Encinal Presbyterian Church
Encinal, La Salle County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This church was organized in 1908 by the Rev. Dr. M. W. Doggett, an evangelist for the Presbytery of Western Texas. Two years later, during the supply pastorate of the Rev. Harry W. Hamilton, members constructed a church building at this site. A one-room frame sanctuary, it was built on property donated by local rancher T. A. Coleman. The Rev. Hamilton was later called as the regular minister and served the congregation until his death in 1940, a pastorate of 30 years. Until 1950 the church was the only Protestant fellowship in the community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Encinal Presbyterian Church was organized in 1908 by a traveling evangelist for the Presbytery of Western Texas, and two years later members built a one-room frame sanctuary on land donated by rancher T. A. Coleman. The Rev. Harry W. Hamilton, who oversaw its construction, was soon called as regular minister and served for thirty years until his death in 1940. Until 1950 it was the only Protestant congregation in this South Texas ranching community.
Why it matters
Small ranch-country churches like this were often the first institutions to root a scattered settlement, offering community and continuity where little else yet existed.
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Related people
- · Harry W. Hamilton
- · T. A. Coleman
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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