Sneed Memorial Methodist Church
Calvert, Robertson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation, organized in 1869 as the Calvert Methodist Church, built its first sanctuary on this site in 1872. Among the early pastors were (1885-86) the Rev. Seth Ward, later first native Texan to be named a Methodist bishop; and (1895-99) the Rev. Dr. James Kilgore, a founder of Southern Methodist University. In 1923 when the present church building was erected, the name was changed in memory of the Rev. Joseph P. Sneed (1804-81), a circuit rider who came to Texas in 1838, then served for many years in Robertson and Milam county churches.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1869 as the Calvert Methodist Church, this congregation built its first sanctuary in 1872 in a booming railroad-and-cotton town. Its pulpit drew notable figures — Seth Ward, who became the first native Texan named a Methodist bishop, and Dr. James Kilgore, a founder of Southern Methodist University. In 1923 a new building rose and the church was renamed for pioneer circuit rider Joseph P. Sneed, who had carried Methodism across central Texas since 1838.
Why it matters
The congregation links a small Brazos Valley town to the wider institutional rise of Texas Methodism, including the founding of a major university.
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Related people
- · Rev. Seth Ward
- · Rev. Dr. James Kilgore
- · Rev. Joseph P. Sneed
Themes & tags
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