Bethel Presbyterian Church
East Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of oldest in Texas, was organized June 13, 1840. Land and original church given by Mrs. J. H. Bell. New church acquired, 1932. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized on June 13, 1840, Bethel Presbyterian Church ranks among the oldest congregations in Texas, its original land and building given by Mrs. J. H. Bell. Founded during the days of the Republic, it took root in the river-port community of East Columbia and acquired a new church home in 1932. Its long life reaches from the frontier settlement era into the modern age.
Why it matters
As one of Texas's earliest churches, Bethel testifies to the faith and community-building that accompanied Anglo settlement in the Republic era.
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Related people
- · Mrs. J. H. Bell
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Nash-Wright House
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East Columbia began in 1823 as Bell's Landing, a town in Stephen F. Austin's colony founded by Josiah H. Bell. The oldest part of this house was raised about 1847 on cedar pole framing by George Lewis Nash, whose family lived here some forty-five years. Merchant James P. Wright's wife Martha bought and expanded it in 1892, and their descendants preserve it still.
Bell's Landing
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Established in 1823 as a Brazos River landing for Josiah H. Bell's plantation, this spot grew into the town of Marion—later East Columbia—laid out in 1824. During the Texas Revolution it served as an army enlistment point and ferrying dock, and in the years of the Republic it thrived as a key river port and trade center. The Brazos was then a highway, and landings like this one were its ports.
Ammon Underwood House
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