First Presbyterian Church of Luling
Luling, Caldwell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After surveying Luling townsite in 1874, the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad deeded land for several church sites. In 1877 the Rev. Philip H. Hensley led 14 persons in organizing the Luling Presbyterian Church. Built in 1882, during the pastorate of the Rev. A. H. P. McCurdy, this structure originally had one 28' x 48' room. In 1925 the spire and bell were removed during repairs. after major remodeling the Sunday School Annex was added in 1955. The congregation reached in 1962 a membership peak of 92.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad surveyed Luling in 1874, it deeded land for churches — and in 1877 the Rev. Philip H. Hensley gathered fourteen people to organize a Presbyterian congregation. They built this sanctuary in 1882, later removing its spire and bell during repairs and adding a Sunday school annex, as membership grew to a peak of 92 by 1962.
Why it matters
The church traces how railroads deliberately seeded churches and community life into the towns they created, anchoring settlement along the new rail lines of Central Texas.
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Related people
- · Philip H. Hensley
Themes & tags
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