George West in Live Oak County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
George West First United Methodist Church
Photographed by James Hulse, April 16, 2023
1. George West First United Methodist Church Marker
Inscription.
George West First United Methodist Church. . In 1914, combined Protestant Christian services began in George West. Methodist circuit riders Alonso Brown and Roswell Gillett were among the ministers. Later in June 1916, Methodists organized as a branch of Oakville Methodist Church, South, led by nine charter members and Reverend Stucky. Two lots were donated by George W. West. A parsonage was purchased in 1921. To complete a church building with Sunday school rooms in 1928, the Pastor's Aid Society continued its tea room, and the Young Adult Epworth League raised and sold cotton. Pews were furnished by the Episcopal Group., The church expanded in 1925 as George West-Three Rivers charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1939, the conference united nationally and dropped "South" and "Episcopal". By 1947, the church owned six adjoining lots. In spite of devastating droughts, floods, and economic downturns, members remained faithful. A new parsonage designed and contracted by members, Jessie and J.C. Gilstrap, was built in 1954 with donated labor and salvaged brick from the closed Simmons School. By 1963, members renovated the vernacular church with a postmodern design including stained glass windows donated from past memorials. The conference united with the Evangelical United Brethren and the church was renamed George West First United Methodist Church., Mission efforts reached to Calliham, Mikeska, and Clegg, on to San Antonio, New Orleans, Korea, and Africa. In 2005, the church became a five star church by giving to all five mission areas of Texas Methodists. Walks to Emmaus, children's programs, teacher appreciation and senior luncheons are among ongoing ministries.
In 1914, combined Protestant Christian services began in George West. Methodist circuit riders Alonso Brown and Roswell Gillett were among the ministers. Later in June 1916, Methodists organized as a branch of Oakville Methodist Church, South, led by nine charter members and Reverend Stucky. Two lots were donated by George W. West. A parsonage was purchased in 1921. To complete a church building with Sunday school rooms in 1928, the Pastor's Aid Society continued its tea room, and the Young Adult Epworth League raised and sold cotton. Pews were furnished by the Episcopal Group.
The church expanded in 1925 as George West-Three Rivers charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1939, the conference united nationally and dropped "South" and "Episcopal". By 1947, the church owned six adjoining lots. In spite of devastating droughts, floods, and economic downturns, members remained faithful. A new parsonage designed and contracted by members, Jessie and J.C. Gilstrap, was built in 1954 with donated labor and salvaged brick from the closed Simmons School. By 1963, members renovated the vernacular church with a postmodern design including stained glass windows donated from past memorials. The conference united with the Evangelical United Brethren and the church was renamed George West First United Methodist Church.
Mission
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efforts reached to Calliham, Mikeska, and Clegg, on to San Antonio, New Orleans, Korea, and Africa. In 2005, the church became a five star church by giving to all five mission areas of Texas Methodists. Walks to Emmaus, children's programs, teacher appreciation and senior luncheons are among ongoing ministries.
Erected 2016 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18460.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1916.
Location. 28° 20.054′ N, 98° 7.012′ W. Marker is in George West, Texas, in Live Oak County. It is at the intersection of Crockett Street and San Antonio Street, on the right when traveling east on Crockett Street. The marker is located in the courtyard of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Crockett Street, George West TX 78022, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
3. The George West First United Methodist Church and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 19, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
