Westminster Presbyterian Church
Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Presbyterians have long played an important role in Nacogdoches; the earliest Presbyterian influence here dates to the 1830s, with several churches organizing later in the century. In 1893, Rev. B. A. Hodges and twelve founding members established Main Street Presbyterian Church under the Cumberland denomination's Presbytery of Texas. Around 1900, the church constructed a wood frame building on Main Street designed by noted Nacogdoches architect D. A. W. Rulfs. After outgrowing the structure, the church completed a sanctuary and manse in 1930 at the corner of North and Powers streets and became known as Westminster Presbyterian Church. The congregation added Westminster Fellowship Hall in 1965 and an educational building in 1998. Westminster Presbyterian Church has a rich history of helping those in need. During World War I the church led Nacogdoches County's War Savings Stamps campaign, and in the 1920s worked with local Boy Scouts and with students at Stephen F. Austin State teacher's College (now Stephen F. Austin State University). The congregation helped found the Head Start program in Nacogdoches. Other ministries of included a Senior Citizen Nutrition Center, Telephone Reassurance Program, Samaritan Counseling Center, Habitat for Humanity and Love Inc. congregation has also stressed music ministry, both in worship and in the community. Today, more than 100 years after its founding, Westminster Presbyterian Church continues to play a vital role as a spiritual and community leader in Nacogdoches. (2009)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Presbyterians shaped Nacogdoches from the 1830s onward, and in 1893 Rev. B. A. Hodges and twelve members founded what became Westminster Presbyterian Church under the Cumberland denomination. An early wood-frame sanctuary by noted architect D. A. W. Rulfs gave way to a 1930 sanctuary and manse, and the congregation grew into a hub of community service, from a World War I savings-stamp drive to helping launch the local Head Start program.
Why it matters
The church's long arc shows how a frontier congregation matured into an anchor of civic life, carrying religious community into modern social service.
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Related people
- · B. A. Hodges
- · D. A. W. Rulfs
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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