Harlingen in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First United Methodist Church of Harlingen
The congregation grew rapidly along with Harlingen. A new sanctuary and parsonage were built in 1926-27 under the leadership of the Rev. W.P. Buckner and the Rev. J.T. King. When the Labor Day Hurricane of 1933 devastated the city, the church became a refuge for many. Harlingen Army Air Field's opening in 1941 brought new growth, as church members volunteered with the Red Cross and held many events for military personnel. Thirteen members of the church were killed during World War II. In their memory a memorial organ was gifted for the chapel. Postwar expansion included a new education building, tower with Carillon Bells, chapel and parlor, and local media broadcasts. The congregation helped organize El Buen Samaritano, Wesley, St. Paul's, and Valley Praise Methodist Churches. In 1967, Combes Methodist Church merged with Harlingen. This church became the First United Methodist Church after merging with the United Brethren Church. The entrance to the church was renovated in 1968. Memorials added stained glass windows, a multi-use building and the welcome center. More than a century after its founding, the congregation continues to be a beacon of light to the community
Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16445.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is February 19, 1910.
Location. 26° 11.448′ N, 97° 41.547′ W. Marker is in Harlingen, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is at the intersection of East Harrison Avenue and South 4th Street, on the left when traveling east on East Harrison Avenue. The marker is located on the east side of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 321 East Harrison Avenue, Harlingen TX 78550, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Original Sam Houston School (approx. 0.2 miles away); City of Harlingen (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lozano Plaza (approx. ¼ mile away); Historic Harlingen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Planters State Bank (approx. 0.3 miles away); Harlingen Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Iraqi D-20 152mm Howitzer (approx. 2.7 miles away); Getsemani Presbyterian Church (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harlingen.
Also see . . . Harlingen, TX. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.