First United Methodist Church, Methodist church building in San Marcos, Texas
First United Methodist Church is a Carpenter Gothic sanctuary completed in 1893 at 129 W. Hutchison in San Marcos, Texas. It is built in the shape of a cross with cypress lumber and beams set on large cedar posts. Inside are the original curved walnut pews, pulpit, altar rail, and beaded-board walls.
A.B.F. Kerr, a Methodist circuit rider, organized the congregation on August 5, 1847, with nine charter members in the log cabin of John D. Pitts. A frame building shared with the Masons went up in 1855 and burned 13 years later; a red brick church followed in 1872 and was torn down in 1891 after serious cracks appeared. The present sanctuary was completed in 1893.
The bell in the tower came from the 1872 red-brick church and was donated by a relative of Benjamin Hawkins, the Indian agent appointed by George Washington who founded Fort Hawkins in Macon, Georgia in 1806. It is believed to be the oldest artifact in San Marcos.
The church building is located on West Hutchison Street and welcomes visitors interested in viewing the architecture and interior details. Regular services and community events take place there, so checking ahead for access times is recommended.
The bell in the tower came from the 1872 brick church and was donated by a relative of Benjamin Hawkins, the Indian agent appointed by George Washington who founded Fort Hawkins in Macon, Georgia in 1806. It is believed to be the oldest artifact in San Marcos.
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