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

Austin Avenue United Methodist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

1. Austin Avenue United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. At the close of the nineteenth century, when it was determined that Waco's Fifth Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South (now First United Methodist Church) had grown too large, its members petitioned the denominational conference for the organization of another congregation in Waco. As a result, the quarterly conference approved the establishment of Austin Avenue Methodist Church on December 31, 1900. The Rev. John R. Nelson was appointed to organize the new congregation.

Three lots were purchased at the corner of Austin Avenue and 12th Street for a church building. The congregation was officially chartered on December 29, 1901, with a membership of 81, and a sanctuary was completed in April 1902.

The congregation experienced a steady growth that paralleled that of its neighborhood. When the first building became too small for the growing church, it was sold to Trinity Presbyterian Church, and a new Methodist structure was built at Austin Avenue and 13th Street.

Throughout its history, this church has served its community with a variety of outreach programs. It continues to be an important part of Waco's history.

Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 242.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures

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. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1902.

Location. 31° 33.004′ N, 97° 8.355′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. It is at the intersection of Austin Avenue and South 13th Street, on the left when traveling west on Austin Avenue. The marker is located on the southwest side entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1300 Austin Avenue, Waco TX 76701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Austin Avenue Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); The Sturgis House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Mary's Church of the Assumption (about 600 feet away); Columbus Avenue Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Waco (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rotan-Dosset House (approx. ¼ mile away); Evangelia Settlement (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Lutheran Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.

The Austin Avenue United Methodist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

2. The Austin Avenue United Methodist Church and Marker

The view of the Austin Avenue United Methodist Church from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

3. The view of the Austin Avenue United Methodist Church from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.