First Presbyterian Church of Victoria
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of the oldest church congregations in Victoria, the First Presbyterian Church was organized on October 2, 1841, by the Rev. William C. Blair and eight charter members. The first house of worship was built in the 1840s across from DeLeon Plaza. Worship and educational programs were increased as the church experienced steady growth. The Ladies Aid Benevolent Society was organized in 1872. One year later a new sanctuary was built at the corner of Forest and Liberty Streets. It continued to serve the congregation until 1923, when a red brick structure was completed one block north at Goodwin and Liberty Streets. The church relocated to this site in 1966. Throughout its history, this congregation has served the community with variety of worship, educational, mission, and outreach programs. The women of the church, under various names over the years, have contributed much to the life of the congregation. In addition to the Sunday school, youth programs have included the establishment of the Presbyterian day school in 1946 and scout troops. This church was instrumental in organizing new Presbyterian congregations in Victoria and nearby communities. (1991)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1841 in the young Republic of Texas by the Rev. William C. Blair and eight charter members, this was one of Victoria's earliest congregations. It built its first sanctuary near DeLeon Plaza and grew steadily, its Ladies Aid Benevolent Society forming in 1872 and a Presbyterian day school in 1946. The congregation helped seed new churches across the region before relocating to its present site in 1966.
Why it matters
Its long history reflects the spread of organized religion and education in frontier-era Texas, much of it sustained by the women of the congregation.
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Related people
- · William C. Blair
Themes & tags
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