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ABOUT ST. LUKE'S   HISTORY St. Luke's United Methodist Church 1952 - 1998

     During the early summer of 1952, when Midland's population was 34,378, a group of 44 Methodists covenanted together to organize the "New West Midland Church-The Church without A Name" as the first bulletin described it. The Northwest Texas Conference had assigned the young Rev. Clarence Collins, with his wife Frances, as pastor for the new church. First Methodist Church, as sponsor of the new congregation, provided an initial gift of $3,000 and six lots on West Kansas Street. The first worship services were held July 20, 1952 in the new Sam Houston School, where they met until the first joyous services on March 27, 1955 in their very own church building, now the Fellowship Hall. Thus St. Luke's was born - without a building, a parsonage, or office and with very little money, 153 charter members joined hearts and hands together in what they called "An Adventure in Faith."

     From that small beginning to today, St. Luke's membership has grown and its ministry now extends to Midland and the world. Extensive additions to the building made possible by the acquisition of more property, improved office facilities, an outstanding music center, and more classrooms for Christian education are evidence of faith put into action. By April 2, 1967 when the new sanctuary and Tellers organ were consecrated, the congregation counted 1,226 members as St. Luke's celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. Our current remodeling of the sanctuary and installation of a new Schantz organ will be completed as we begin our 47th year of ministry with over 1,400 members.

     More important than physical growth, has been the deep spiritual growth, spanning all ages and interest groups. As a partner in mission, St. Luke's spreads the good news of Jesus Christ globally by our apportionment's, our support of the work of Bill and Jerri Savuto in Kenya and local mission projects like A.M.O.S., Battered Women's Shelter, Midland Association of Churches, Neighborhood Youth Ministry, and involvement of our members in local schools. An ever-changing membership, reflecting fluctuations in the petroleum industry, has brought a diversity of talents, backgrounds, traditions, and leadership that makes St. Luke's an exciting Christian community that is exploring new ways to make disciples for Jesus Christ. For 46 years, this unique community has worked, played, and worshipped together, touching countless lives with Christian love.

     St. Luke's owes a deep debt of gratitude for the fine leadership it has received in music and education with special thanks to its pastoral leadership that set up quality ministry:

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