East Riverside - Oltorf in Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ward Memorial United Methodist Church
Photographed By Larry McGinnis, March 7, 2021
1. Ward Memorial United Methodist Church Marker
In 1885, the Rev. Josiah Whipple was appointed to organize a Methodist mission in east Austin's tenth ward. The congregation built a sanctuary on First Street in 1888 and became known as the First Street Methodist Church. In 1909, the name Ward Memorial was adopted in honor of Methodist bishop Seth Ward (d.1909), a native Texan. As Austin expanded southward, many members of Ward Memorial moved to this area. The Church, with its emphasis on neighborhood ministry, purchased land at this site in 1959 and completed a new building the following year.
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14816.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 30° 14.017′ N, 97° 44.104′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in East Riverside - Oltorf. Marker can be reached from Parker Lane north of East Oltorf Street, on the right when traveling north. There is a driveway that leads back to the church parking lot. The marker is located on the wall of a church building on the south side of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Texas Dental Association (approx. 0.4 miles away); Walter and Mae Simms House (approx. ¾ mile away); Reuter House (approx. ¾ mile away); Ollie O. Norwood Estate (approx. 1.1 miles away); Walter Tips House (approx. 1.2 miles away); Saint Edward’s University Main Building (approx. 1.2 miles away); Doyle Farm (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Academy (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Photographed By Larry McGinnis, March 7, 2021
2. Ward Memorial United Methodist Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2021, by Larry McGinnis of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 227 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2021, by Larry McGinnis of Austin, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
