A commemorative book for the 135th Anniversary of Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church, Edgewood, Texas. Published October 2014.

To commemorate its 135 years of incredible heritage, the Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church has published “A Legacy of Faith”, an illustrated history book organized, researched, and designed by Ine Burke.  Founded in 1879, the Methodist church is the first church established in the town of Edgewood, Texas. The forefathers and mothers of the church were the pioneers of Van Zandt County.

The beginning of the church history is preceded with an essay, strengthened by timeline charts, of how Van Zandt county and Edgewood was formed. Inspired by the first church’s history book published in 1972 by Rev. Joe V. Clouse, this book follows the evolution of the church in the context of historical, civic, and cultural change that direct its fellowship, services, and ministries to the current state.  Its struggles and development keep evolving, from the era of the Old Dallas-Shreveport Road, through the World Wars and great depression time, to the current issues. Several local publications listed in the bibliography include “Building a County” by Elvis Allen, “The Edgewood Story” by Authula M. McLemore & Eloise Pettigrew Ellis, and “Van Zandt County Texas Pictorial History 1848-1994 Volume III” by the Van Zandt County Texas Historical Commission.

The history of the church is traced through 200 images including historical and new photographs, timelines, illustrations, works of art, building plans, and artifacts. The written and pictorial works were contributed by many church members whose names are chronicled throughout the book.

With the phrase “THE CHURCH IS THE PEOPLE” in mind, the cover of the book depicts the front view of the current building, with the congregation interacting on a regular Sunday service. Ine Burke challenged herself and went outside her ”comfort-zone” by doing the acrylic painting that wraps around this 8.3”x10.2”, 130-page, hardcover book.  The book is available for purchase through Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood (903-896-4935). It will also be brought by Ine Burke to the Ben Wheeler Book Fair, Saturday, November 29th, at the Elwood Schoolhouse, downtown Ben Wheeler, Tx. The price per book is $45. ***