Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Rev. William M. Tryon
(March 10, 1809 - November 16, 1847)
In 1841 the Rev. Mr. Tryon volunteered to go to Texas for the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Tryon became a circuit rider in southeast Texas, reviving the church at Washington-on-the-Brazos. He was instrumental in Texas Baptist affairs, beginning the first of five terms as moderator of the Union Baptist Association in Texas. He suggested the formation of the Texas Baptist Education Society and, with Robert E. B. Baylor, drafted the charter for a Texas Baptist college. Tryon served as chaplain of the Texas Senate from 1843 to 1845, and became the first president of the Baylor University Board of Trustees in 1845.
On July 21, 1845, Tryon became the second missionary pastor of the First Baptist Church of Houston and was soon its first resident pastor. The membership, which had no church building, numbered only twelve. Tryon raised the money to erect a brick edifice on donated land at the corner of Travis Street and Texas Avenue. The completed structure was dedicated in May 1847. By the end of the summer sixty-nine new members had joined the congregation.
William M. Tryon died of yellow fever in November 1847. He was interred in the churchyard. Years later, when the property was sold, his remains were transferred to Glenwood Cemetery.
Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11973.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 29° 45.904′ N, 95° 23.123′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park. Marker can be reached from Washington Avenue. Rev. William Tryon is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Section F-2, Lot 081. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2525 Washington Avenue, Houston TX 77007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James S. and Alfred T. Lucas (a few steps from this marker); David Finney Stuart, M.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel B.F. Terry (within shouting distance of this marker); Anson Jones (within shouting distance of this marker); Irvin Capers Lord (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Belle Sherman Kendall (about 300 feet away); Archibald Wynns (about 500 feet away); Edwin Fairfax Gray (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Also see . . . Tryon, William Milton - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 268 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 4. submitted on January 8, 2020, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.