First Methodist Church of Rockport
Rockport, Aransas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Methodist Church has been in existence in Rockport since about 1870. The Rev. H. G. Horton was assigned as pastor of the Rockport church in 1872. The original Methodist church building, erected at the corner of Live Oak and Bay Streets, was used by a number of other congregations until their own facilities were completed. The Methodists relocated to this site in 1914 and later built new structures to meet the needs of the growing membership. With an emphasis on educational programs, this church continues to be an integral part of the community. (1991)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Methodists have worshipped in the small Aransas Bay port of Rockport since about 1870, and the Rev. H. G. Horton became their pastor in 1872. Their first frame church at Live Oak and Bay Streets did double duty, sheltering other congregations until they could build their own facilities. In 1914 the Methodists relocated to this site, where an emphasis on education kept the church at the center of community life.
Why it matters
Shared early sanctuaries like this one show how a single frontier church often nurtured a whole town's religious and civic beginnings.
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Related people
- · H. G. Horton
Themes & tags
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