Foundation

First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Emeritus Robert Klabzuba President Kenneth H. Jones, Jr. Byron R. Baird Jack L. Benson Lou Ann Blaylock Lee Bloemendal, M.D. Vernon Bryant Chris Choate H. Paul Dorman R. Pat Evans Beverlee B. Herd Henry B. Paup W.R. "Bob" Watt, Jr. Directors  Advisory Directors Betty Ambrose Sid Uberman Directors Emeriti R. Earl Cox III J.C. Pace, Jr. Don L. Stegall John R. Thompson, Jr. Executive Director Sid Johnston

First Methodist Church Foundation
A legacy of compassion, service and devotion 

On September 30, 1964, a group of visionary church members gathered to sign the corporation papers for the First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation, Inc. This Sunday, the church will be recognizing and celebrating the support and accomplishments of the Foundation.

The very word "foundation" suggests strength and support. And strength and support are the things our Foundation has meant to our church. Foundation funds have strengthened our ministries for our youngest members to our eldest. When asked about the role of the Foundation, Betty Ambrose, one of the Foundation Board members, said, "Where would we be without it? The 1964 creation of the Foundation brought security to the church. As the foundation of a building must be strong in order to support all parts of the structure, the Church Foundation must remain strong. While a member of the Foundation Board, I find that gifts come in all sizes and denominations. People give from their hearts; to the extent they are able. Each gift is a special blessing that makes a difference!"

Over years, the Foundation has been built gift by gift. Since 1964, the Foundation has grown from $2,500 to over $32,000,000 in assets and the Foundation has contributed more than $36 million dollars to the benefit of the church. Gifts to the Foundation preserve the magnificent building that is the spiritual home to thousands of people from all walks of life, ensuring that many more generations may continue to find inspiration, guidance, and comfort in our church. Earnings from the Foundation’s investments have made it possible for our church to purchase land for parking, renovations of the main church building, the Mission, the Foundation Building and Lyle Lodge. Each year, the Foundation pledges additional funds to augment the church’s general operating budget for maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment.

In addition to maintaining and improving the church’s properties, the Foundation directs funds to support programs dear to the hearts of donors: feeding the hungry and giving hope to the poor; choral and instrumental music ministries that send joyous melodies reverberating through the halls; children’s ministries that instill and nurture lifelong faith; and youth ministries creatively designed to help young people connect with God and with each other.

In one of the New Testament’s Parables of the Talents, the Master entrusted his property to his servants and then presided the faithful who invested it wisely in God’s kingdom. Our church knows the joy of this Biblical lesson because of those individuals who had the vision to establish the Foundation and the many contributors who gave and continue to give to the Foundation. 100 years from today, the faithful will gather at First Church. Some things may not have changed. Light will stream through our beautiful stained glass, the choir will be singing, people of all ages will whisper prayers and sing songs. There will be different people, though none of us will be here and a few of our names will be remembered. Still, some of us will have a presence at that service, a giving presence. The gifts given today will still be at work carrying out our hopes and dreams for our church.

For more information about creating your legacy for the Foundation and Church, please contact the Executive Director, Sid Johnston, at 817/336-5698 or by email.