Getsemani Presbyterian Church

Getsemani Presbyterian Church. . , In the first decade of the 20th century, Hispanics from central Texas, Mexico and nearby ranches settled in the newly founded town of San Benito. Among these immigrants were individuals who followed the principles of the Presbyterian Church of Mexico. By 1909, these families organized a Spanish speaking congregation, meeting in homes for worship. In 1911, Presbyterian families in San Benito organized the Mexican Presbyterian Church of San Benito. Anne E. Dysart, a missionary and teacher who evacuated Mexico during the country's revolution, led services and opened a school. The congregation officially dedicated the church on October 19, 1911., By 1912, the congregation gathered funds to purchase a lot at the corner of Biddle and Hull Streets to build their first church building. In 1917, the church reorganized and in 1919, it became a member of the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A. that year, the congregation moved their buildings to 140 Diaz Street. As years passed, the congregation became predominantly english-speaking; to reflect the shift, the church changed names to 2nd Presbyterian Church in 1961. In 1979, members renamed it Getsemani Presbyterian Church. , The Getsemani congregation has a long history of aiding the community. It has hosted the Texas Migrant Council's Community Center, run a food bank and a clothes closet, functioned as an emergency distribution center, offered english classes, and set up a benevolent fund for the indigent. The church has also focused on area outreach, opening missions in Harlingen, Las Flores and El Fresnal and conducting mission work in Mexico. Today, Getsemani Presbyterian Church continues to be a spiritual leader in the San Benito community.