Historical Marker
Bastrop Methodist Church
Historical marker location:
1201 N. Main St., Bastrop, Texas
( 1201 N. Main St., Bastrop)
Marker installed: 1968
The nucleus of the present church was formed in 1835 by lay preacher James Gilleland at a time when very few Texans dared to defy Mexican laws outlawing Protestant worship.
The first building for this church was erected 1851, one block northwest of here. Cost of land (farm lot) was $250.
The present structure was initiated in 1924, renovated in 1953. Sanctuary now contains chancel altar rail, pews, and memorial windows from the 1851 church, thus the old and new are blended here, making this building an historic landmark. (1968).
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.