First Methodist Church of Garland
Garland, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized in 1855 by 18 charter members, this congregation was served by circuit-riding ministers who conducted worship services in a log cabin schoolhouse located on Duck Creek. A sanctuary built in 1871 was destroyed by a tornado in 1874. The City of Garland was formed in 1887 when the surrounding communities merged. The Methodist Church has been part of Garland's history since its begining. Several buildings have served the congregation, which continues active ministries to its members and community outreach and foreign missionary programs. Gift from Charles and Winifred Stokes
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Eighteen charter members organized this Methodist congregation in 1855, worshipping in a log cabin schoolhouse on Duck Creek under circuit-riding preachers who rode from settlement to settlement. A sanctuary built in 1871 was swept away by an 1874 tornado. When surrounding communities merged to form the City of Garland in 1887, the church was already woven into the town's life, and it has served the growing city through many buildings since.
Why it matters
Founded before Garland itself existed, the congregation embodies the frontier circuit-rider tradition that carried Methodism—and community—across early Texas.
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Related people
- · Charles and Winifred Stokes
Related events
- · 1874 tornado
- · Founding of Garland
Themes & tags
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