La Vernia in Wilson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Rector Chapel Bell
Photographed by James Hulse, February 21, 2021
1. Rector Chapel Bell Marker
This bell from the Rector Chapel rang for church services and community emergencies. Built in 1876, the Rector Chapel Presbyterian Church was the first Church organized in La Vernia. Originally located across the Cibolo on FM 2772 where the Rector Chapel Cemetery still stands on land donated by W.R. Wiseman, the church and the bell were moved in 1891 to Chihuahua St. and became the Primitive Baptist Church in 1978. The bell was donated to the La Vernia Historical Association in 2006 by the La Vernia Primitive Baptist Church when the steeple became unstable. The church burned to the ground in 2010 and is now being rebuilt.
The rocks under the bell and in the pedestal were collected from local historical sites including the Applewhite Homestead, Brahan Masonic Lodge, Chihuahua Street, Concrete Cemetery, Gonzales Road at Cibolo Crossing, Huebinger House, Immanuel Lutheran Church, La Vernia United Methodist Church, Montgomery House, Mueller Bridge, Polley Mansion & Rector Chapel Cemetery, along with bricks from the Suttles Pottery.
Erected by La Vernia Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Deaf Smith Oak Tree - the Next Generation (here, next to this marker); Suttles Pottery (within shouting distance of this marker); La Vernia (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Chihuahua Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Brahan Lodge No. 226, A.F. & A.M. (approx. Ό mile away); La Vernia United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named La Vernia United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Immanuel Lutheran Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Vernia.
Photographed by James Hulse, February 21, 2021
2. Rector Chapel Bell and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, February 21, 2021
3. The view of the Rector Chapel Bell Marker from the front of the La Vernia Heritage Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 370 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
