Central Christian Church
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1847, Eight years after the City of Austin was platted, ten members of the Disciples of Christ Brotherhood met to organize this congregation. Although early records of the church are scarce, it is know that regular worship services were being held in a local school building by 1852. The Christian Church of Austin, as the congregation originally was know, acquired its first property at Eighth and Colorado Street and worshiped at that site until moving to this location in 1929. An early dispute over theological and procedural matters split the congregation in 1888. Until 1896, when the Rev.S .D. Dutcher was appointed pastor, leaders of the church were selected from among the laity. The fellowship adopted its current name during the early years of the twentieth century, after other disciples of Christ congregations had been organized in Austin. Although much growth has occurred in the outlying sections of the city, Central Christian Church has remained a vital force in downtown area, its ministry has included the establishment of several other congregations. As one of the oldest churches in Austin, Central Christian has provided the city with significant service and leadership.** (1985)***
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1847, only eight years after Austin was platted, ten members of the Disciples of Christ gathered to organize this congregation on the young Texas capital's frontier. By 1852 they were worshiping in a local schoolhouse, later building at Eighth and Colorado before moving to this site in 1929, and weathering a theological split in 1888 that left the church led by its laity until a pastor was appointed in 1896. As one of Austin's oldest congregations, Central Christian took its current name early in the 20th century and helped establish several other churches in the growing city.
Why it matters
The congregation's long life mirrors Austin's own growth from a raw frontier settlement into a capital city, showing how early churches anchored community life on the Texas frontier.
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Themes & tags
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