First Presbyterian Church of McAllen
McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This church began with McAllen's first Presbyterian worship service, held by the Rev. M.W. Doggett in a local lumberyard in 1908. Dr. W. A. King and George Pollack were first elders. Although adversely affected by the Mexican Revolution (1909-1919) the church was sustained by its Women's Society, formed in 1909. The first sanctuary, built here in 1910, was a prominent landmark in McAllen's early history. A fellowship hall was added in 1949, an education building in 1953, and a new sanctuary in 1959-60. This congregation continues to serve the community with a variety of programs. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This congregation grew from McAllen's first Presbyterian service, held in a lumberyard in 1908, and was sustained through the turbulent years of the Mexican Revolution by the Women's Society formed in 1909. Its first sanctuary of 1910 became an early landmark of the border town, later expanded with a fellowship hall, education building, and new sanctuary through the mid-20th century.
Why it matters
The church's endurance through the upheaval along the Mexican border, carried in large part by its women members, reflects the faith and community-building that anchored early Rio Grande Valley towns.
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Related people
- ¡ M. W. Doggett
Related events
- ¡ Mexican Revolution
Themes & tags
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