Original Site of First Methodist Church of Austin
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established in 1840 by the Rev. John Haynie (1786-1860), the First Methodist Church was Austin's second Protestant congregation. Services were held in temporary quarters until members erected their first meeting house in 1847 at this site, then the corner of Cedar Street and Congress Avenue. The Rev. Homer S. Thrall (1819-1894) was pastor when the small frame church was built. Thirty-five doctors from around the state met here January 17-19, 1853, to organize the Texas Medical Association. In 1854 the Methodists moved to a new brick church on the corner of Brazos and Mulberry (now 10th) Street. (1978)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1840 by the Rev. John Haynie, the First Methodist Church was Austin's second Protestant congregation, worshiping in temporary quarters until members built their first frame meeting house here in 1847. The building hosted more than sermons: in January 1853 thirty-five physicians from across the state gathered here to organize the Texas Medical Association. The Methodists moved to a new brick church nearby in 1854.
Why it matters
This corner marks both the roots of organized religion in the young capital and the birthplace of one of Texas's oldest professional institutions, showing how early churches doubled as centers of civic life.
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Related people
- · John Haynie
- · Homer S. Thrall
Related events
- · Founding of the Texas Medical Association
Themes & tags
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