Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Decker United Methodist Church and Community
Photographed By Keith Peterson, July 29, 2007
1. Decker United Methodist Church and Community Marker
First settlers in this area on Decker Creek were Swedish immigrants, who attended church in Austin from 1867 to 1870s.
Beginning in 1871, the Rev. C.C. Charnquist of Austin preached in homes. With advent of more settlers, a church was erected and dedicated at Pentecost, 1879.
In 1882, a public school was opened. In 1884, the church was enlarged and parsonage built.
In the pastorate (1901-02) of the Rev. C.O. Freeman, the present sanctuary was erected. The large modern wing was added in 1967.
Erected 1973 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14416.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 30° 18.571′ N, 97° 36.97′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. Marker is on Route 3177 south of Daffan Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8304 Decker Lane, Austin TX 78725, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Decker Swedish Evangelical Free Church and Cemetery (approx. 1.6 miles away); Barr Mansion (approx. 3˝ miles away); Site of Home of Reuben Hornsby (approx. 3.6 miles away); Josephus Hornsby
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Decker United Methodist Church. (Submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
2. Decker School, The Defender, 1936 Yearbook of Travis County Rural Schools, pp.210-214. (Submitted on January 6, 2023, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
3. Decker School, Church and Cemetery. Travis County Historical Commission. Article providing additional detail on the church, parsonage, cemetery and school, including location and photographs of school. (Submitted on January 8, 2023, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
Additional commentary.
1. Decker Methodist Church
The article states that Swedish immigrants were at this church from 1860s to 1970s - but in fact, the church had Sunday church into the 2000's. My grandmother's brother - Pastor Karling - was Pastor of the church in the 1940s and 1950s
Photographed By Richard Denney, January 7, 2023
2. Decker United Methodist Church and Community Marker
— Submitted November 23, 2023, by R Dunn of Austin, Texas.
Photographed By Richard Denney, January 7, 2023
3. Decker United Methodist Church and Community Marker
Photographed By Keith Peterson, July 29, 2007
4. Decker United Methodist Church and Community Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,261 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on January 6, 2023, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on January 8, 2023, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 4. submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
