Taylor in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Presbyterian Church of Taylor
Photographed By Keith Peterson, June 28, 2007
1. First Presbyterian Church of Taylor Marker
The history of this church can be traced to 1876, when a Presbyterian congregation here was closely associated with the Presbyterian church in Georgetown. The Rev. John McMurray led both congregations, and the earliest written recognition of the Taylor church appears in 1878 denominational records.
Trustees for the church purchased this property in March 1878, and a frame sanctuary was completed by Thanksgiving of that year. A school operated by the Rev. Mr. McMurray was located across the street.
The Rev. James P. Lyle was called as the church’s first full-time pastor in 1889. About a year later a home was built on the church property to house the pastor’s family, but it was destroyed in a 1900 fire.
Denominational records began to refer to this congregation as First Presbyterian Church of Taylor in 1895, following the establishment of a Cumberland Presbyterian church the previous year. The two congregations were merged about 1910 and retained the First Presbyterian Church name. The need for a larger facility soon arose, and a new brick sanctuary was built in 1912–1913.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9092.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1878.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Christian Church of Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Bill Pickett (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); City of Taylor (about 700 feet away); Tex Avery (about 700 feet away); Taylor Post Office (about 700 feet away); Preslar-Hewitt Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eikel-Prewitt Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Taylor Public Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taylor.
Also see . . . First Presbyterian Church of Taylor. Williamson County Texas History website entry (Submitted on September 9, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022
2. The view of the First Presbyterian Church of Taylor and Marker from the street
The marker is located at the left side of the church under a tree.
Photographed By Keith Peterson, June 28, 2007
3. First Presbyterian Church of Taylor
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,716 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 12, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on November 13, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on November 12, 2007, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
