First Methodist Church of Hutchins
Hutchins, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The town of Hutchins was formed in 1872 with the completion of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad. The Rev. John M. Davis and 8 charter members founded this church in December 1887. They met in a farmhouse owned by R. A. Simpson, and later shared facilities with the Christian Church of Hutchins. In 1891, a Methodist church was built on Main Street on land given by A. S. Clark. A new building was erected on Palestine Street in 1897. Fire destroyed that building and a parsonage in 1916, but they were rebuilt in 1917. The church has served the community for more than 100 years.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Hutchins took shape in 1872 when the Houston & Texas Central Railroad reached the spot, and in 1887 the Rev. John M. Davis and eight charter members organized this Methodist congregation in a local farmhouse. A frame church rose on Main Street in 1891, replaced by a new building on Palestine Street, and after fire destroyed that structure in 1916 the congregation rebuilt within a year. The church has served the community for well over a century.
Why it matters
The congregation's founding in a railroad-born town illustrates how faith communities followed the rails, growing up alongside the depots and Main Streets of new Texas towns.
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Related people
- · John M. Davis
Themes & tags
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