Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Photographed By Brian Anderson, January 16, 2022

1. St. Paul United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Founded in the late 1860s, St. Paul Methodist Church can trace its history through two earlier Methodist congregations in Galveston. Charter members of St. Paul Church included Methodists from the Reedy Chapel Methodist Church (originally part of the Ryland Chapel congregation), who broke away when that membership elected to join the African Methodist Episcopal denomination.

The Rev. Samuel Osborn served as first pastor of the new church. A sanctuary was built on the eastern end of the island on Avenue H between 8th and 9th Streets. A larger building was later erected to serve the growing congregation, but was destroyed in the 1900 storm.

Under the leadership of the Rev. Frank Gary, the congregation acquired property at this site and built a new sanctuary in 1902. The church has continued to thrive here, serving many generations of Galveston families. It is known locally as the "Mother Church" of Galveston's Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church. St. Paul Methodist Church counts among its members descendants of some of its founding families.

Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7177.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion.

Location.

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29° 18.141′ N, 94° 46.954′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway (Avenue J) (State Highway 87) and 15th Street, on the right when traveling east on Broadway (Avenue J). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1427 Broadway (Avenue J), Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Carl and Hilda Biehl House (within shouting distance of this marker); John and Eliza Hertford House (within shouting distance of this marker); Isaac H. and Henrietta Kempner House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bishop's Palace (within shouting distance of this marker); Powhatan and Mattie Wren House (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Chubb House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sacred Heart Church (about 400 feet away); The Rt. Rev. Monsignor Marius Etienne Chataignon (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.

St. Paul United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Anderson, January 16, 2022

2. St. Paul United Methodist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2022, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 362 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2022, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.