Texana Presbyterian Church
Apollo Dr. and Country Club Lane, Edna, TXOne of the last remaining structures from a once flourishing commercial center, the Texana Presbyterian Church bears significance in its association with the town of Texana, its representation as a fine example of the Texas Greek Revival style, and its reflection of changes in settlement patterns influenced by advancements in transportation technology which occurred throughout the United States in the 19th century. Constructed in Texana in 1859-60 and moved to nearby Edna in 1884, the church is a rare and excellent example of Greek Revival expression within the vernacular building constraints on the mid-19th century Texas frontier. The unusual evolution of the church reflects not only the changing needs of the congregation but also the community.
Texana, originally known as Santa Anna, was founded in 1832 in Jackson County near the confluence of the Navidad and Lavaca Rivers. In 1837 the town, then known as Texana, was named as county seat. The public sale of lots and establishment of a military post nearby encouraged settlers into the area, many of whom were part of Stephen F. Austin's Fifth or Coastal Colony. Although the Texas Revolution slowed the town's steady growth, its ideal location for commerce ensured an economic comeback that lasted throughout the mid-19th century. Lots were actively traded and Texana emerged as a political, religious, and commercial center for the surrounding area. The church was erected at the height of Texana's commercial prosperity. Its imposing size and classic Greek Revival details indicated the congregation's faith that the town would continue to thrive and that their church would continue to play a prominent role in the community. While at that time Texana was a bustling county seat, its economic prominence was abruptly halted with the completion of the New York, Texas, and Mexican Railway in 1882, which passed seven miles northwest of Texana. Texas, like other areas of the country, experienced a shift from reliance on inland and coastal waterways to dependence on the more efficient railroads. Overnight the town of Edna was formed on the railroad. In 1883 the county seat was moved from Texana to Edna, followed by a majority of the businesses and residents. The Presbyterians were the first congregation to organize in Edna. In a meeting held on February 11, 1884, the congregation decided to move the abandoned Texana Presbyterian Church to a town lot in Edna. Under the direction of Reverend W.E. Caldwell, the move to the corner of Hanover and Church Streets was accomplished in November 1884. In its new location, the church continued to serve the congregation as it grew and prospered. By 1908 however, the church could no longer meet the needs of the congregation, and a new church was constructed; the original structure was sold and moved. Plans are currently underway to move the original church back onto church property and accurately restore it.
Although the church presently bears little resemblance to its initial appearance, a historic structures report has been prepared including detailed drawings for the restoration of it. Historic photographs, as well as information gathered at the site, were used in the development of the restoration plans, produced by a well-respected Austin architect who specializes in restorations. The congregation has submitted a grant application for the restoration. The fact that the structure will be moved should not be considered to detract from its significance, considering the church's history of being moved.
Texana, originally known as Santa Anna, was founded in 1832 in Jackson County near the confluence of the Navidad and Lavaca Rivers. In 1837 the town, then known as Texana, was named as county seat. The public sale of lots and establishment of a military post nearby encouraged settlers into the area, many of whom were part of Stephen F. Austin's Fifth or Coastal Colony. Although the Texas Revolution slowed the town's steady growth, its ideal location for commerce ensured an economic comeback that lasted throughout the mid-19th century. Lots were actively traded and Texana emerged as a political, religious, and commercial center for the surrounding area. The church was erected at the height of Texana's commercial prosperity. Its imposing size and classic Greek Revival details indicated the congregation's faith that the town would continue to thrive and that their church would continue to play a prominent role in the community. While at that time Texana was a bustling county seat, its economic prominence was abruptly halted with the completion of the New York, Texas, and Mexican Railway in 1882, which passed seven miles northwest of Texana. Texas, like other areas of the country, experienced a shift from reliance on inland and coastal waterways to dependence on the more efficient railroads. Overnight the town of Edna was formed on the railroad. In 1883 the county seat was moved from Texana to Edna, followed by a majority of the businesses and residents. The Presbyterians were the first congregation to organize in Edna. In a meeting held on February 11, 1884, the congregation decided to move the abandoned Texana Presbyterian Church to a town lot in Edna. Under the direction of Reverend W.E. Caldwell, the move to the corner of Hanover and Church Streets was accomplished in November 1884. In its new location, the church continued to serve the congregation as it grew and prospered. By 1908 however, the church could no longer meet the needs of the congregation, and a new church was constructed; the original structure was sold and moved. Plans are currently underway to move the original church back onto church property and accurately restore it.
Although the church presently bears little resemblance to its initial appearance, a historic structures report has been prepared including detailed drawings for the restoration of it. Historic photographs, as well as information gathered at the site, were used in the development of the restoration plans, produced by a well-respected Austin architect who specializes in restorations. The congregation has submitted a grant application for the restoration. The fact that the structure will be moved should not be considered to detract from its significance, considering the church's history of being moved.
Bibliography
Horton, Bertha. History of the Presbyterian Church at Edna, Texas; N.p.:n.p., typed, 1934.
Red, William Stuart. A History of the Presbyterian Church in Texas; Austin, The Steck Company, 1936.
Synod of Texas, The. Presbyterian Expansion in the Synod of Texas of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.; N.p.: The Synod, 1927.
Toppins, John E. A History of the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church, Edna Texas; N.p., 1934.
Red, William Stuart. A History of the Presbyterian Church in Texas; Austin, The Steck Company, 1936.
Synod of Texas, The. Presbyterian Expansion in the Synod of Texas of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.; N.p.: The Synod, 1927.
Toppins, John E. A History of the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church, Edna Texas; N.p., 1934.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
About Jackson County
Jackson County Timeline
Jackson County, Texas, located on the Gulf Coast in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecans. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements.
The history of Jackson County is closely tied to significant events in the development of Texas. In 1821, the area became part of the newly independent Mexico, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," received a land grant in what is now Jackson County. The first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1820s and began establishing communities, such as Texana and La Placita, which would later become the county seat, Jackson County.
During the Texas Revolution, Jackson County served as an important site for the Texian forces. The Battle of Dimitt's Landing took place in Jackson County, where Texian rebels launched an attack on a Mexican garrison, leading to their retreat. The county also witnessed the playing of the "The Yellow Rose of Texas," a popular folk song believed to have originated during the Battle of San Jacinto.
By the mid-19th century, Jackson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Towns like Edna sprung up as trade and transportation centers for the area's agricultural and industrial activities. Today, Jackson County continues to thrive economically with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.
Throughout its history, Jackson County has played a prominent role in Texas' development, from its early days as a Mexican territory to its contributions in the Texas Revolution and its subsequent growth and prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and the legacy of its residents who have shaped the community over the years.
The history of Jackson County is closely tied to significant events in the development of Texas. In 1821, the area became part of the newly independent Mexico, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," received a land grant in what is now Jackson County. The first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1820s and began establishing communities, such as Texana and La Placita, which would later become the county seat, Jackson County.
During the Texas Revolution, Jackson County served as an important site for the Texian forces. The Battle of Dimitt's Landing took place in Jackson County, where Texian rebels launched an attack on a Mexican garrison, leading to their retreat. The county also witnessed the playing of the "The Yellow Rose of Texas," a popular folk song believed to have originated during the Battle of San Jacinto.
By the mid-19th century, Jackson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Towns like Edna sprung up as trade and transportation centers for the area's agricultural and industrial activities. Today, Jackson County continues to thrive economically with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.
Throughout its history, Jackson County has played a prominent role in Texas' development, from its early days as a Mexican territory to its contributions in the Texas Revolution and its subsequent growth and prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and the legacy of its residents who have shaped the community over the years.
Jackson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jackson County, Texas.
- 1829 - Jackson County is established as part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Jackson County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1837 - Jackson County is officially organized as a county.
- 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jackson County becomes one of its counties.
- 1850s - The county experiences rapid growth due to the arrival of settlers, primarily from southern states.
- 1861-1865 - Jackson County is heavily involved in the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy.
- 1875 - The first railroad, the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway, reaches Jackson County, boosting the local economy.
- 1886 - The county seat is moved from Texana to Edna.
- 1900 - The 1900 Galveston hurricane causes significant damage and loss of life in Jackson County.
- 1920s-1930s - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Jackson County's economy.
- 1940s-1950s - The county experiences a decline in agriculture as the oil industry becomes the primary economic driver.
- 1970s-Present - Jackson County continues to rely on the oil and gas industry, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing and agriculture.