The thriving singles class at First United Methodist Church, Dallas, found that in 1960 many of their members had married . . . each other. Thus, the need for a new "couples" class. On February 05, 1961, Dr. Robert E. Goodrich, Jr., then senior minister, organized a group of these married and/or engaged former Singl-Aires into a couples class. The name they chose was, predictably, Doubl-Aires. While there are no actual charter members still in the class today, approximately fifteen members are former Singl-Aires. The class has retained the name but, over the years since its founding, the membership has progressed to include both marrieds and singles.
Outreach efforts began with the founding of the Laadan Smith Fund, administered by then business manager Laadan Smith to the street people of Dallas. We did work on homes for the needy, an effort that has evolved into Servants At Work, a churchwide outreach. Other projects have included the C.C. Young Home, Dallas Police, Jail Ministries, Wesley Rankin, Bethlehem Center, and Thanksgiving baskets for the needy put together as a joint project with our church youth. We were involved, from the beginning, with the downtown family shelter to provide food, clothing, and parties for their residents. This shelter is now called Family Gateway. We are currently involved with the new Crossroads Ministry and have an ongoing ushering project with other adult classes. For 14 years, we sponsored an Art Show of work by local artists which netted an average of $1000 annually contributed to the church budget.
A favorite fellowship of the Doubl-Aires' has always been covered dish suppers. Our good cooks are now in print with three published cookbooks, The Spirit of Cookery in 1976, The Silver Edition produced in honor of the class' 25th anniversary, and this year Our Last Dish Effort celebrating our 40 years.
The Doubl-Aires Fund was established by a class member, not merely as a memorial fund, but one to assist in various areas. It has provided college scholarships, budgetary assistance, etc. This is voted on annually.
The Doubl-Aires have always been, and continue to be, leaders in all areas of the church. Most of the 80+ members are over 60. The class members have 116 children and, at this writing, 164 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Sunday morning lessons feature a variety of subjects and teachers; Bible study, as well as topics of current interest are included by the teachers who range from staff professionals to class members and community leaders.
The Doubl-Aires Class meets at FUMC Dallas in the Crossroads Center West at 9:30 each Sunday morning. Visitors are encouraged to attend. Also available on Zoom.