This Week in Texas Methodist History February 9

Cockrell Hill Dedicates New Sanctuary, February 14, 1943

Cockrell Hill began as a stage stop on the route from Dallas to Fort Belknap but today it is an incorporated city completely surrounded by the city of Dallas. 

In 1911 a developer, Frank Jester, laid out lots and encouraged economic activity in the area.  In 1912 14 residents met in the front yard of Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Koch for the purpose of founding a Sunday School.  They soon moved closer to the center of town and the residence of  Mr, and Mrs. Henslee.  The Sunday School grew all summer so that by the end of summer, they decided they needed a building. 

On Labor Day, 1912, a working picnic was held.  Men constructed a 40 foot by 30 foot wooden building-almost completing the structure in one day.  Women served food on the construction site. 

The Methodists bought the wooden building and used it until 1940.  Then the trustees decided they needed a more substantial building so they hired an architect and built a modern building. 

The building was dedicated on February 14, 1943 by Bishop Ivan Lee Holt.  In Methodist practice a building is not dedicated until is free of debt. 

One of their neighboring churches, Tyler Street, donated 100 hymnals to the new church.  J. P. Hensley was pastor and F. A. Buddin was District Superintendent. 

The church then held another dedication on the next Sunday, February 21.  The pulpit Bible, hymnals, and organ were all dedicated in another dedicatory service. 

The members of the church immediately began raising funds for an educational building.  Their strategy was a “Dollar A Week Club.”   They secured pledges from fifty families to donate $1.00 per week until they had enough to begin construction. 

Cockrell Hill continues its service to the community with services in both Spanish and English.  The city was incorporated in 1937.  If it had not incorporated, it certainly would be part of the city of Dallas today.