Ward Memorial United Methodist Church
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1885, the Rev. Josiah Whipple was appointed to organize a Methodist mission in east Austin's tenth ward. The congregation built a sanctuary on First Street in 1888 and became known as the First Street Methodist Church. In 1909, the name Ward Memorial was adopted in honor of Methodist bishop Seth Ward (d.1909), a native Texan. As Austin expanded southward, many members of Ward Memorial moved to this area. The Church, with its emphasis on neighborhood ministry, purchased land at this site in 1959 and completed a new building the following year. (1985)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Methodist mission organized in east Austin's tenth ward in 1885 grew into the First Street Methodist Church, renamed Ward Memorial in 1909 for Texas-born bishop Seth Ward. As the city spread southward its members followed, and the congregation bought land here in 1959 and built anew the following year.
Why it matters
It reflects how neighborhood churches anchored community life and migrated with their members as a growing Texas capital reshaped its map.
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Related people
- · Josiah Whipple
- · Seth Ward
Themes & tags
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