Historical Marker

First Presbyterian Church of Brazoria

Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42"with post

THE PRESBYTERIAN DENOMINATION HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN BRAZORIA SINCE THE 1830s. THEY WORSHIPED TOGETHER WITH THE EPISCOPAL AND METHODIST CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNION CHURCH, BUILT AROUND 1853 IN BRAZORIA. FOLLOWING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH IN THE 1900 STORM, THE PRESBYTERIANS MET IN THE FORMER COUNTY COURTHOUSE WHICH WAS USED FOR A VARIETY OF FUNCTIONS AFTER THE COUNTY SEAT WAS MOVED TO ANGLETON IN 1896. ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1913, THE REVEREND T.C. JOHNSTON ORGANIZED THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BRAZORIA WITH ELEVEN MEMBERS. SERVICES WERE HELD IN A ROOM OVER SMITH’S STORE IN DOWNTOWN BRAZORIA UNTIL A PERMANENT BUILDING WAS ERECTED.

IN 1915, THE CHURCH TRUSTEES PURCHASED LAND FROM E. SHELBY SMITH IN THE NEWLY DEVELOPED AREA OF TOWN NEAR THE RAILROAD. BY AUGUST 25, 1916, A BUILDING WAS ERECTED ON THE CORNER OF LOUISIANA AND VIRGINIA STREETS. DUE TO MEMBERSHIP GROWTH IN THE 1920s, THE CONGREGATION BUILT THE FIRST OF MANY ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS. FUNDING FOR THE REPAIRS CAME IN PART FROM THE WOMAN’S AUXILIARY, WHO SERVED DINNER EVERY SATURDAY TO RAISE FUNDS. AFTER THE 1932 STORM, THE CHURCH WAS SHARED WITH OTHER DENOMINATIONS UNTIL THEIR BUILDINGS COULD BE REPAIRED. SIMILARLY, THE CONGREGATION CONTINUED ITS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WITH SEVERAL MUSICAL AND THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS, PROVIDING A LOCATION FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, THROUGH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AND WITH LOCAL AND GLOBAL MISSION SUPPORT. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, A RELATIVELY SMALL CHURCH CONGREGATION, HAS MADE A LARGE IMPACT THROUGH THEIR COMMITMENT TO LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

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.

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Brazoria County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Karankawa and the Atakapan, who thrived along the Gulf Coast. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers venturing into the area. However, it was not until the 1820s that significant permanent settlements were established.

In 1822, Stephen F. Austin brought the first American colonists to the region, leading to the establishment of the Austin Colony. The county was officially organized in 1832 and was named after the Brazos River, which borders the county to the north. The economy of Brazoria County in the early years was predominantly agricultural, with cotton becoming a major cash crop and sugar production gaining prominence. Slavery played a significant role in the county’s economy, with many enslaved people working on the plantations.

During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, the area witnessed several historical events. Significantly, Velasco, a small community in Brazoria County, served as the site of the Battle of Velasco, where Texan rebels clashed with Mexican troops in June 1832. The county also provided numerous soldiers to the Texas Army, with several residents playing important roles in the fight for Texas independence.

In the following years, Brazoria County experienced growth and development, with several towns and communities emerging. In the late 19th century, railways expanded through the county, further boosting its economic prospects. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought even greater prosperity to the area. Today, Brazoria County continues to thrive economically, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brazoria County, Texas.

  • 1822 - Stephen Austin received the first land grant in the area that would become Brazoria County.
  • 1832 - Brazoria County was officially established as a municipality of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico, and Brazoria County became part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1837 - The county seat was moved from Velasco to Brazoria.
  • 1839 - The county seat was once again relocated, this time to Columbia.
  • 1842 - Brazoria County was split, and part of it became Fort Bend County under the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 - Texas was admitted to the United States, and Brazoria County became a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1892 - The county seat was moved from Columbia to Angleton, where it remains today.
  • 1943 - Construction of the Dow Chemical Company plant began, making it a major employer and industry in the county.
  • 1961 - Brazosport College was established in Brazoria County.
  • 2019 - Brazoria County celebrates its rich history and continues to thrive as an important region in Texas.