Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First United Methodist Church of Huntsville
Before 1842 Methodists in Huntsville were probably served by itinerant preachers on the Montgomery County circuit. The Texas Methodist Conference appointed The Rev. Henderson B. Palmer as first pastor of the Huntsville church in that year. Records from 1854 indicate 120 members on the roll, but no permanent church was constructed until 1857.
The church purchased the land at this site in 1854, with the deed made out to trustees of the church D. J. Ransom, Thomas Gibbs, Robert Wynne, Williamson Wynne, Thomas Bowdre, and their successors. The first sanctuary was erected under the pastorate of The Rev. A. Davis. By 1888 a new building was needed, so the original was torn down and replaced with a larger one. A wooden structure was later added to the rear to provide room for Sunday School classes. In 1910 fire destroyed the church. Under the leadership of The Rev. E. W. Solomon a new building was begun, and was completed in 1913 during the pastorate of The Rev. R. W. Adams. Fire again damaged the church in 1918, and it was rebuilt the following year.
Throughout its history, the First Methodist Church of Huntsville has provided significant service and leadership to the community.
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8452.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 30° 43.456′ N, 95° 33.094′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is on Sam Houston Avenue north of 11th Street (U.S. 190), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1016 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville TX 77320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sam Houston Whittling Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Gibbs Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Masonic Lodge Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Walker County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gibbs-Powell House (about 400 feet away); Huntsville Springs (about 400 feet away); The Five Courthouses of Walker County (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Walker County (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 259 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.