Bosqueville Methodist Church
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Before organizing in 1853 this congregation met in homes. The following year services were led in the New Oakwood schoolhouse and later in the Bosqueville College. In 1875, under the leadership of the Rev. W.T. Melgin, the first building was constructed on this site which had been donated by Dr. Warren Wortham. The Rev. Mordecai Yell was among the outstanding circuit riders who served here. The present building was finished in 1911-12, under the pastorate of the Rev. M.H. Bowden. In 1953 the educational facilities were added.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This Methodist congregation took root in the Bosqueville community outside Waco in 1853, when frontier worshippers gathered in homes, then a schoolhouse, then the local college before building a church of their own. Traveling circuit riders such as Mordecai Yell served the scattered settlers, a hallmark of Methodism's reach across the Texas frontier. The present sanctuary dates to 1911â12, with educational wings added in the 1950s.
Why it matters
It captures how itinerant preachers and donated land built the religious and social fabric of rural Texas communities in the decades around statehood.
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Related people
- ¡ Rev. W.T. Melgin
- ¡ Dr. Warren Wortham
- ¡ Rev. Mordecai Yell
- ¡ Rev. M.H. Bowden
Themes & tags
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