The prayer with the raising of the bronze cross was that it would symbolize
our real desire to think of the needs and well-being in the faith of those who
have yet to find God’s wondrous grace.
August 2003 was a busy month for the congregation. The final worship
service was held in the Family Life Center on August 3. The first worship
services were held in the new sanctuary on August 10 and an Open House on
August 24. Dedication Sunday, November 23, 2003, was the culminating activity in the long journey to
the new church home.
The Next Step...and beyond
If life is a journey, then each step taken is
important in that journey. From the dreams that
led to the formation of a “Methodist presence” in
1879, to the white frame country church building
on Brown Street and its replacement in later
years with a solid brick structure, all represent
early visionary steps taken in this congregation’s
journey of faith. New dreams and visions led to
a move from Brown Street to C. D. Faulks Middle
School while a new church site was being located.
Six-plus acres at Mays and Highway 79 were
acquired and a new campus begun…these too
were faithful steps in mission and ministry.
Making sure we were on the right track, a new educational wing was added to meet the growing
spiritual education needs of this burgeoning congregation in 1998, which was then quickly followed
by a new church worship home, a purpose-built sanctuary, in 2003. The “Next Step” campaign,
launched in 2005, continues to lead us to expand our property and update our campus in order that
we might better serve our community and the call of Christ. The “Next Step” is an expression of
this congregation’s continuing vision of growing with the needs of the community in which God has
planted a great dream.

World Events Timeline Dates First Church Timeline
Mexico gives Texas to the U.S., ending the war;
gaslights were installed in the White House.
1848 Williamson County created from Milam County
First baseball uniforms are worn;
“Moby Dick”, is published
1851 Establishment of the first post-office
for Brushy Creek
1st sewing machine is patented;
Henry David Thoreau publishes, “Walden”
1854 Brushy Creek re-named Round Rock
1st Westminster dog show is held;
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
1877 To moved from nest Brushy Creek to
near the railroad
American Bar Association is formed 1878 Sam Bass fatally shot on July 20 in Round Rock
1st railroad is opened in Hawaii 1879 Purchase of Brown Street property; 400 attend
the dedication of the property
1st NFL pro bowl; comic strip, “Superman” debuts 1939 Land purchased for the second parsonage
Germany invades Poland;
Baseball Hall of Fame opens
1942 Church remodeled
1st tape recorder is sold; flag of Israel is adopted 1948 Classroom annex constructed
Elvis Presley records, “Heartbreak Hotel”;
Detroit Tigers sell for a record $ 5.5 million
1956 Church Conference voted to build a new church
Arnold Palmer wins first Masters Tournament;
Saddam Hussein takes power in Iraq
1958 New Sanctuary completed
“My Fair Lady”, wins at the Academy Award;
Mickey Mantle plays his 2,000 game
1965 Parsonage on South Brown Street completed
Charles Manson sentenced to life in prison;
Texas stadium opens
1971 Fellowship Hall constructed by Round Rock HS
Building Trades students and members
1st Episcopal woman to be ordained;
Apple computer is incorporated
1977 Remodeling of Sanctuary, repairs and new wing
“Late Night with David Letterman” debuts 1982 Purchase of North Mays property
“Cosby Show” premiers; NHL star Wayne Gretzky
becomes youngest player to score 1,000 goals
1984 Groundbreaking and construction began on
Family Life Center and Education Wing
Aruba becomes an independent country 1986 Consecration of new building, services began
Harvard University patents genetically engineered
mouse; 1st Monday Night Football game is televised
1988 Rearrangement of the Family Life Center
U.S. Navy assigns women to combat ships; South
Africa has first multi – racial election
1994 Purchase of Anderson Property
for Youth Ministry Center
Minimum wage is raised to $4.25 per hour;
O.J. Simpson is cleared of murder charges
1996 Phase II of the Master Plan--parking and
education building approved
Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 4.0; Jerry
Lewis’ MD telethon breaks $50 million
1997 Groundbreaking for Building 5
Control of the Panama Canal reverts back to
Panama; International year of the Elderly
1999 Consecration of Building 5
First space tourist visits the International Space
Station; 9/11 terrorist attacks
2001 Groundbreaking for the Sanctuary
Winter Olympics are in Salt Lake City; Euro becomes
the currency for most of Europe
2002 The “Planting of Prayers Sunday”; First steel
beam erected; “Standing on the Word” Sunday
10 hour blackout for most of the northeast U.S.;
space shuttle Columbia explodes over Texas
2003 Placing of the cross atop the new bell tower of
the Sanctuary; First worship service in Sanctuary;
Placing of the time capsule in the sanctuary
Lance Armstrong wins 7th consecutive
Tour de France
2005 “Next Step” campaign launchedWorld Events Timeline Dates First Church Timeline
Mexico gives Texas to the U.S., ending the war;
gaslights were installed in the White House.
1848 Williamson County created from Milam County
First baseball uniforms are worn;
“Moby Dick”, is published
1851 Establishment of the first post-office
for Brushy Creek
1st sewing machine is patented;
Henry David Thoreau publishes, “Walden”
1854 Brushy Creek re-named Round Rock
1st Westminster dog show is held;
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
1877 To moved from nest Brushy Creek to
near the railroad
American Bar Association is formed 1878 Sam Bass fatally shot on July 20 in Round Rock
1st railroad is opened in Hawaii 1879 Purchase of Brown Street property; 400 attend
the dedication of the property
1st NFL pro bowl; comic strip, “Superman” debuts 1939 Land purchased for the second parsonage
Germany invades Poland;
Baseball Hall of Fame opens
1942 Church remodeled
1st tape recorder is sold; flag of Israel is adopted 1948 Classroom annex constructed
Elvis Presley records, “Heartbreak Hotel”;
Detroit Tigers sell for a record $ 5.5 million
1956 Church Conference voted to build a new church
Arnold Palmer wins first Masters Tournament;
Saddam Hussein takes power in Iraq
1958 New Sanctuary completed
“My Fair Lady”, wins at the Academy Award;
Mickey Mantle plays his 2,000 game
1965 Parsonage on South Brown Street completed
Charles Manson sentenced to life in prison;
Texas stadium opens
1971 Fellowship Hall constructed by Round Rock HS
Building Trades students and members
1st Episcopal woman to be ordained;
Apple computer is incorporated
1977 Remodeling of Sanctuary, repairs and new wing
“Late Night with David Letterman” debuts 1982 Purchase of North Mays property
“Cosby Show” premiers; NHL star Wayne Gretzky
becomes youngest player to score 1,000 goals
1984 Groundbreaking and construction began on
Family Life Center and Education Wing
Aruba becomes an independent country 1986 Consecration of new building, services began
Harvard University patents genetically engineered
mouse; 1st Monday Night Football game is televised
1988 Rearrangement of the Family Life Center
U.S. Navy assigns women to combat ships; South
Africa has first multi – racial election
1994 Purchase of Anderson Property
for Youth Ministry Center
Minimum wage is raised to $4.25 per hour;
O.J. Simpson is cleared of murder charges
1996 Phase II of the Master Plan--parking and
education building approved
Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 4.0; Jerry
Lewis’ MD telethon breaks $50 million
1997 Groundbreaking for Building 5
Control of the Panama Canal reverts back to
Panama; International year of the Elderly
1999 Consecration of Building 5
First space tourist visits the International Space
Station; 9/11 terrorist attacks
2001 Groundbreaking for the Sanctuary
Winter Olympics are in Salt Lake City; Euro becomes
the currency for most of Europe
2002 The “Planting of Prayers Sunday”; First steel
beam erected; “Standing on the Word” Sunday
10 hour blackout for most of the northeast U.S.;
space shuttle Columbia explodes over Texas
2003 Placing of the cross atop the new bell tower of
the Sanctuary; First worship service in Sanctuary;
Placing of the time capsule in the sanctuary
Lance Armstrong wins 7th consecutive
Tour de France
2005 “Next Step” campaign launched