Dickinson in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First United Methodist Church
of Dickinson
Photographed By Jim Evans, January 19, 2012
1. First United Methodist Church Marker
In 1876 a group of Methodists led by the Rev. P.E. Nicholson began meeting in private homes in the Dickinson area. In 1885 a frame building was erected for use as a church and school.The Dickinson congregation does not appear in official denominational records until 1893, when a report stated that a minister was to be supplied to the church.
After the first building was destroyed in the storm of 1900, a new structure was built using salvaged materials from the old church. Completed in 1901, the two-story frame building was also used as a school. In 1909 property was purchased for a third facility to be built in memory of W.E. Nolan. Additions were completed in 1935, and in 1937 the congregation received its first full-time pastor.
In 1944, when the widow of church member Edwin P. Howell donated funds for a new sanctuary to be built in his memory, the name of the church was changed to Howell Memorial Methodist Church.
With cornerstones from the 1909 and 1944 sanctuaries incorporated into its design, the present structure was begun in 1975. When completed, it was renamed First United Methodist Church
this page online
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7446.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 29° 26.841′ N, 95° 4.791′ W. Marker is in Dickinson, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of FM 517 and Medical Park Drive, on the right when traveling east on FM 517. Located in the church parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 FM 517 Rd W, Dickinson TX 77539, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Dickinson Station of the Galveston, Houston, & Henderson Railroad Co. (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (approx. 2 miles away); Faith United Methodist Church (approx. 2 miles away); Evergreen Cemetery (approx. 2˝ miles away); League Park (approx. 4.4 miles away); a different marker also named League Park (approx. 4.4 miles away); Mainland Mission Churches (approx. 4˝ miles away); St. Mary Mission Church (approx. 4˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dickinson.
Also see . . . First United Methodist Church. (Submitted on January 20, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed By Jim Evans, January 19, 2012
2. Not the original church -- marker in foreground
Photographed By Jim Evans, January 19, 2012
3. Not the original church
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
