Lytle in Atascosa County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Lytle Methodist Church

Photographed By John A Hensarling, June 21, 2012

1. Lytle Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. According to oral history, the Lytle Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was founded in 1889. W.C. Newton, a local farmer and preacher, became known as "The Father of the Lytle Methodist Church" due to his efforts to establish a permanent place of worship. Newton also provided land for the Lytle Community Cemetery, cared for by church trustees.

The Rev. Jerome P. Garrett served as the first appointed pastor from 1891-1893. The congregation built their first sanctuary in 1892. After the railroad came through Lytle, bypassing the Benton City community, the Benton City Methodist congregation merged with this one in 1909. An active Women's Missionary Society was founded in 1915; a youth group and the Methodist Men's Club were also established.

To meet the needs of a growing congregation, the sanctuary was expanded and renovated in 1922. In 1950 a multi-purpose education building was added, and in 1957 a building committee planned a brick sanctuary with cathedral ceiling and stained glass windows.

The Lytle United Methodist Church, as it has been known since 1968, continues to provide diverse ministries to the community through worship services, study programs and other charitable activities. (1992)

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3158.)

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 29° 13.9′ N, 98° 47.78′ W. Marker is in Lytle, Texas, in Atascosa County. Marker is at the intersection of Somerset Road and Mesquite Street, on the right when traveling south on Somerset Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lytle TX 78052, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Atascosa Lodge No. 379, A.F. and A.M. (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church of Lytle (approx. ¾ mile away); Benton City Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); Natalia (approx. 4.7 miles away); Natalia Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.8 miles away); LaCoste City Hall (approx. 5½ miles away); LaCoste, Texas, Founded 1881 (approx. 5.6 miles away); City Hotel (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lytle.

Additional commentary.
1. Once Again Lytle Methodist Church
The church remained part of the United Methodist Church from 1968-2023. In 2023, the congregation voted to leave the United Methodist Church and join the Global Methodist Church over

Photographed By John A Hensarling, June 21, 2012

2. Lytle Methodist Church Marker

orthodox doctrine. At that time, the church was once again named Lytle Methodist Church.

— Submitted May 22, 2023, by Nan Boyd of Lytle, Texas.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2012, by John A Hensarling of Campbellton, Texas. This page has been viewed 709 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2012, by John A Hensarling of Campbellton, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.