First Methodist Church of Eldorado

The Handbook of Texas says Methodist, Baptist and Church of Christ congregations all formally organized in Eldorado in 1901 and held services on alternate Sundays so that residents could attend each. By the early 1930s the town had 1,404 people and fifty-five businesses. West Texas Woolen Mills opened in 1941, making Eldorado the region's chief wool-processing center, and population estimates peaked at 2,790 in the mid-1960s. The Santa Fe abandoned its track through Eldorado in 1976, and the town counted 1,951 people in 2000.

What the plaque says

Established in July 1901, this congregation was the first church organized in the new town of Eldorado. Early services were held in brush arbors or in the local school building. In 1903 the church erected its first sanctuary and shared it with other denominations in town. In 1938 a new church structure was erected, and the old building was sold to the public school system. Though fire damaged much of the sanctuary in 1944, it was rebuilt by 1945. The church continues to serve the Eldorado community through a variety of ministries. (1996)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Caverns of Sonora — 25 mi
  A show cave on a Sutton County ranch, opened in 1960 by cavers who wanted to stop the damage, and dense with helictites that grow sideways in every direction.

More markers nearby

• County Named for Texas Confederate Captain Gustav Schleicher — steps away
• First Baptist Church of Eldorado — steps away
• Site of Verand — 4.8 mi
• Site of Sonora Town Well — 20 mi