Farmers Branch in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dallas County's First Methodist Society
(Webb Chapel United Methodist Church)
Photographed By Kayla Harper, April 19, 2020
1. Dallas County's First Methodist Society Marker
Founded in Republic of Texas. Isaac Blackman Webb (1802-80), after moving his family from Missouri to the Peters Colony in 1843-44 Winter, appealed for a visit by a missionary. On March 19, 1844, in log cabin of his brother-in-law, William M. Cochran, a worship service was held by the Rev. Thomas J. Brown, the first known Methodist minister to visit the Colony. On May 5, 1845, circuit services were begun by the Rev. Daniel Shook in Webb's cabin, and a society was formed. The charter members: Nancy Jane Hughes Cochran (Mrs. William M,. said to have been first professing Methodist in the Colony), M. Franklin and Margaret Fortner, and Isaac and Mary Hughes Webb. An 18' x 18' log cabin was built on Webb's land in springtime 1846, as the Colony's first church. The Rev. Joab H. Biggs was first (1847-48) pastor. The hewn-log cabin also served as schoolhouse, public meeting hall, and post office for community.
Some local Methodists in 1850s met Cedar Springs members halfway, and built Cochran Chapel (5.3 mi. SE). Webb Chapel Cemetery (1.8 mi. SE) marks the site where the others built a frame church in 1877. A second frame building of 1903 was used until present sanctuary was erected in 1955 to house this church body with a record of continuous services since 1845.
Erected 1972 by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 19, 1844.
Location. 32° 55.426′ N, 96° 53.654′ W. Marker is in Farmers Branch, Texas, in Dallas County. Marker is on Valley View Lane, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2536 Valley View Lane, Dallas TX 75234, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Baptist Church of Farmers Branch (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Texian Land and Emigration Company (about 400 feet away); Keenan Cemetery (about 600 feet away); John Keenan (about 700 feet away); David Myers (about 800 feet away); Bill and Maude Dodson House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gilbert House (approx. half a mile away); Webb Chapel Cemetery (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Farmers Branch.
Photographed By Kayla Harper, April 19, 2020
2. Dallas County's First Methodist Society Marker
Photographed By Kayla Harper, April 19, 2020
3. Dallas County's First Methodist Society Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
