Historical Marker

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Marker
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ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ORGANIZED IN 1866, ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WAS THE FIRST ESTABLISHED FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS IN SAN ANTONIO. ITS ORIGINS WERE IN PAINE CHAPEL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH, WHICH MANY OF THE FOUNDING MEMBERS ATTENDED PRIOR TO EMANCIPATION. IN 1866, THE REV. A. LARKIN CARPER BEGAN CONDUCTING SERVICES IN THE HOMES OF SAN ANTONIO’S BLACK FAMILIES. PAINE CHAPEL SOON DEEDED HIM A BUILDING AND THE COLORED METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH WAS FOUNDED. WITH THE FREEDMEN’S BUREAU, MEMBERS ESTABLISHED THE LINCOLN SCHOOL FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS IN 1866. MEMBERS BUILT A FRAME BUILDING IN 1872 ON LAND DONATED BY CHURCH MEMBER McDANIEL WEBSTER; A STONE STRUCTURE REPLACED IT IN 1884. THE AREA SURROUNDING CHURCH PROPERTY BECAME KNOWN AS ST. PAUL SQUARE. THE CURRENT SANCTUARY WAS COMPLETED IN 1922.

ST. PAUL FIRST FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY WORK THROUGH A BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. THE CONGREGATION ALSO PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN SAN ANTONIO. THE REV. MACK HENSON BECAME A WELL-KNOWN VOICE FOR EQUALITY IN THE LATE 1800s. DR. GREEN J. STARNES AND OTHER MEMBERS CONTINUED THE WORK IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY, FOCUSING ON EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. IN THE 1940s, THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED ST. PAUL HOUSE, WHICH PROVIDED MEETING SPACE AND HOUSING FOR TRAVELERS UNABLE TO FIND ADEQUATE HOTELS DUE TO SEGREGATION. IN 1951, TRUSTEES PURCHASED THE FORMER BRACKENRIDGE COLORED SCHOOL BUILDING, WHICH BECAME A COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX.

IN 1967, THE NAME OF THE CONGREGATION BECAME ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AS A RESULT OF THE UNITED METHODIST MERGER. MEMBERS HAVE CONTINUED TO AID THE NEEDY IN THE COMMUNITY AND HAVE FOCUSED ON WORKING WITH CHILDREN. TODAY, ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH REMAINS A VITAL LINK TO SAN ANTONIO’S AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, WHILE SERVING AS A SPIRITUAL LEADER.

(2010)

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
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.