Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Methodist Church of Corpus Christi
The Rev. John Haynie conducted Methodist worship services at Corpus Christi in 1846 as federal troops gathered in preparation for what would become the Mexican War. It was not until 1853, however, that a Methodist church was established in the city. That year the Rev. Henderson S. Lafferty directed formation of this congregation. The church's earliest building, the first constructed by a denomination in Corpus Christi, was a shellcrete structure located at the corner of Chaparral and Mann Streets.
Situated on land purchased from Col. Henry L. Kinney, the founder of Corpus Christi, the congregation's early facilities served as a community center and schoolhouse. They were also used as an emergency hospital during the city's yellow fever epidemics of 1854 and 1867. With the construction of additional buildings, the original block served until 1955, when new facilities were completed on Shoreline Drive.
The history of the First Methodist Church reflects the fellowship's steady growth, its active role in the establishment of several area congregations, a commitment to the development of the community and a dramatic influence on the quality of life in Corpus Christi.
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1751.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 27° 47.025′ N, 97° 23.682′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker is on South Shoreline Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 805 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi TX 78404, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richard and Minerva King House (approx. ¼ mile away); Centennial Memorial Museum (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Corpus Christi (approx. 0.4 miles away); Arthur Edward Spohn, M.D. and Spohn Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Army Deserters Hanged in Corpus Christi (approx. 0.6 miles away); Felix Von Blucher (approx. 0.6 miles away); Temple Beth El (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clear, daylight photos of the marker. • Can you help?