Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Original Site of First Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Keith Peterson, November 18, 2007
1. Original Site of First Presbyterian Church Marker
The Rev. William M. Baker and five charter members organized the First Presbyterian Church of Austin on May 26, 1850. Abner H. Cook, future designer of the Governor's Mansion, was among the charter members and was elected a ruling elder. In 1851, members erected a wood frame building on two lots at this site, which Cook donated to the church. The members enlarged the structure in 1855, and in 1874 agreed to construct a stone building. They built the first floor and met there until funding was available to complete the edifice in 1890. With the later addition of an annex and tower, it served until 1960, when the congregation moved to a site in north central Austin. They relocated to northwest Austin in 1978.
Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12363.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1827.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 30° 16.177′ N, 97° 44.68′ W. Marker was in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It was in Downtown Austin. It was on West 7th Street near Lavaca Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in Central Texas. It was also in the American South. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
Regarding Original Site of First Presbyterian Church. The Travis County Historical Commission has confirmed this marker is missing, likely missing for some time dating back to construction at the site. A search for the marker has been made without success. Discussions about replacing the marker are underway.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New location and marker for the First Presbyterian Church
Photographed by Keith Peterson, November 18, 2007
2. Original Site of First Presbyterian Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,088 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on October 16, 2019, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 21, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
