First Christian Church
Mason, Mason County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized Feb. 14, 1875, with M. E. Gibson as first minister. Land for church was purchased from John and Louisa Schuessler on Oct. 16, 1876, by church elders John R. McGee, A. P. Boston, Whitmill Holland, and B. F. Gooch. This structure, built of native sandstone by local contractor August Brockmann, was completed and dedicated in Jan. 1879. The classic revival porch was added in 1926, by Philadelphia Architect Watkins K. Phillips. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1875 with M. E. Gibson as its first minister, this Mason congregation soon bought land and raised a sturdy sanctuary of native sandstone, built by local contractor August Brockmann and dedicated in 1879. A classical revival porch, designed by a Philadelphia architect, was added in 1926. The building reflects the craftsmanship and permanence that settlers brought to their frontier town.
Why it matters
Its handsome stone church shows how quickly a frontier community invested in lasting institutions once it put down roots.
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Related people
- · August Brockmann
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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