Markham, Matagorda County
When Markham was established in 1903, the early settlers shared a community church building across several denominations. In 1904, Markham Methodist Society was formed. They met for services in the community church building. Their first pastor was circuit rider Reverend William H. Nelson (1878-1956), who also served Palacios, Blessing, Midfield and Carancahua as part of the Cuero district. After one year, the Rev. Nelson was sent to Port Lavaca. From 1907-1925, church member Mary Thompson Barber (1876-1945) taught a Sunday school class. By 1920, the number of methodists in Markham warranted their own church structure. Members established a committee to fund the building. Meals were sold by both the women’s missionary society and Clarence (Mrs. G.T.) Doman, and Mattie Hickey and Mrs. Doman sold hand-made quilts. In 1924, construction began on the church building at the corner of Broadway and 7th Street. William A. Wells accepted the contract to build, and Martin Thompson built the foundation. Members and locals assisted in the construction. The Thompson family also donated the pews. In 1926, the church also built a parsonage. In 1939, with a donation by Mrs. Doman and under the supervision of Rev. Emil F. Kluck (1891-1952) and Harold Barber, members used lumber from the former Buckeye School to build a new addition. In the 1970s, the Midfield Methodist congregation merged with the Markham Church and the pastor’s circuit became El Campo and Markham. For more than one hundred years, Markham Methodist Church has faithfully served the spiritual needs of its members and others in the area. (2023)