Greater East End in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church
Throughout the 20th century, the church served as a focal point for the area's black community. The Loving Rand of Hope, a group dedicated to assisting Harrisburg's African-American residents, often convened on church grounds. The congregation modified its name several times, first changing to Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Harrisburg in 1900 to distinguish itself from another congregation. In 1926, when Houston annexed Harrisburg, the church became Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, in honor of noted Bishop Francis Asbury. In 1929, the church moved to 215 Medina Street and in subsequent years added additional property. Additional name changes occurred in 1939 and in 1968, when the institution became known as Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church. Noted members included Savannah Georgia Kay, a civic leader who made significant contributions to education in Harrisburg; Tom Lue, who was a former slave of Sam Houston's; and Wilson Burly, who served in the 84th U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Today, Asbury Memorial United Church continues to serve as a spiritual leader.
Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15730.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 29° 43.525′ N, 95° 16.782′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Greater East End. Marker is at the intersection of Medina Street and Sycamore Street, on the left when traveling south on Medina Street. The marker is located north of the church in a small courtyard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 Medina Street, Houston TX 77012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Buffalo Bayou, Brazos & Colorado Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of the Home of Mrs. Jane Harris (approx. 0.3 miles away); Holy Cross Mission (approx. 0.4 miles away); Glendale Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Old Harrisburg (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Old Harrisburg (approx. 0.7 miles away); Magnolia Park (approx. one mile away); Lorenzo de Zavala (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.