Trinity United Methodist Church
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation grew from a small mission organized in 1848 for the slave membership of the Houston Methodist Church (now first United Methodist Church). The Rev. Orceneth Fisher served as first pastor of the African mission, which was given a sanctuary of its own about 1851. On March 5, 1865, the congregation was organized officially by the Rev. Elias Dibble of the Mississippi Mission Conference. Initially known as First Church, Houston, Trinity Methodist Church grew to number 100 within the first year. In 1869 the cornerstone was laid for a sanctuary at 1408 Travis and Bell streets. Trinity Methodist Church has been a part of numerous significant events in the history of Houston, including the founding of Wiley College in 1873 and the organization of Texas Southern University in 1925. A number of leaders in Houston politics, education, and fraternal organizations have been members here. Throughout its history the congregation has been responsible for organizing other churches in Houston. One of the earliest black congregations in Houston, Trinity United Methodist Church has been located at this site since 1951.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This congregation began as an 1848 mission for the enslaved members of Houston's Methodist church and received a sanctuary of its own around 1851. Officially organized in 1865 as freedom arrived, it grew to 100 members within a year and laid a downtown cornerstone in 1869. One of Houston's earliest Black congregations, it took part in founding Wiley College and helped give rise to Texas Southern University.
Why it matters
Trinity's journey from a slave mission to an independent Black church mirrors the broader passage from bondage to freedom and the central role of Black churches in Black education and civic life.
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Related people
- · Rev. Orceneth Fisher
- · Rev. Elias Dibble
Themes & tags
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