First Methodist Church of Silverton
Silverton, Briscoe County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized as a Sunday school in 1891, the First Methodist Church of Silverton has grown along with the community. The first pastor was the Rev. W.B. Ford, who conducted services here once a month while also serving other communities in the area. Early worship services were held in a grocery store, a one-room schoolhouse, and the courthouse until the first sanctuary was completed in 1902. The sancutuary was replaced in 1929 using some materials from the original building. Additions later were made to house the growing congregation. (1991)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized as a Sunday school in 1891, the First Methodist Church of Silverton grew up with its Panhandle town. Its first pastor, the Rev. W.B. Ford, rode a circuit and preached here once a month, and early services filled a grocery store, a one-room schoolhouse, and the courthouse until the first sanctuary was finished in 1902. A replacement sanctuary, built in 1929 using some of the original materials, and later additions housed the growing congregation.
Why it matters
The circuit-riding origins and makeshift meeting places capture how Methodist congregations helped knit together the newly settled communities of the Texas high plains.
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Related people
- · W.B. Ford
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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