First United Methodist Church Heath two-steps into 135th homecoming

FUMC Heath was recognized by Rockwall County Judge Frank New and the County Commissioners for its 135-year history ministering to the community.

Heath, TX (October 27, 2025) – Retired Elder Rev. Scott Holcomb-McLain returned to the pulpit of First UMC Heath on October 19, looked around at the clergy present and said it felt like the group was doing the Methodist Clergy Two-Step.

All four clergy present had a connection to the church and to each other. “The four of us are a prime example of what I call the Methodist Clergy Two-Step. One minister leaves, and another minister follows. We are all connected.”

Rev. Holcomb-McLain transferred into the North Texas Conference from Virginia in 2001 and was appointed to Northgate UMC in Irving, where he would follow the Rev. Chris Allen. The Scoutmaster of the troop at Northgate UMC at the time was Peter McNabb. In 2007, Holcomb-McLain followed Rev. Reid Fade at FUMC Heath. Earlier this year, Rev. Holcomb-McLain retired while serving at Christ UMC Farmers Branch. Taking his place there was the Rev. Sandy Heard who had been serving at First UMC Heath. Then in June of this year, McNabb, who had years earlier gone from being a volunteer Scout leader to enter the ministry, was appointed to FUMC Heath.

Revs. Fade, Holcomb-McLain, McNabb and Allen, who is now retired and connected to FUMC Heath, joined together to lead worship and serve Holy Communion. Rev. Fade sang and led the pastoral prayer. Rev. McNabb gave the Children’s Message. Rev. Allen led the affirmation of faith.

Rev. Holcomb-McLain pointed out that the church had survived the Spanish-American War, World War One, World War Two, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraqi conflict, the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression and the Great Recession, 9/11, the Industrial Revolution, the Digital Revolution, the pandemic, and the period of UMC disaffiliations. “We have survived,” he said. He shared from Paul’s letter to Timothy to remember what you are doing, proclaim the message in season and out of season, and not get sidetracked. Ultimately, he said, people will know who you are by how you love one another.

The Heath church began in 1890 as Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Heath was a small country outpost. The church was on a charge with a circuit-riding preacher who came to Heath once a month. At various times, Heath was on a charge with Chisolm, Fate, Williams Chappell, Mt. Zion, Rockwall and Forney. From 1916 to 1974, the church was located two blocks from its current location at 140 Smirl Drive. The old building has been purchased recently by State Farm Agent Dee Carter who opened the doors of her building for a First UMC Homecoming Reception the day before.

Rockwall County Judge Frank New, who is a longtime member of First UMC Heath, read via video a county proclamation recognizing the celebration of the 135th anniversary.

Later in the afternoon, the church had a tremendous turnout for its Fall Festival which included trunk-or-treat, a chili cook-off, cake walk, four bounce houses, a country store, and animal adoptions from a local shelter. The church is known in Heath for building community and pitching in to make a difference.

Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.