Historical Marker

First United Methodist Church of Harlingen

Historical marker location:
Harlingen, Texas
( Harlingen, 321 E. Harrison Avenue)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

ON FEBRUARY 19, 1910, 31 CHARTER MEMBERS FOUNDED HARLINGEN’S METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH, SHARING A FRAME SANCTUARY WITH SEVERAL OTHER DENOMINATIONS. THE REV. R. L. PYLE OFTEN WALKED BETWEEN HIS CHARGES IN HARLINGEN AND SAN BENITO; THE REV. J. D. DORSEY WAS LATER APPOINTED THE FIRST FULL-TIME PASTOR. HARLINGEN FOUNDER LON C. HILL OFFERED CHURCH LOTS, AND THE CONGREGATION SELECTED THIS SITE, BUILDING THE CITY’S FIRST BRICK CHURCH BY EASTER SUNDAY 1911. THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY SOON RAISED FUNDS TO BUILD A PARSONAGE FOR DORSEY, WHO HAD LIVED IN THE CHURCH.

THE CONGREGATION GREW RAPIDLY ALONG WITH HARLINGEN. A NEW SANCTUARY AND PARSONAGE WERE BUILT IN 1926-27 UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE REV. W. P. BUCKNER AND THE REV. J. T. KING. WHEN THE LABOR DAY HURRICANE OF 1933 DEVASTATED THE CITY, THE CHURCH BECAME A REFUGE FOR MANY. HARLINGEN ARMY AIR FIELD’S OPENING IN 1941 BROUGHT NEW GROWTH, AS CHURCH MEMBERS VOLUNTEERED WITH THE RED CROSS AND HELD MANY EVENTS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL. THIRTEEN MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH WERE KILLED DURING WORLD WAR II. IN THEIR MEMORY A MEMORIAL ORGAN WAS GIFTED FOR THE CHAPEL. POSTWAR EXPANSION INCLUDED A NEW EDUCATION BUILDING, TOWER WITH CARILLON BELLS, CHAPEL AND PARLOR, AND LOCAL MEDIA BROADCASTS. THE CONGREGATION HELPED ORGANIZE EL BUEN SAMARITANO, WESLEY, ST. PAUL’S, AND VALLEY PRAISE METHODIST CHURCHES. IN 1967, COMBES METHODIST CHURCH MERGED WITH HARLINGEN. THIS CHURCH BECAME THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AFTER MERGING WITH THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH WAS RENOVATED IN 1968. MEMORIALS ADDED STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, A MULTI-USE BUILDING AND THE WELCOME CENTER. MORE THAN A CENTURY AFTER ITS FOUNDING, THE CONGREGATION CONTINUES TO BE A BEACON OF LIGHT TO THE COMMUNITY

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Methodist denomination churches religion
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Cameron County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache and the Karankawa. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the late 16th century marked the beginning of a significant shift in the region's history.

In the early 18th century, the Spanish established a presence in the area through the construction of missions and the establishment of ranches. This period saw the growth of agriculture and the introduction of Catholicism to the local population. However, these Spanish settlements faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native Americans and French incursions from Louisiana.

In the early 19th century, the area became part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. This period was marked by political instability, as Mexico went through numerous changes in leadership. In 1845, the region became part of the newly annexed state of Texas and experienced a surge in population as American settlers arrived. The county was officially named Cameron in 1848 after Ewen Cameron, an early settler and landowner.

The 20th century brought significant economic growth to Cameron County through the development of agriculture, oil, and tourism. The county became an important agricultural center, with cotton, vegetables, and citrus fruits being major crops. The discovery of oil in the nearby Gulf of Mexico also brought economic prosperity, leading to the establishment of a major oil industry in the region. Additionally, the county's beautiful beaches and warm climate attracted tourists, leading to the growth of the tourism industry.

Today, Cameron County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial region in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and remains a popular tourist destination, with its stunning beaches, historical sites, and natural beauty attracting visitors from around the world. The county's rich history is celebrated through various museums, festivals, and cultural events, showcasing the colorful past that has shaped Cameron County into what it is today.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cameron County, Texas.

  • 1848: Cameron County is established as one of the original counties of Texas.
  • 1850: The first federal census is conducted in Cameron County, recording a population of 285 residents.
  • 1866: The first wooden courthouse is built in Brownsville, the county seat of Cameron County.
  • 1875: The Rio Grande Railroad reaches Brownsville, boosting economic growth in the county.
  • 1893: The current Cameron County Courthouse is completed in Brownsville.
  • 1909: The first automobile bridge across the Rio Grande River is built, connecting Brownsville with Matamoros, Mexico.
  • 1925: The Port of Brownsville is established, becoming a major hub for trade and commerce.
  • 1933: The construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel begins, further enhancing the county's maritime capabilities.
  • 1967: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (formerly known as Pan American University) is established.
  • 2017: Cameron County experiences significant damage from Hurricane Harvey, leading to large-scale recovery efforts.