First English Evangelical Lutheran Church
As early as 1846, German residents of Victoria met in private homes to read scripture and worship. A Lutheran congregation was organized on December 14, 1851, the first in Victoria County. For sixty years, the congregation flourished with all worship services conducted in German. By 1912, sentiment increased favoring a separate congregation with services in English. J.C. Felger, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in San Antonio, quickly arranged English services in the Ryan building on Santa Rosa Street.
Pastor Felger conducted two services himself before the mission board delegated seminarian Paul Ebert to take temporary charge of the church. On October 12, 1913, the First English Evangelical Lutheran church was officially organized with 38 members. After ordination, Pastor Ebert became the first pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the church purchased a lot on north main and constructed a small frame church that served the congregation for 35 years.
On January 20, 1952, a new church building was dedicated on North Main Street. The new building was constructed of limestone in the gothic architectural style and was designed by architect Travis Broesche of Houston, who designed buildings for the public works administration, churches, hospitals, schools and other commercial buildings. The church continued to grow and expand by purchasing lots within the city block to add an annex, church offices, additional parking space and an activity center. This church is a reminder of the desire for many German immigrants to assimilate more completely into the American way of life
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.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land for agriculture and the potential for ample grazing. The Mexican government encouraged colonization, and by 1834, there were around 100 families living in the region. However, tensions between the settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Texas Revolution in 1835.
During the Texas Revolution, Victoria became a strategic point for both the Texian and Mexican armies. The Battle of Guadalupe River occurred here in 1835, where the Texian rebels under the command of George Collingsworth captured the Mexican garrison without bloodshed. The town of Victoria formally became the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839 before it was moved to Houston and later Austin.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Victoria County experienced significant growth and development. The railroad arrived in the late 1800s, leading to increased trade and the expansion of the local economy. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Victoria County is a thriving hub for agriculture, oil and gas production, and serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, and businesses.
Victoria County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Victoria County, Texas.
- 1824 - Victoria County is established as a Municipality of Mexico
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
- 1837 - Victoria County is created as an original county of the Republic of Texas
- 1852 - The town of Victoria becomes the county seat
- 1860 - Population of Victoria County reaches 2,305
- 1874 - The Texas Mexican Railway expands into Victoria County, stimulating economic growth
- 1899 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the petroleum industry
- 1924 - The DuPont Company establishes a plant in Victoria County, contributing to industrial development
- 1930 - Population of Victoria County exceeds 30,000
- 1952 - The O'Connor-Proctor Building, the first air-conditioned building in town, is constructed
- 1960 - Victoria County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places
- 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes extensive damage to Victoria County
- 2019 - Victoria County celebrates its 182nd anniversary