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

First Methodist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, April 7, 2023

1. First Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Held early services in hall put up by Wm. Balch, who in 1851 founded Alvarado. First church, built 1866, burned 1885. This Victorian building with spire and lancet windows, 1886-1887. Annexes 1940, 1950, 1960. Still has original bell. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965

Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1741.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.

Location. 32° 24.306′ N, 97° 12.735′ W. Marker is in Alvarado, Texas, in Johnson County. It is at the intersection of South Spears Street and East Atchley Avenue, on the left when traveling south on South Spears Street. The marker is located on the right side of the front entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 South Spears Street, Alvarado TX 76009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

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: Alvarado Masonic Lodge No. 314, A.F. & A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Outlaws Benjamin Bickerstaff and Josiah Thompson (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alvarado (about 600 feet away); Balch Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Alvarado School, Church and Union Building (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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Balch-Senterwood Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Johnson County Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion (approx. 0.7 miles away); Alvarado Glenwood Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alvarado.

The front entrance to the First Methodist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 7, 2023

2. The front entrance to the First Methodist Church and Marker

The view of the First Methodist Church from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 7, 2023

3. The view of the First Methodist Church from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.