West Columbia in Brazoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Columbia United Methodist Church

Photographed by Debbie A. Sutherland, August 24, 2011

1. Columbia United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. This congregation traces its history to early Methodist missionary activity during Texas' years as a republic in 1839. The Rev. Isaac L. G. Strickland was assigned to the Brazoria Circuit and organized a Methodist Church in Columbia (now West Columbia), an early capital of the Republic.

During the latter half of the nineteenth century, the town of Columbia lost much of its population to Marion (now East Columbia), and eventually the Methodist Church began meeting there. The congregation built its first sanctuary in Marion, where the Columbia circuit preacher held services twice a month.

About 1913, another Methodist congregation began meeting in West Columbia. In a few years, this church had grown to require a full-time pastor, while the East Columbia fellowship still was served by a circuit preacher. By 1928, the two congregations merged and have continued to meet in West Columbia since then.

With its ties to the beginnings of Methodism in Texas, Columbia United Methodist Church stands as a significant reminder of Brazoria County History.

Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9548.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 29°

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8.47′ N, 95° 38.855′ W. Marker is in West Columbia, Texas, in Brazoria County. It is on South 16th Street 0.1 miles north of East Jackson Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 East Jackson Street, West Columbia TX 77486, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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 walking distance of this marker: Old Columbia Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Tubbs Angier, M.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); Ammon Underwood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Rounds (about 300 feet away); Mary Eveline McKenzie Bell (about 300 feet away); Thaddus Constantine Bell (about 300 feet away); Josiah H. Bell (about 300 feet away); Nathaniel C. Hazen (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Columbia.

Photographed by Debbie A. Sutherland, August 24, 2011

2. Columbia United Methodist Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2011, by Debbie A. Sutherland of West Columbia, Texas. This page has been viewed 871 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2011, by Debbie A. Sutherland of West Columbia, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.