Southside in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Oak Island Methodist Church and Cemetery

With Grave of the Reverend John Wesley DeVilbiss (1818-1885)

— United Methodist Church Registered Historic Site No. 1 —

Oak Island Methodist Church and Cemetery With Grave of the Reverend John Wesley DeVilbiss Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 10, 2023

1. Oak Island Methodist Church and Cemetery With Grave of the Reverend John Wesley DeVilbiss Marker

Inscription. Circuit rider DeVilbiss came to Republic of Texas in 1842 to minister on Hispanic borders in the southwest. He pioneered among immigrants and native Texians to promote harmony in varied cultures in this far outpost. In county clerk's office in April 1844 he delivered first sermon in English ever given in San Antonio - to lay foundations for confluence of civilizations.

Inspired organization of Oak Island Church, 1867 or '68. This building of 1872 holds furniture made by DeVilbiss and his son.

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 13377.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Immigration. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 29° 13.75′ N, 98° 33.81′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Southside. Marker is at the intersection of De Vilbiss Lane and Oak Island Drive on De Vilbiss Lane. The marker is located in front of the old historic Methodist church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3030 DeVilbiss, San Antonio TX 78264, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as

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the crow flies. Oak Island Methodist Church (here, next to this marker); Oak Island Cemetery History (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery (approx. 4.1 miles away); Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 5 miles away); The Battle of the Medina (approx. 5½ miles away); a different marker also named Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 5.6 miles away); Spanish and Mexican Land Grants (approx. 5.7 miles away); a different marker also named Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Also see . . . DeVilbiss, John Wesley (1818–1885). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

John Wesley DeVilbiss, Methodist minister in the Republic of Texas, son of Alexander and Priscilla Devilbiss, was born in Graceham, Maryland, on August 18, 1818, and moved with his family to Licking County, Ohio. In 1833, while learning the saddler's trade in Tiffin, Ohio, he went to a Methodist camp meeting and had a conversion experience that turned him toward the ministry.

(Submitted on August 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Oak Island Methodist Church and the Reverend John Wesley DeVilbiss Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 10, 2023

2. The Oak Island Methodist Church and the Reverend John Wesley DeVilbiss Marker

The marker is located on the large rock in front of the church.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.