Some history of Brookview Methodist Church in Waco, Texas explained.

Brookview Methodist Church is one of the lesser known churches of Waco, Texas. This news article will explain some of the history behind this church.

Brookview Methodist Church was constructed and completed in 1947 at North 35th Street and Colcord Avenue. The opening service of the Brookview Methodist Church took place at 11 AM on Sunday, November 2, 1947. The new church building was the result of the work of Rev. Henson, who saw the need of a church in this area after the beginning of the Brookview Hills Addition, where the church is located. Chet C. Henson, superintendent of the Brookview Methodist Church, preached and officially organized the congregation as a part of the Waco District. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/47956381/)

 

“The opening service of the Brookview Methodist Church, which was recently completed, will be held Sunday at 11 a. m. with Rev. Lyn Layne preaching. Special services will be held each night at 7:30 p. m. On Sunday night, November 9, Chet C. Henson, superintendent of the Methodist work, will preach and officially organize the congregation as a part of the Waco District. The new church building was the result of the work of Rev. Henson, who saw the need of a church in this area after the beginning of the Brookview Hills Addition, where the church is located. To start the campaign, Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Wedemeyer donated as a gift a corner lot on North 35th. Other lots were added to this lot and the new church stands on this property. The building will house four church school rooms and a chapel.”

Mr. B. B. Wedemeyer and Mrs. B. B. Wedemeyer donated additional lots to Brookview Methodist Church as a gift on gift deeds in 1947. That is specially how other lots were added to this lot.

Joe P. Moore was the first board chairman of followed Brookview Methodist Church by Bill Ferguson, Anthony Alessandra, Bailey Baxter, Bill Dorsett, Lester Bryant, M. N. Mitcham and Richard Wooten. The church was organized with about 45 chair members. Mrs. Ida Cox was one of the original 45 chair members. (Ref: Waco Tribune-Herald, 606 Members In Brookview Methodist, Page 69, Sunday, April 28, 1963)

Brookview Methodist Church had a music program which included classical solos, ensembles, hymns and popular music. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/48006311/)

Both Brookview Methodist Church and St. Luke were marled under the leadership of Rev C. C. Metison former district superintendent of Corsicana in 1950. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/47940092/)

The church laid out plans new sanctuary building to be built in 1957. This sanctuary was specifically designed to seat a capacity of 350 members. Brookview Methodist Church held the first services in the new building in December 1957. The sanctuary had more than 1,800 square feet of floor space excluding the parsonage. (Ref: Waco Tribune-Herald, 606 Members In Brookview Methodist, Page 69, Sunday, April 28, 1963)

“In 1952 the church built the parsonage at 3532 Colcord Avenue which has 1,600 square feet of floor space, and in 1957 plans for a new sanctuary which would seat 350 were completed. In December 1957 Brookview held the first services in the new building.”

Rev. Len Layne was reappointed for his 14th year to Brookview Methodist Church in 1961 as reported by Waco News-Tribune. He was serving as an evangelist at Birome Tabernacle for at least 4 years at the time. He conducted a series of revival services there. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/61755427/)

Rev. Len Layne stepped down from his position as pastor in June of 1962. Rev. John Dowd succeeded  Rev. Len Layne as pastor of the church. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/47956456/)

“Brookview Methodist Church was organized by Rev. Len Layne who served as its pastor from 1947 until June of 1962. Rev. John Dowd is the present pastor of the church located at Thirty Fifth and Colcord. Joe P. Moore was first board chairman followed by Bill Ferguson, Anthony Alessandra, Bailey Baxter, Bill Dorsett, Lester Bryant, M. N. Mitcham and Richard Wooten. The church was organized with about 45 chair members. Among those who remain on the roll and active of the total roll count of 606 today are, Mrs. Sallie Clark, Mrs. H. E. Powell, Mrs. Margaret Costello, Mrs. Lonnie Christian, Mrs. Robbie Griffin, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe P. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Spivey. Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Spencer, Mrs. Ida Cox and Mrs. Laura Cooa. In 1952 the church built the parsonage at 3532 Colcord Avenue which has 1,600 square feet of floor space, and in 1957 plans for a new sanctuary which would seat 350 were completed. In December 1957 Brookview held the first services in the new building.”

Brookview Methodist Church observed their 26th anniversary in 1973. The Waco Community Chorale presented a program at Brookview Methodist Church on the observation of their 26th anniversary. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/63527141/)

“The Waco Community Chorale will present a program at 2:30 p.m. today at Brookview United Methodist Church which is observing its 26th anniversary. Director of the chorale is Rev. Claude Davison, pastor of Line Street United Methodist Church in Hillsboro.”

 

The name of Brookview Methodist Church was changed to Brookview Church of Christ sometime during the late 20th century. Brookview Church of Christ deeded their church to Pastor Maxwell C Douglas on a correction deed in 2017. (Ref: McLennan County Land Deeds, Instrument #2017026804)

Wanda Wood and Pastor Maxwell C Douglas bought this church from Brookview Church of Christ in 2017. Brookview Church of Christ is now home to Rock of Ages Church. Pastor Maxwell C Douglas preaches and takes no salary from the church. The church members donate to pay all the bills and mortgage payments for the church. (Ref: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brookview+Church+of+Christ/@31.5462398,-97.1743923,461m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x864f838be8cbbe25:0x4c8adc6bfc98e434!2s3532+Colcord+Ave,+Waco,+TX+76707!3b1!8m2!3d31.5460478!4d-97.1746697!3m4!1s0x864f838957d3dc75:0xfcb6df0ea458fd52!8m2!3d31.5469843!4d-97.1740934)

Brookview Methodist Church is located at 3505 Colcord Avenue, Waco, Texas, US 76707. That is their current address. (Ref: https://propaccess.trueautomation.com/clientdb/Property.aspx?cid=20&prop_id=186507)