Fast Facts about Highland Park United Methodist Church

Our Purpose
Our mission at HPUMC is to introduce Jesus Christ to as many people as possible and to equip them to become fully devoted followers of Christ who make disciples of all nations.

History
The first services of the University Church, the forerunner of HPUMC, were held in February 1916 on the SMU campus.  Within months, the church changed its name, when Methodist families in Highland Park agreed to transfer their membership to the university congregation.

Construction of the present building began in 1926, during the ministry of Dr. Umphrey Lee.  Inspired by his dream of a campus cathedral, the congregation authorized plans rich in gothic detail.  The dream became a reality when members gathered on Sunday, February 6, 1927, for the first formal service of worship in the new sanctuary.

In 1995, HPUMC welcomed Mark Craig as Senior Minister. He oversees a staff of more than 100 and is only the 10th pastor to have served this church in 90 years.  Under his leadership, the congregation has grown to 12,500 members.  Many new ministries and missions, such as Night Owls and Carpenters for Christ, have been formed to support causes that Rev. Craig is passionate about.  We now offer 13 worship opportunities at four different venues on the same campus.

Did you know that...
...only 40% of HPUMC’s more than 12,000 members reside in the Park Cities area? You’re welcome no matter where you live!

...HPUMC has more than 15 different support groups, including groups for those who are struggling with divorce, alcoholism, over-eating, debt management, families with mental illness, and children with special needs?

...HPUMC’s Carpenters for Christ Ministry has committed to build 100 homes for Habitat for Humanity over the next ten years? This is the largest faith-based commitment to Habitat in the world!

...the Children’s Ministry of HPUMC serves more than 1,400 families on Sunday mornings?

...the Vacation Bible School program at HPUMC annually enrolls more than 1,000 children between the ages of 2 and 11?

...our Night Owls Program, a respite program for families with special needs children, is one of only two of its kind in Dallas?

...Cornerstone’s Be A Daddy Ministry includes more than 300 fathers who meet monthly to share in fellowship and equip themselves to be the fathers God has called them to be?

...HPUMC members raised more than $1.5 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina?

...HPUMC is engaged in missions in more than 10 countries around the world, including Russia, Cuba, Mexico and Africa?

...through Connect and Serve, we offer more than 500 hands-on opportunities for service to our church and our community?

When visiting Highland Park United Methodist Church, please stop by our Welcome Centers located near the Sanctuary or in the Wallace Building on Sunday mornings to find out more about HPUMC!  Our greeters will personally welcome you and guide you to your destination.