Bandera Methodist Church
Bandera, Bandera County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1880 by members under leadership of B.F. Langford, Sr. Gothic architecture. Hand-cut limestone, with oak timbers. Though enlarged and remodeled, retains original charm. Rev. John Devilbiss (who helped found first Protestant church in San Antonio) held services here 1861. Church organized 1867 by Rev. A.J. Potter; charter members included Rugh, Langford, Stevens Families. Daniel Rugh organized first Sunday school, April 18, 1869. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This Hill Country Methodist congregation traces its roots to 1861, when Rev. John Devilbiss—who had helped found San Antonio's first Protestant church—held services in Bandera, and to its formal organization in 1867 under Rev. A.J. Potter. Members built the Gothic-style church in 1880 from hand-cut limestone and oak timbers, and though enlarged and remodeled it keeps its original character. A Sunday school begun in 1869 rounded out its early ministry.
Why it matters
The stone church reflects the faith and craftsmanship that early settlers carried into the Texas frontier, planting enduring institutions in a newly opened land.
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Related people
- · John Devilbiss
- · A.J. Potter
- · Daniel Rugh
- · B.F. Langford, Sr.
Themes & tags
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