First Lord's Acre in Texas
Bethel United Methodist Church Continues Tradition

By Mary A. Flowers

When neighbors and friends line up for the free noon meal at the annual Lord's Acre at Bethel United Methodist Church in rural Ellis County, they are continuing a tradition started back in 1952. Bethel was the first church in Texas to hold such an event. Rev. James Ellison had heard of a similar event in Georgia. God's Acre, as it was originally named, was an instant success.

A farmer would designate an acre of his best cotton or grain for the benefit of the church. Proceeds from the auction at the time of harvest were donated to the church. Farm women would also get together and finish a quilt to be auctioned off. Crocheted items and fine needlework as well as tasty fruit preserves and baked goods were sold. Longtime member Harry Hitt would bring in a bushel of sweet potatoes from East Texas. Using the goods readily at hand, these resourceful rural families were able to support their church. Enough money was raised the first year to fund the church's budget for the next year.

Present day Pastor Mary Nell Partin tells visitors, as she opens the gate to the Tabernacle, "This historic structure built in 1907 has always been where the Bethel Lord's Acre is held." The Tabernacle was originally built for summertime revival meetings. Families would pull up their wagons, listen to preaching, and fan flies away from children sleeping on quilts laid on the ground.

Pastor Partin reminds visitors that the church, cemetery and tabernacle locations have often appeared in movies and television productions. The most famous were many church and cemetery scenes in "Places in the Heart" starring Sally Field and Danny Glover. Partin recalled movie aficionados stopping by and immediately noticing changes made to the altar area. The visitors from back East had memorized every detail of the church from the movie.

As summertime wanes and the promise of fall is in the October air, church members ready the Tabernacle for the Lord's Acre Sale. Bethel United Methodist Church invites the community to share in their longstanding tradition. A quilt will be offered for auction, and many homemade items will be for sale. People in the know will be looking

 

 for Fanny Hitt's delicious cake or Barbara McClain's brownies. A free noon meal will be offered with special musical entertainment by Lisa Garcia. There will also be fun things for the kids to enjoy.

Held Saturday, October 20th at the Tabernacle, this Lord's Acre is a joint venture benefiting the Bethel United Methodist Church, Bethel Cemetery Association, Boz, Bethel, and Greathouse Communities. Drive west on Highway 66 toward Maypearl. Turn left at Arrowhead Road, then left at Bethel Road and follow the signs to the church.

If this Lord's Acre has whetted your appetite for more, be sure to visit the First United Methodist Church, 505 West Marvin, in Waxahachie on Saturday, November 3rd for their Lord's Acre sale. Members have been freezing casseroles, making cakes, putting up jellies, and making many other scrumptious items for the sale. Gift baskets, attic sale items, and much more are offered for sale. A barbeque lunch and musical entertainment will begin at 11:30 am. A live auction of goods and antiques begins at 1:00 pm.

It's nice to know that the tradition started at Bethel United Methodist Church is repeated year after year in the many Methodist churches around Ellis County, across Texas and beyond.