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

Friedens Church of Washington, UCC

Photographed by James Hulse, February 25, 2023

1. Friedens Church of Washington, UCC Marker

Inscription. Organized in 1890, the Friedens Church served the German immigrant community of Washington County. Following the Civil War an influx of German settlers moved to Washington County. In 1888, Rev. Klindworth began to hold services in response to a plea from several German families living in Washington County. His services inspired the people of the community to form a permanent church group. They decided to build a church and school building a mile and a half south of Washington. A full-time minister was hired who would also serve as the school teacher for economic reasons. The members applied for a minister from the Evangelical Synod of America and, in 1890, Rev. David Buchmueller arrived to work as pastor and school teacher.

The church was officially organized in October 1890 and named Friedens Evangelical Church. Members not of German heritage misunderstood the name, and the deed named it the German Evangelical Freemans Church. The church building was little more than a shell, without a ceiling or interior furnishings. During the tenure of Rev. Tesch, the church added a steeple and 16 ft. addition. The church was incorporated in 1899 and, in 1904, the church was separated from the school. In 1911, a new church was built along with a Browns Prairie School Building thus forever separating the church and school. Originally held in German with one English service a month beginning in 1922, church services gradually transitioned to English by 1960. The church name was changed to Friedens United Church of Christ until 1995 when it was renamed Friedens Church of Washington, UCC. This historic church is a reminder of the area's German heritage and legacy.

Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17883.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education •

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Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1890.

Location. 30° 17.265′ N, 96° 9.988′ W. Marker is in Washington, Texas, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 1155 and Bosse Road, on the right when traveling south on Highway 1155. The marker is located in front of the church building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20301 FM 1155, Washington TX 77880, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Brown's Prairie School and Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Methodist Church (approx. 2½ miles away); Barrington Plantation (approx. 2.6 miles

The Friedens Church of Washington, UCC and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 25, 2023

2. The Friedens Church of Washington, UCC and Marker

away); "Gus" (approx. 2.6 miles away); Andrew Robinson, Sr. (approx. 2.6 miles away); Asa Brigham (approx. 2.7 miles away); John William Smith (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Heart of the Home (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

The view of the Friedens Church of Washington, UCC and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 25, 2023

3. The view of the Friedens Church of Washington, UCC and Marker

The cemetery and marker are west of the church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 25, 2023

4. The cemetery and marker are west of the church

Historic Texas Cemetery - THC #18642

Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 458 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 27, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.