El Buen Pastor Methodist Church
Sanderson, Terrell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1901 by Juan Zepeda, Sr., and Vicente Rodriguez, El Buen Pastor Methodist Church held services in members' homes until 1908, when the congregation erected this church building using locally made adobe bricks. A church member built the pulpit and benches, and a bell tower was added in the 1940s. A fine vernacular example of the Gothic revival style of architecture, this church building served the congregation until 1968. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
El Buen Pastor Methodist Church was founded in 1901 by Juan Zepeda, Sr., and Vicente Rodriguez, who met in members' homes until 1908, when the congregation built this church from locally made adobe bricks. A member crafted the pulpit and benches, and a bell tower was added in the 1940s, creating a fine vernacular example of Gothic Revival style. The little adobe church served its Mexican-American congregation until 1968.
Why it matters
The church stands for the deep-rooted Mexican-American communities of far West Texas, who built their own places of worship by hand and sustained them for generations.
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Related people
- · Juan Zepeda, Sr.
- · Vicente Rodriguez
Themes & tags
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