GOD & TEXAS: The Grave of Jesse Hord

From the stunning Gothic exterior to the stately 115-year-old sanctuary, the First United Methodist Church in downtown Houston is impressive. The ornate Tiffany-styled stained-glass windows complement the Swedish chandelier featuring 1,000 crystal prisms. The Call to Worship is provided by the 7,800-pipe Aeolian-Skinner organ.

Organized in 1839 by circuit-riding preacher Jesse Hord, this Methodist church started in the Senate Chamber of the Republic of Texas Capitol Building. Their first church facility was on Texas Avenue. But in 1910, they built their present brick church at 1320 Main St. Now they offer two Houston church locations and have an acclaimed outreach to the poor and under-served.

In 1835, William B. Travis sent out a request to the east coast Methodist organization to send preachers to the developing Texas region. Understanding the critical need, the organization sent several missionaries including 29-year-old Rev. Jesse Hord.

On Nov. 30, 1938, Hord preached his first sermon to those gathered in San Augustine, Texas. From there, Hord became one of the most traveled circuit-riding preachers in Methodist history. During the next four months, he founded Methodist churches in East Columbia, Velasco, Texana, DeMoss, Bay Prairie, Brazoria, Matagorda, Houston, and Richmond.

Hord had a deep love for the Methodist church in Richmond. The church website reports: On Dec. 26, 1838, Rev. Jesse Hord arrived in Richmond. His diary entry for that day stated, "Spent in Richmond; preached at night to a good congregation; good feeling; much interest; the Holy Spirit rest upon many. Hallelujah! God is love."

Hord married Mary Knox in 1841, and they had four children. But his commitment to starting churches kept him on the trail. Traveling the rough terrain of Texas was daunting at best. Unfavorable roads, marauding Indians, wild animals, and stormy weather did not stop the mule-riding parson as he carried the Good News. Records indicate that Hord regularly traveled a 500-mile circuit averaging 20 preaching sites. He maintained his circuit ministry until 1848, when he settled in Goliad.

In 1852, Hord established a college for women, using his home for classes until a permanent two-story facility could be built. The college had strict rules against dancing and parties, but assisted students financially so they could attend. Surprisingly, class curriculum included chemistry and philosophy, not frequently offered in colleges for women.

Jesse Hord died on January 17, 1886, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Goliad. There is nothing ornate or impressive about his grave. The only extravagance this circuit-riding preacher ever embraced was pouring out his life so that others could hear about Christ.

Hord will be remembered as a true minister of the Gospel. He knew that it is not enough to have a large following or to master hermeneutics and homiletics. The true man of God must fulfill Micah 6:8 NIV, “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

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