First United Methodist Church of Hempstead
Hempstead, Waller County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Methodism in Hempstead began circa 1857, shortly after the Hempstead Town Company was founded in December of 1856 to sell lots in the new town. Church histories indicate that an 1859 revival added members to the existing Methodist congregation, and that the congregation had purchased a large building to be adapted for church usage. This building was placed at the corner of 10th and Austin Streets. This property was officially conveyed to the Methodist Episcopal Church South on September 17, 1883.The Methodist Church, along with other early community churches, influenced the rapid growth of Hempstead, serving as the primary social institutions and gathering places for both townspeople as well as rural community members.The church erected several buildings throughout the years, including new sanctuaries in 1860, 1907, a relocation of the 1907 structure to the northeast corner of Ninth and Washington Streets in 1930, and the construction of the current structure, completed in 1957.The church was originally known as the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and wqas later called the First Methodist Church. In 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church, and the congregation in Hempstead took the name of First United Methodist Church of Hempstead. Since the church's founding, members have been involved in missionary work and community outreach, including formation of the United Methodist Women in 1900 as the Ladies Aid, and the creation of the United Methodist Men in 1953. (2008)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Methodism took hold in Hempstead around 1857, just after the town was platted, and an 1859 revival swelled the young congregation enough to acquire a building for worship. Formally deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1883, the congregation raised a succession of sanctuaries and served as one of the town's central gathering places. Through mergers and renamings it became today's First United Methodist Church of Hempstead.
Why it matters
The church shows how frontier congregations doubled as the social backbone of new Texas towns, shaping community life as much as railroads or commerce.
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Themes & tags
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