Original Site of First Presbyterian Church
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Rev. William M. Baker and five charter members organized the First Presbyterian Church of Austin on May 26, 1850. Abner H. Cook, future designer of the Governor's Mansion, was among the charter members and was elected a ruling elder. In 1851, members erected a wood frame building on two lots at this site, which Cook donated to the church. The members enlarged the structure in 1855, and in 1874 agreed to construct a stone building. They built the first floor and met there until funding was available to complete the edifice in 1890. With the later addition of an annex and tower, it served until 1960, when the congregation moved to a site in north central Austin. They relocated to northwest Austin in 1978. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On May 26, 1850, the Rev. William M. Baker and five charter members organized Austin's First Presbyterian Church, in the earliest years of the new state capital. Among the founders was Abner H. Cook — soon to design the Governor's Mansion — who donated this land and served as a ruling elder. The congregation raised a wood frame building here in 1851, enlarged it, and eventually built in stone, worshipping on the site until moving north in 1960.
Why it matters
The church traces the religious and civic roots of frontier-era Austin and links a founding congregation to Abner Cook, one of the architects who shaped the young capital's most enduring buildings.
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Related people
- · William M. Baker
- · Abner H. Cook
Themes & tags
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