How it all started...
The church sits at 9760 FM 621, Staples TX. UMC’s history mirrors that of the town itself. Early congregations met in nearby Cottonwood, 1875, and Pleasant Ridge, 1880, before the building the first church on Main Street in 1901. By the 1920s the tiny frame church was too small, so trustees under Rev. A. Guyon commissioned the handsome brick sanctuary that still stands today. One longtime member put it simply: “Staples UMC is like family- we take care of each other.” The current Church building was built in May 1925 and burned down in January 1936. Bricks were salvaged and the church was rebuilt in 1936.
Expanding the vision...
At our church, we believe ministry doesn’t stop at the sanctuary doors. That’s why we’re revitalizing our outdoor tennis, pickleball, and basketball court—to create a safe, welcoming space where local children and teens can gather, play, and connect. Our courts already see daily visits from neighborhood kids, and now we’re thrilled to also provide a space for the Prairie Lea Tennis Team to practice. We see this as more than recreation—it’s an opportunity to plant seeds of hope, build relationships, and be a light in our community through simple, consistent presence.
Where we are headed...
As a small church with a big heart, we see exciting growth on the horizon for our community—and we’re getting ready. We’re actively preparing our church and grounds to welcome new neighbors with open arms, offering a place where they can worship, find connection, and experience God’s love in action. From enhancing our facilities to launching ministries for children and families, we’re creating space for fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. Our vision is to be a church that not only grows in number but deepens in purpose—shining Christ’s light in all we do.
