National Register Listing

Simpson Memorial Methodist Church

a.k.a. Simpson United Methodist Church

1701 E. 12th St., Austin, TX

Simpson Memorial Methodist Church (now known as Simpson United Methodist Church) is a historically African American church located in the historically segregated neighborhood of East Austin. Though the congregation dates from 1880, the nominated building dates from 1952; the rear portion of the building sits atop a basement that was completed in 1925. Throughout its history, and specifically during the period of significance at the height of the local civil rights movement, the church played a significant role in the development of Austin’s black community. It served as an agent for social betterment, administered community development strategies, inspired political mobilization, cultivated leadership opportunities,and nurtured educational aspirations.At a time when public facilities were still segregated, the church provided a physical space, structured setting, and supportive environment for members to worship, socialize, organize, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the issues important to their community.They administered a variety of programs to empower the community to achieve social, political, and economic equality.

The historic Simpson Memorial Methodist Church is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance under Criterion A in the areas of Social History and Ethnic Heritage. The period of significance begins in 1952, which corresponds with the completion of the building that stands today, and ends in 1965, the fifty-year threshold for National Register eligibility. Because the property derives its primary significance from its historical associations and not religious doctrine, it satisfactorily meets Criterion Consideration A for religious properties.

Local significance of the building:
Social History; Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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.