United Methodist Church
Hamilton, Hamilton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Congregation formed by local settlers in 1850s. First known pastor was the Rev. J. H. Perry, in 1870. Among early members were families of Isaac Steen, J. Hogue Pierson, J. A. Eidson, Thomas Dean, and Dr. George F. Perry. Pioneer ministers of the Waco circuit braved hostile Indians to serve this church. In 1871 a band stole the horse of William Monk at Indian Creek, forcing him to walk 12 miles to Brownwood. Members worshipped in various places, then built frame church on this site about 1887. Present structure was erected 1924; wing for Sunday School was added 1953.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Settlers organized this Methodist congregation in the 1850s on the still-dangerous central Texas frontier, where circuit-riding ministers of the Waco circuit braved Indian raids to reach their scattered flocks. One 1871 raid stole a member's horse at Indian Creek, forcing him to walk twelve miles to Brownwood. After worshipping in various places, the congregation built a frame church here around 1887, replaced by the present structure in 1924.
Why it matters
The church's early years capture the perils of frontier faith in central Texas, where establishing a settled community meant contending with the ongoing conflict of the Indian frontier.
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Related people
- · Rev. J. H. Perry
- · Dr. George F. Perry
- · William Monk
Themes & tags
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