First Christian Church of El Paso
El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation was organized by Philip Miner in 1885 with thirteen charter members. Miner (1825-1901), a native of Pennsylvania and a blacksmith by trade, came to El Paso in 1883 with his wife and five children. Since coming to Texas in 1849, he had been very involved in the establishment of churches and public schools, and he continued this activity in El Paso with the founding of this fellowship. Miner refused any pay for his preaching services. The Rev. Francis Brunner became the church's first salaried pastor in 1890. Early worship services were held in a variety of locations in south El Paso. In 1895, while vacationing in the city, the Rev. J. C. Mason led the congregation to build a sanctuary of its own at 107 Myrtle Avenue. On March 4, 1904, the cornerstone was laid for a new church building at Oregon and Franklin Streets. It was built during the ministry of the Rev. E. M. Waits, who later served as president of Texas Christian University from 1916 to 1941. On November 5, 1950, ground breaking ceremonies were held for a new church home at 901 Arizona Avenue. First Christian Church of El Paso has helped to establish other Disciples of Christ congregations as the city's population has grown. 1985
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the booming border town of 1880s El Paso, a Pennsylvania blacksmith named Philip Miner gathered thirteen charter members to found this Disciples of Christ congregation, refusing any pay for his preaching. Since coming to Texas in 1849 he had devoted himself to planting churches and public schools, and he continued that work on the far western frontier. From rented rooms in south El Paso the fellowship built successive sanctuaries and helped seed other congregations as the desert city grew.
Why it matters
It reflects how lay founders like Miner spread churches and schools together across the frontier, knitting religious and civic life into fast-growing border towns.
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Related people
- · Philip Miner
- · E. M. Waits
Themes & tags
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