In 1880, the population of Tyler stood at 2,423 and by 1890 this figure had grown to 6,098. Much of this growth was the result of in-migration from sections of the "old south".

During the mid 1880's, there was a group of families in north Tyler who desired to affiliate with the Methodist Church, but the only Methodist church near this community was Marvin. Given the modes of transportation of the 1880's, this proved to be a long trek for these dedicated churchmen.

With the help and encouragement of members of Marvin Church, a group of about forty people began to meet in homes in north Tyler in 1887. "Grandpa" Bonner, a member of Marvin, arranged for a pastor in 1887 to organize this _______ church. This pastor was Reverend Lacy Boon who served from 1887 through 1889.

In January 1888, the first "preaching" service was held in one of the homes and in September 1888, under the limbs of a large oak tree near the present church site, the church was organized At this meeting, Reverend Boon baptized forty-three people, each of whom became a charter member of Tyler City Mission, forerunner of Cedar Street Methodist Church.

On October 15, 1888, H. H. Rowland gave to the church a deed to the property on which is located the present building. Mr. Rowland was a member of the Board of Marvin Church and was a well-known property owner in Tyler at this time. In 1888, he had dedicated as an addition to the city of Tyler a parcel of land of about twenty-five acres which was called Rowland Addition, and it was the most northern extension of Tyler at the time. The street in the new addition which lay adjacent to the church property on the south was called Cedar Street, ergo the new church changed its name from Tyler City Mission to Cedar Street Methodist Church.

During the year 1889, the first building to house the members of Cedar Street Church was completed, and the first service in the new building was held on March 31, l889. The building was a one-room frame structure typical of the small churches of this period. Its source of heat was a large wood-burning stove located near the center of the structure. Light was from oil-burning chandeliers which were numerous enough to give more than adequate light for the interior of the building. An organ was later added and in 1896, the first "real" seats were purchased and installed in the church at a cost of about $150.00.

During the two years of his service to Cedar Street, Reverend Boon molded the original forty-three members into an active, thriving church. The attendance was strong, and the membership increased.

The second pastor to serve the church was a Reverend McLain. Brother McLain was a young man who served less than one year. Although he made a great effort to carry on in the manner of Brother Boon, it was felt that his youth was a hindrance to his leaders.

All of these ministers served the membership of Cedar Street diligently and lovingly. And although, as is the case with all important institutions, there were peaks and valleys during this period of time, but the church seemed to grow inexorably in membership and importance to the community.

During this time, the economy waxed and waned and the members of the church suffered accordingly, and in 1914 "the war to end all wars" began.

An indication of the confidence of the membership in the future of this church wa indicated by the decision to build a new church which was begun in 1916. Reverend J. R. Ritchie provided the leadership which inspired the construction of a large handsome brick building which also faced Church Street. The new building was first occupied in 1918. During 1919, temporary League and Sunday School rooms were added to the back of the church building. These were rather crude structures and were commonly called "cow sheds" by the members but served a purpose for the growing church.

In 1925, during the leadership of Reverend W. A. Craven, the old parsonage was torn down and a new one was built in its place which served the pastors until the present one was built in 1960-1961.

The period of time from 1925 through 1950 was the most perilous of times for our nation as well as for members of our church community.

The great depression, World War II, and the Korean War had a devastating effect on the community. But, during this time, the church witnessed unparalled growth.

During Reverend Vivion's ministry, from 1927 to 1929, the church added the Sunday School Annex which was a gift from Park Horton. This almost doubled the size of the church and still serves as the Sunday School portion of our church, although it was rehabilitated when the new sanctuary was built in 1948. The section became known as the Morton building and still is known by that name by many who have been members of the church for a long time.

One of the most beloved pastors to serve during that time was Brother F. D. Dawson who was minister from 1944 until his death in 1946. He was a most gentle, humble, and giving worker. One chould see in his sacrificial lifestyle, a true man of God. He was a vigorous leader, having a hand in every aspect of the church's work. On numerous occasions, he would walk from the parsonage to Mother Frances Hospital to visit the sick. He died while working in the church study. All
who knew him suffered a great loss in his passing, and it was several months before he was replaced and then by Reverend E. Jewel Strong.

The Strongs were a young couple and gave a vitality to the church which was contagious. Brother Strong played on the church softball team.

The Strongs' only child, Ann, was born while he was pastor at Cedar Street. This was the only "parsonage baby" the church has had.

During Brother Strong's ministry, Cedar Street realized growth and made great accomplishments. Our present sanctuary was completed in 1949, and the Horton building was completely remodeled. A new Hammond organ was purchased. Membership in the Sunday School as well as the church increased significantly. We had a beautiful new sanctuary and
remodeled Sunday School area and we were on the grow. The church now faced Cedar Street for the first time.

Brother J. P. Adair was stricken with a heart malady early in his ministry at Cedar Street and could not complete his service there. As is always the case at this resilient church, a faithful laity came forward and filled the void left by his absence. For many months, until Brother Bill Holt came to serve, the church laymen would conduct the worship services and the business of Cedar Street.

Brother Bill Holt brought with him a lovely wife and five young daughters, each of whom earned the esteem of the congregation. Brother Bill is a talented person who is perhaps best known to the membership for his inspirational "chalk talks". This was a device he would use to present his sermon in graphic form using bright colored chalk to delineate his characters.

During Brother Bill's six years at Cedar Street, the church grew and prospered. Much maintenance work was done to the church plant and the parsonage. A fine new Baldwin organ was purchased.

Reverend Scearce became the pastor after Bill Holt was assigned to another church. Brother Scearce died of a sudden heart attack after only a few weeks at Cedar Street. The church was bereft of this good man of God without knowing what his service could mean for the membership.

Reverend Lawrence Culbertson served the church for three years and was a man of superior intellect who was devoted to God and who had a desire to serve the membership at Cedar Street as God would have him do. Many improvements were made to the church while he was here.

Reverend John Wheeler liked to sing solos, and when their daughters visited Cedar Street, they would sing specials with their father. He also, at times, sang with the church quartet.

Reverend James Knight was an energetic man who liked to hunt and fish, and he often furnished fish for church suppers to raise money for the church. He was a hard worker and spent much time working in the church yeard, even edging the lawn after dark.

Reverend Odis Cleaver and his wife, Mary Lynn, became the parsonage family of Cedar Street church in the summer of 1986. They have assimilated quickly and completely into the church family. Mary Lynn is the quintessential pastor's wife. Her persona exudes an aura of friendliness which has made her a favorite with the membership. Brother Odis and Mary Lynn often enhance the worship services with their musical duets and her solos.

Brother Odis is destined to take the church into its second century. This will most likely be his greatest challenge and that for the membership.

Reverend Victor Garoutte came to Cedar Street in October, 1989, upon retirement of Odis Cleaver and has served the church faithfully since that time. The spirit and dedication of the membership has remained good under the leadership of Rev. Garoutte, in spite of the decline in members. Rev. Garoutte plans to retire in June of 1994.

Since the late 1970's, the church has found itself to be a mature congregation in a mature part of Tyler. Its membership is declining each year as a result of deaths of some members and the out-migration of others. The church has declined from a peak membership of about 750 in the 1960's to about 300 now. Average Sunday School membership is less than 80, and the morning service averages about 100.

The leadership of the church is not unmindful of its plight. It is exploring possibilities such as merger with other Methodist churches in the area and seeking members among the large minority community around the church.

Joint services with Asbury and Wesley United Methodist churches have already taken place, and the Christmas music for 1987 was a joint effort of these churches.

This fellowship may be down, but it's not out. This church was born in the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction Period. It had its mettle tested by two world wars and the great depression of the 1930s. It has seen its economic environment go from agricultural to industrial to a service economy at the present time. The essence of its strength is and has always been its members, their love and devotion to the church and their abiding belief in God.

Note: This history was written for the 100th Anniversary of Cedar Street United Methodist Church in 1988. The Church Roll may be found in the East Texas Family Records, beginning with Vol. 24, No. 1, Spring 2000.