Welcome to Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, founded in 1838, is one of the oldest churches on Galveston Island and one of the first United Methodist Churches in Texas. Our church has had many names starting with Ryland chapel. Through the years it split into two congregation's; St. Johns Methodist and St. James and merged back into our church–Central Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1900 following the Great Storm. In 1906 our name was changed to First Methodist Episcopal Church, South, then to First Methodist in 1939.
After several locations in the historic downtown area of Galveston, we moved in 1964 to 12 acres on what was then the outskirts of town and built the Italian Gothic Cathedral designed structure and renamed it Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church. Total remodeling and new construction, completed in January 1999, doubled the square footage of the facilities giving us one of the finest churches structures in this area.
At the beginning of the 21st century, Moody Memorial's great spire reaches toward heaven as a beacon to the Galveston community. We invite and welcome all people who seek to be part of a nurturing and active Christian ministry.
From Christian Education for children, youth, young adults, middle-aged adults, and senior adults to recreational ministries in our Christian Life Center, Moody Memorial seeks to offer the abundant life in Christ that God calls us to. Our ministries include great music ministries for all ages, Bible studies, prayer ministries, missions, as well as fellowship and personal spiritual growth. Our Moody Day School is one of the finest children's programs in Galveston and our Libbie's Place, a senior day care center, demonstrates the cutting edge ministries that Moody Memorial is committed to. Our Sunday morning worship services offer the Christian sustenance which we all need in our lives and include Hispanic worship services.
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church invites you to join us for worship, then join us in our ministries as we seek to share our faith and our lives with people in our community and in our world.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
Here at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, we offer various styles, times and opportunities for worship:
Informal Worship with Communion — 8:30 a.m. — Sanctuary
This service will offer communion weekly and will be an opportunity to worship and sing in an informal setting. Everyone is welcome to come at 9:15 to partake of communion.
Celebration Worship — 10:45 a.m. — Christian Life Center
The Celebration Praise Team leads this service of contemporary style. This is also an informal service.
Traditional Worship — 11:00 a.m. — Sanctuary
This is our more traditional worship service, and appeals to those who desire some ritual in their worship experience. The Chancel Choir leads the music weekly.
Hispanic Worship — 11:00 a.m. — Fellowship Hall
Rev. Ray Pinard leads this Spanish language service in the Fellowship Hall. The worship experience is contemporary in nature and utilizes a praise band and powerpoint.
Sunday School — 9:30 a.m. for all ages
Nursery care available during all worship services and Sunday School.
Sunday School
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church offers classes for all ages. All classes meet at 9:30 a.m. For information on specific Sunday School classes, visit our Education page.
Joining Moody
Is God calling you to be part of the ministry of this congregation?
We receive members into our congregation in the following ways:
Profession of Faith - If you presently have no church home, we would be happy to baptize you, if you have not already been baptized, and receive you into our congregation. No person is either too young or too old to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Transfer of letter from another United Methodist Church - If you are presently a member of another United Methodist Church, you may transfer your membership to Moody Memorial First UMC.
Transfer of membership from another Christian church or denomination - We welcome you and accept your baptism as valid.
Affiliate Membership - If you are presently a member of another United Methodist Church and desire to retain membership in that congregation, we invite you to become an affiliate member of our congregation.
Associate Membership - If you are presently a member of another Christian church or denomination and desire to retain that membership, we invite you to become an associate member of our congregation.
For more information on joining our ministry at Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, contact Reverend Bert Bagley at 744-4526, ext. 124.
Where Is Moody?
Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church is located in Galveston, on the corner of 53rd St and Avenue U, two blocks north of Seawall Blvd.
Tour of the Church
Take a look at our church map to see how to get around Moody. We're in the process of updating this map as well as posting some 360° panoramic pictures. Check back soon!
