Mr. William Carlisle came to this locality about 1905 from Onalaska, Arkansas, built a large saw mill, and named the townsite Onalaska, Texas. By 1908, there were about 2,200 residents. Mr. Carlisle had the Methodist Church built and gave the building and land to Trustees L.O. Jackson, J.H. Pearcy and M.C. Booth. The church became a part of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, The Texas Conference, Timpson District. Members of the Building Committee were J.H. Pearcy, M.C. Booth and R.H.Powell. The first minister was Rev. A.P. Bradford. The first pianist was a niece of Mr. Carlisle. Through the years Onalaska U.M.C. has shared pastors on the Lovelady Circuit, New Waverly Circuit, Huntsville Circuit, Flynn Circuit, and with Livingston-First and Goodrich. Rev. Gus Browning was the first minister from the First U.M.C. in Livingston to serve this church. Others to follow were C.A.West and James Frazier.

The original church windows were clear glass. The colored windows were installed in 1966 by a Mr. O'Rourke of Door Insert Co. in Houston. The bell tower above the present front entrance was removed in 1949 due to the condition of the building. The bell was placed in its present location in 1967.

An excerpt from the Pastor's Report to Dist. Supt. Of the Huntsville District, The Rev. Weldon B. Morton and the Quarterly Conference, dated May 15, 1967 read as follows:

"The Onalaska Community was struck by a tornado and heavy rain storm on the afternoon of May 1, 1967 at 2:00 o'clock.. Fortunately, there were no casualties and no serious injuries: however, there was much damage to residence buildings, store buildings, and the Post Office building.

"Our church was lifted from its foundation and removed 3 ½ feet to the N.N.W. of its former position and numerous damages to the church building occurred...
We commend the people of this church for the admirable manner in which they support the church with their presence, prayers, gifts, and services in all of the worthy undertakings of Methodism and we especially commend them for the splendid fashion in which they have rallied to the church's needs following the tragic storm."

C.A. West, Pastor

Through all the earlier years of the church Sunday School classes were held for all ages. The classes were partitioned off with draw curtains. A parsonage was maintained from about 1920 to 1942.

Among the early members were Mr. A.J. Smith who joined the church February 1, 1916. He remained a member until his death on October 17, 1972. Mr Atma Stanford's family (grandparents and parents) became members in 1914. Mr. Atma Stanford joined the church March 27, 1921, making him a member for more than 57 years. Mr. and Mrs W.C May became members in July, 1923. Mr. May passed away November 18, 1963. Mrs. May has been a member for 55 years. Mrs. Lizzie English joined this church May 16, 1909. She has been away for some years, residing now in Slaton, Texas, but is still very much interested in the church here. Mrs. Eva Wilder's father, Tom Andress, and her grandfather, Isaac Andress, were also members of this church.

It is due to the Christian dedication of these people and their families, along with many others not known to us, that we enjoy this church as it is today. We are grateful.

In 1977, ground was broken for a fellowship hall to be added to the back of the Sanctuary. In November 1977, the Consecration Services and Open House was held for the completed building, which was valued at $25,000, and was named Smith Fellowship Hall. Rev. W.H. Hogg was the pastor. The Building Committee members were: Mr. and Mrs R.J. Price, Orval Burke, Thurman Kerr and Bill Helton.

On June 25, 1978, Dedication Services were held for the fellowship hall with Bishop Finis A. Crutchfield presiding, assisted by Dr. Carroll Fancher, Nacogdoches District Superintendent, and our newly appointed pastor, Rev. Walter C. Snell.