MCHAA THEN & NOW

Our Heritage

In 1890, Methodist Children's Home (MCH) was founded in Waco, Texas. A farmhouse, sitting on a 10-acre plot of land, became the first symbol of a landmark that celebrated its 135th birthday in 2025. Throughout history, MCH has overcome many challenges and encountered tremendous growth.

It all started in 1894, when 12-year-old David Harrison from Prairie Hill, Texas, knocked on the door of the Miller residence and said, "I have come to live with you. David became the first of many children to be raised at MCH.

The beginning of the Alumni Association began with a letter to the current alumni in 1915. W.F. “Dad” Barnett had an idea that the home children should be able to come back to visit just as regular children of families do. He continued this traditions into the early 1920’s with a large attendance that an organization deemed necessary.

At the homecoming celebration in 1922, a group of former students organized themselves as the Alumni Association and elected Frank Howell as their first president. During his tenure, he moved the homecoming to Easter, which has been the tradition to this day.

Today, the alumni consists of a roster of 400 names in the directory. On average, 100-150 alumni attend the annual homecoming at Easter. The weekend is full of activities including a Friday golf tournament, egg hunt and games on ‘Third Hill”, a Saturday night dinner, Sunday services in the Harrell Chapel with a lunch to follow. Within these events, traditions continue such as honoring distinguished staff members and alumni, auctioning off the Louie Box, attending church together, and touring the home.

Methodist Home (ca. 1908): Alumni returning home. Source: Image courtesy of the Texas Collection, Baylor University

MCHAA = NON-PROFIT

Board of Officers & Directors

Our association operates under non profit laws and regulations. This means we have bylaws and a constitution.

There is an elected board that carries on the business of the association each year. The general membership elects these officers and directors for two year terms.

Membership is open to anyone desiring to promote the purpose of the assocation and agreeing to be included in the MCHAA Directory.

FACING THE FUTURE

A 2024 Alumni Survey showed that our association could stand to improve if we really want to uphold our purpose:

“To support the MCH and to promote lasting friendly relations among the current students and staff, former students and staff, and friends of the MCH.”

A reform comittee was formed and went to work hosting discussion forums with members and seeking solutions.

Conclusions:

  • There is a decline in active membership, especially with the last 30 years. We lack representation with our younger generation.

  • Members really want to stay connected, support the MCH, and give back. We need more opportunities to engage our members and offer them benefits of being apart of this association.

  • We need to enhance our outreach and communication efforts to bring awareness, improve efficiency, and to strenghten our impact.

Approved Solutions:

With being a non-profit and having a board, decisions have to be approved. The board faced four potential solutions. Only two were approved.

  • MCHAA Mentorship Program Pilot - for the Fall of 2025/Spring 2026, we will pilot an opportunity for members to connect in a new supportive way. To learn more, check out our MENTORSHIP page.

  • Imporoving Communicaton - boosting connection & engagement through a new MCHAA website and revising our newsletters.