New building replacesformer sanctuary destroyed by fire last year
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| The Rev. Lea Brown, pastor of Wichita Falls Metropolitan Community Church, says other Christian churches in the area are accepting of her church, which primarily services GLBT people. |
The Wichita Falls Metropolitan Community Church will dedicate its new building on June 11 at 11 a.m.
The congregation has been worshiping in the new building since Easter. The Rev. Lillie Brock of Dallas, an elder of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, will preach at the services.
The Rev. Lea Brown said excitement is building in the congregation about the dedication ceremony. The church’s former home was destroyed a year ago by a fire.
“This is a congregation fully committed to sharing the inclusive love of Jesus Christ,” Brown said.
The Wichita Falls church was established 19 years ago. Last year the church held services in temporary space loaned by Faith Lutheran Church and Boehm Ballet Studio after an electrical fire destroyed the previous building just as the last payment was being made.
The church’s 65-member congregation raised $30,000 to buy the property where the new church is located.
Brown said the church plans to begin a youth ministry, advocacy and support for those living with HIV, outreach to Sheppard Air Force Base’s airmen and women, and collaborative work with the Christian Women’s Job Corp.
Brown said many of the city’s other Christians are accepting of the church.
“We have been greatly blessed by the support and love shared with us so generously by our fellow Christians of all sexual orientations,” Brown said.
“We are grateful too to Mayor Lanham Lyne for writing a letter of congratulations that will be shared in the service on Dedication Sunday,” she added.
For information about the church call 940-322-4100 or e-mail wfmccchurchtx@yahoo.com. The church is located at 1401 Travis St.
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This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, June 2, 2006.
