First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches

Littleton Fowler, the missionary who preached here in 1837, was born in Tennessee in 1803. He volunteered for Texas that year and spent eight years advancing Methodism. A Bridwell Library exhibit lists his roles as missionary, superintendent of the Texas Mission, presiding elder, college agent and trustee. He established churches, raised money for their construction and designed their buildings. He attended the 1844 General Conference and the convention that formed the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He also farmed and speculated in land, and he died in 1846.

What the plaque says

First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches At least one Methodist sermon was preached in Nacogdoches before 1821, according to tradition. After religious freedom was established by the Republic of Texas, missionary Littleton Fowler (1803-1846) preached here on Oct. 16, 1837, and soon founded this church. This was the first Protestant congregation organized in Nacogdoches after the Texas War for Independence. It began as an 18-member "Methodist Society." Volunteering for service in Texas, the Rev. Samuel A. Williams came here from Tennessee in 1838 as the first pastor. By 1850, the Methodists were known as the most active Protestants in the town; by 1860 there had been 12 or more successive pastors. After meeting in homes and other places, this congregation built a church across the street from this site in 1860. a larger frame church, built in 1887 on this site, was lost in a fire in 1907. A brick building was erected in 1910. In 1925 this congregation participated in the founding of Perritte Memorial Methodist Church, on the west side of the city. In 1929 it helped establish a bible chair at Stephen F. Austin State Teachers' College (later a state university). The present church building was completed in 1969. (1977)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site of the Home of James Dill — steps away
• La Calle Real del Norte — steps away
• Milam Lodge #2, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Texas — steps away
• In Memory of Thomas F. McKinney — steps away