The Bales/Baker/Martin Legacy

By December 7, 2021

When Louella Dorris and Charles Stacker Bales began attending the Fourth Street Methodist Church located in the downtown Fort Worth area in the 1870’s, one wonders if they even considered the legacy they were setting in motion. Imagine the pride they would have knowing that their family lineage continued through seven generations to date.

In recognition of the Bales/Baker/Martin family’s extensive dedication and generosity, First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth is honored to announce that the Next90 Phase 1 Children’s Wing expansion has been named the Edward and Maxine Baker Children’s Wing in honor of Edward and Maxine Baker, Sr.

This gift is made possible through the Louella Martin Charitable Fund, a component fund of the North Texas Community Foundation.

Current member Mrs. Louella Martin is the great-granddaughter of Louella and Charles Bales, the granddaughter to Kate and J.B. Baker, and the daughter of Edward and Maxine Baker. She is the fourth generation of the Bales/Baker/Martin family to be a member of FUMCFW.

The Bales/Baker/Martin legacy will continue with a seventh generation enthusiastically walking through the doors of the Edward and Maxine Baker Children’s Wing. We look forward to chronicling their impact in the archives over the next 90 years as they grow up in size and in their Christian faith, being inspired along the way by their great-grandmother Louella Martin, and the generations that came before.

FUMCFW is truly thankful to the Bales/Baker/Martin families choosing our church to grow in their faith and to live out their discipleship. Their decision to assume key leadership roles at critical junctures in the church’s lifetime has been paramount to its continued strong presence in a downtown area.

Because of Mrs. Martin and what is possible based on family history, First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth will only become more successful in its mission of growing devoted followers of Christ through the discipleship practices of worship, service, and leadership.

Click images to enlarge.