First United Methodist Church, Wichita Falls, is a great church whose history dates back to 1881. It is a church with a beautiful, magnificent Gothic Sanctuary. However, the strength of this church is not in its history nor can it be seen in bricks and mortar. The strength of this church can only be seen in terms of people who try to live out the Gospel in their daily lives.
As you browse through this website, you will see many faces of our people. Perhaps it will help you get a little clearer understanding of the scope of our ministry which takes place seven days a week. Our church includes a group of volunteers who produce a first rate program as we televise our services live each week at 10:30 a.m. It is a group of Young Energetic Seniors who meet for breakfast or go on trips together. It is a group of children running down the aisle for the Children's Sermon. It is a bunch of teenagers giving a week of their time to help in mission projects in the United States and Mexico. It is the choirs rehearsing for Sunday morning worship and Sunday School teachers preparing for their classes. It is the Administrative Council in a circle, holding hands and praying for God's guidance.
As you click through this website, you can look at the various ministries of the church or even watch my weekly sermons. It will help you get a feel for the variety of activities which take place around this church. If you have questions, please contact us. If you are moving to Wichita Falls, we hope that your will make this church your church home.
"Our vision is to be a church where God lives in us and through us as we make disciples for Jesus Christ."
Rev.
Paul Quillian Goodrich was born in Dallas, and graduated
from Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended U.C.L.A. on a football scholarship,
and eventually graduated from S.M.U. While at S.M.U., he met his wife-to-be,
Maggie, and they married in 1971. Maggie is from Tulsa and she also graduated
from S.M.U. Maggie currently a certified Dyslexia Therapist. They have 2 grown
children: Robert, who lives in McKinney and is planning to enter seminary
this Fall; and Jennifer Bomer, who lives in Wichita Falls with her husband
Doug and their son Nicholas.
Paul began his ministry at Floral Heights U.M.C., serving as Associate Pastor from 1974 to 1977. He then served as Pastor at First U.M.C. in Mabank from 1977 to 1984, as Pastor at First U.M.C. in Rockwall from 1984 to 1989, and returned to Floral Heights as Pastor from 1989 to 1995. In 1995 he was appointed as Pastor to Custer Road U.M.C. in Plano.
Paul is the 4th generation of Methodist ministers in the Goodrich family. His father, the late Bishop Robert E. Goodrich, Jr., was pastor of First United Methodist Church in Dallas for 26 years, before he was elected Bishop in 1972. Bishop Goodrich served the 2 conferences in Missouri until his retirement in 1980. His mother, Thelma, is living in Dallas.
Paul is an avid golfer and loves to snow ski. Maggie loves to be with her grandson as much as possible. They both love Wichita Falls and feel very fortunate and blessed to be coming to serve First U.M.C.
Are you streesed out? Click here and Paul will help you out!
