Kurten in Brazos County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Zion Church of Kurten

Photographed by James Hulse, March 14, 2025

1. Zion Church of Kurten Marker

Inscription. Zion Church is the oldest established congregation of its denomination in Brazos County. It was created in the 1890s by some thirteen families, most of German descent, on land donated by German immigrants in the community of Kurten. Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church was established at Kurten in 1892 with Reverend P. Vollbrecht as its first pastor. On April 21, 1895, the congregation was reorganized, adopted a constitution and became a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America. The first building was constructed of rough oak boards at a cost of $225 and was built by members of the congregation under the leadership of Reverend P.J. Franzke. In 1896, the bell was installed. The church building was moved in 1902 from its original location, approximately one mile north and on the east side of the road, to the newly purchased land in Kurten. That tract of land serves today as the site of the parsonage and church buildings.

In 1907, Rev. Julius Kasiske became pastor and served for twenty-one years. He organized the orchestra, was responsible for the Kurten Telephone Company, the community water well and the Kasiske Creamery. In 1910, the church building doubled in size when a new wing and steeple were built. The sanctuary stood until 1942 when it was demolished and a new building was erected, which is still in use today. Since then, a new parish hall has been built and a family center erected which has become a focal point for church and community activities. In 2008, the congregation joined the Evangelical Free Church of America, and a new family ministry building was added in 2014.

Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17970.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1895.

Location. 30° 47.276′ N,

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96° 15.946′ W. Marker is in Kurten, Texas, in Brazos County. It is on Farm to Market Road 2038, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located northeast of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 849 FM2038, Bryan TX 77808, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Wixon Cemetery (approx. 3.6 miles away); Richardson Perry Cenotaph (approx. 6.6 miles away); Steep Hollow Cemetery (approx. 6.6 miles away); Alexander Cemetery (approx. 7 miles away); Albert Gallatin (approx. 7.1 miles away); Moravian (Czech) Cemetery (approx. 7.6 miles away); Old Bryan City Cemetery (approx. 8½ miles away); Allen Academy

Zion Church of Kurten and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 14, 2025

2. Zion Church of Kurten and Marker

(approx. 8.7 miles away).

The front view of the Zion Church of Kurten image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 14, 2025

3. The front view of the Zion Church of Kurten

The side view of the Zion Church of Kurten and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 14, 2025

4. The side view of the Zion Church of Kurten and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 16, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.