Downtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Madison Square Presbyterian Church
Photographed by James Hulse, August 9, 2021
1. The Madison Square Presbyterian Church Marker
On Dec. 1, 1881, the Rev. William Buchanan came to San Antonio as a missionary of the Presbyterian Church of the United States. With support from the military community and other persons of northern background, he began to hold services, at first in a fire station, and later in a downtown lodge hall. On Feb. 18, 1882, he acquired the present site, then in an outlying district known as "Upper San Antonio". On the next day, Feb. 19, he organized the Madison Square Presbyterian Church. Members of the Brackenridge, Buchanan, Hill, Irvine, Konkle, McLane, Raymond, and Vanderlip families signed the charter petition. In the following month, the congregation began meeting here, on its own site, in a temporary chapel.
This Gothic Revival edifice of Rusticated Stone was completed in 1883. Severely damaged in an 1886 windstorm. It was rebuilt by 1895. In later years, the interior has been extensively remodeled, and an educational building has been added.
Members of the demised Grace Cumbermberland Church joined this congregation in 1906. The Madison Square Church has been active in local mission work, and in 1942 helped bring Trinity University to San Antonio.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1977
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13368.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is February 18, 1882.
Location. 29° 26.106′ N, 98° 29.493′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Camden Street and Lexington Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Camden Street. The marker is located on the southeast section of the Church grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 Camden Street, San Antonio TX 78215, United States
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Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. 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: Goad Motor Company Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Christian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); San Antonio High School (approx. Ό mile away); Fallen Heroes of the Vietnam War (approx. Ό mile away); Fox Tech Vietnam Fallen Heroes Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Old Ursuline Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); The San Antonio River (approx. 0.3 miles away); Navarro Street Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Photographed by James Hulse, August 9, 2021
2. The Madison Square Presbyterian Church and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, August 9, 2021
3. The view of the Madison Square Presbyterian Church and Marker from the street
Photographed by James Hulse, August 9, 2021
4. The Madison Square Presbyterian Church and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
