Site of the First Methodist Episcopal Church
San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Site of the First METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Erected in the Republic of Texas. Cornerstone laid, January 7, 1838 with the usages of the Masonic order. The Reverend Littleton Fowler and General Thomas J. Rusk delivered addresses. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On January 7, 1838, with the rites of the Masonic order, the cornerstone was laid here for the first Methodist Episcopal church building erected in the Republic of Texas. The Reverend Littleton Fowler and General Thomas J. Rusk—a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence—delivered the addresses at this early milestone of organized religion in the new republic.
Why it matters
The founding of this church tied faith to the birth of the Texas Republic, with leading figures of independence presiding over one of its first houses of worship.
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Related people
- · Littleton Fowler
- · Thomas J. Rusk
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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