Leesville in Gonzales County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Rev. Alejo Hernández
In Memoriam
Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2021
1. Rev. Alejo Hernández Marker
At the 13th Session of the West Texas Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church South, held at Leesburg, TX, Alejo Hernández was ordained Deacon by Bishop Enoch Marvin on December 24, 1871. He was the first person of Mexican descent ordained by the Methodists.
His first appointment was to the Mexican Mission in Corpus Christi. Rev. John Wesley DeVilbiss was the presiding Elder.
In 1873, with Bishop John C. Keener, Alejo organized the first Methodist congregation in Mexico City. He is father to Methodism in Texas and Mexico.
On the night of September 27, 1875 he died in Corpus Christi and is buried there. Bishop Keener said of Alejo: "How full must have been the flood of the holy passion in the soul of this young man to diffuse itself throughout our church in such a short time."
by the people of the Río Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences
Bishop Joel N. Martinez, Resident Bishop
San Antonio Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church
Erected 2006 by The United Methodist Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1875.
Location. 29° 24.379′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Leesville School (within shouting distance of this marker); Leesville Baptist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gonzales - San Antonio Road (approx. 2 miles away); 1835 Attack at Sandies Water Hole (approx. 2 miles away); Dewville United Methodist Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); Sandies Chapel Cemetery (approx. 4.8 miles away); Sandies-Dewville Community (approx. 4.8 miles away); El Capote Ranch (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesville.
Also see . . . Hernández, Alejo (1842–1875).
The young Hernández soon found his faith and politics at odds. The Mexican liberals of the time found much to despise in the Roman Catholic Church, which supported the conservative cause and the French, and much to praise in the rising star of Benito Juárez, who had seized the office of president in 1857. Alejo Hernandez was a liberal and soon abandoned the clergy to enlist in the Mexican army to(Submitted on February 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)fight against the Emperor Maximilian. During this time, he was captured by the French but was able to rejoin his command. This event probably occurred prior to 1867, as the Emperor Maximilian was captured in May of that year and executed in June. Source: The Handbook of TexasPhotographed By James Hulse, February 21, 20212. The Rev. Alejo Hernández Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2021
3. The view of the Rev. Alejo Hernández Marker and the old Church.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 351 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
