Paul's Union Church
La Marque, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established about 1895 by Laura Stewart and Julia Parr Munson, this church is distinguished by a history of strong community involvement. The congregation has been led by various Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant clergy and has served an interdenominational congregation throughout its history. The site of the original church building, destroyed in the 1900 storm, became a cemetery in which many of the storm's victims were buried. Services were held at B. F. Ayers' home until a new structure was built adjacent to the cemetery about 1913. The church incorporated as La Marque Union Protestant Church in 1927. A new sanctuary was completed in 1933 with the help of Mrs. Paul Naschke. Her financial assistance was extended on the condition the church be named after her late husband, a well-known local photographer and contributor to church affairs. The church was renamed Paul's Union Church in 1933. Various community groups, including La Marque's Garden Club and its civic club, used church facilities. Led by a devoted clergy, the church was able to support a missionary to South America, aid victims of the 1947 Texas City disaster, and lead a 1949 anti-gambling crusade in Galveston County. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded around 1895 by Laura Stewart and Julia Parr Munson, this La Marque congregation served an interdenominational community led over the years by Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant clergy. Its first building was destroyed in the catastrophic 1900 Galveston storm, and the site became a cemetery for many of the storm's victims. Rebuilt and later renamed Paul's Union Church in 1933 in honor of photographer Paul Naschke, it remained a center of community life and relief work.
Why it matters
The church's story—shaped by two women founders, the deadly 1900 hurricane, and decades of interdenominational service—reflects the resilience and communal spirit of the Texas Gulf Coast.
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Related people
- · Laura Stewart
- · Julia Parr Munson
- · Paul Naschke
Related events
- · 1900 Galveston hurricane
- · 1947 Texas City disaster
Themes & tags
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