Black History Month: This Is Our Story

During Black History Month, hear firsthand experiences recounting the anticipation that preceded the 1968 merger of the once segregated West Texas and North Texas Conferences, as well as the reality of how the merger played out and its lasting impact. Black Methodist leaders, including Ruth Robinson, Rev. Dr. Janet Bell Odom and Rev. Dr. Henry Masters, lend their voices. Learn more at ntcumc.org/our-story.

The North Texas Conference is producing an interview series sharing the experience of various racial and ethnic groups. With Black History Month in February, we will begin by exploring the history of the once segregated West Texas and North Texas Conferences. Black Methodist voices who experienced segregation and the merger with the white NTC are sharing their stories and how they connect to today. More stories to come!

Ruth Robinson joins Rev. Dr. Ron Henderson and Rev. Andy Lewis as part of the “This is Our Story” project. She recalls the vibrancy of worship in the West Texas Conference and discuss the lasting impact the Black church has made on the modern United Methodist Church since the 1968 merger of the previously segregated West Texas and North Texas Conferences. Robinson is a former president of the Dallas Bethlehem Center, former president of the North Texas Conference United Methodist Women, and a long-time member of Hamilton Park UMC.

Rev. Dr. Henry Masters joins Rev. Dr. Ron Henderson as part of the “This is Our Story” project. Rev. Masters’ was one of the last ordinations conducted in the segregated West Texas Conference before it merged with the North Texas Conference. He recounts the great anticipation – as well as the fears and concerns – that accompanied the historic merger.

Rev. Dr. Janet Bell Odom sits down with Rev. Dr. Ron Henderson and Rev. Andy Lewis to share her experience serving in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments in the North Texas Conference as part of the “This is Our Story” project. Odom is a retired elder in the United Methodist Church, who has pastored numerous congregations across the conference, as well as led disaster response for the North Texas Conference.

Rev. Lynda Mayberry joins Rev. Andy Lewis and Rev. Dr. Ron Henderson to reflect on her cross-cultural appointments and how open communication helped to break down barriers. Rev. Mayberry, who serves as executive pastor of St. Luke "Community" UMC, shares her experience as part of the conference's "This is Our Story" series.

Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes, Jr. joins Rev. Dr. Ron Henderson via Zoom to recount the emotions that accompanied the final gathering of the West Texas Annual Conference. This video is part of the “This is Our Story” project from the North Texas Conference. Rev. Dr. Holmes is pastor emeritus of St. Luke "Community" UMC in Dallas and served as a United Methodist District Superintendent from 1968-1974.

Rev. Dr. Janet Bell Odom shares her experience serving as a disaster response coordinator in the North Texas Conference and how coming to the table without ego was key to working well with a diverse team.