St. John's United Methodist Church
Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
As early as 1871, pioneer Swedish settlers near Union Hill (4 mi. S), also known as the Brushy area, were holding Methodist worship services in homes. In 1882, they formally organized as a Swedish Methodist Episcopal church. The congregation moved to this site in 1906, when the present native stone sanctuary was completed. The name St. John's was adopted in 1939, and regular Swedish language services ended in the 1940s. Church programs, however, continue to reflect the ideals, traditions and rich heritage of the pioneer founders. (1983)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Swedish immigrants who settled the Brushy Creek country south of Georgetown began holding Methodist services in their homes as early as 1871. They organized formally in 1882 as a Swedish Methodist Episcopal church and completed this native-stone sanctuary in 1906. Swedish-language worship continued into the 1940s, long preserving the founders' Old World heritage.
Why it matters
It marks the Swedish immigrant communities that helped shape Central Texas, keeping their language and faith alive across generations.
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Themes & tags
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