First United Methodist Church of Happy

Meetings held in early settlers' homes led to the formation of a Methodist fellowship in Happy in 1905. Services were first held in a schoolhouse and then in a small, frame church constructed by carpenter J. F. White. The structure stood on land donated by Tom Gilliland about 4 miles northeast of the present site of Happy. The Methodists shared their building with other congregations, including the Baptists, Christians, and Presbyterians. A Union Sunday School was organized with P. J. Neff as the first superintendent. In 1906, Happy moved to its present location along the Santa Fe line. The Methodist church building was hauled to the new townsite by wagon in 1909. The Rev. B. F. Sharp, a circuit rider, reorganized the 15-member church at its new location. Happy remained on a circuit with 4 other congregations until 1919. The original church building was remodeled in 1920, during the pastorate of the Rev. C. W. McNeely. The present sanctuary was constructed in 1930-31, under the direction of the Rev. H. C. Smith. Two years later, a fire gutted the interior, forcing services to be held in the basement. After repairs, the structure was dedicated on October 18, 1942. Recent renovation occurred in 1974, when the Rev. Carl Oglesby was pastor. (1976)

First United Methodist Church of Happy is a historical marker in Happy, Randall County, dedicated in 1976. It is one of 38 historical markers documented in Randall County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 49 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 34.7468, -101.8573 near Happy. The nearest cataloged historic site is Old Happy (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Sarah A Jenkins, Dreamland Cemetery, and Civil War Veterans Reunion.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5437001890. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.