First Presbyterian Church
San Marcos, Hays County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1848, Presbyterian settlers met in log courthouse to hear sermons by the rev. Nathaniel P. Charlot, teacher of area's first Sunday School. In 1853, circuit rider Humphrey W. Rogers and Mr. Charlot organized this church. The Rev. J. H. Zivley (1824-1905), also a circuit rider, from Austin, became first regular pastor in 1854. Original church building, at Austin (now LBJ) and Colorado, was erected 1872. Second, at present site, was occupied on Sept. 16, 1897. Present structure, built in 1952, was dedicated on the 100th anniversary, in October 1953.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Presbyterian settlers in San Marcos first gathered in the log courthouse in 1848 to hear sermons from Nathaniel P. Charlot, and the church was formally organized in 1853 by circuit-riding ministers. From its first building in 1872, the congregation grew through the 19th and 20th centuries, dedicating its present sanctuary in 1953 on the church's 100th anniversary.
Why it matters
Born in a frontier courthouse and nurtured by traveling circuit riders, the church shows how organized religion took root alongside the earliest settlement of Central Texas.
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Related people
- · Nathaniel P. Charlot
- · J. H. Zivley
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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