First Protestant Church
296 S. Sequin St., New Braunfels, TXThe First Protestant Church in New Braunfels is strongly German in character and probably not so much Gothic Revival as a continuation of a traditional German vernacular type. There is a stout firmness in the handling of the massing and a simplicity and sureness of form that together with the fine stonework makes this a notable example of the architecture of the German settlers in Texas.
In the spring of 1845, Prince Solms of Braunfels am Lahn, Germany, and his followers landed in Houston, Texas. Solms had purchased land on the San Saba and Llano rivers. Indian raids, however, a discouraged settlements near the San Saba, so Solms bought a league of land on the Comal River and took a contingent of German settlers there to begin farming.
On October 15, 1845, the Republic of Texas issued a charter to the Solms German Protestant Congregation and in the spring of the following year, the settlers of New Braunfels built a log church. They laid a cornerstone on March 8, 1846, and held their first services on March 22, Palm Sunday, April 5, the church was consecrated.
About 1870 the congregation decided to build a larger church. They formed a building committee instead of hiring a contractor, and they commissioned architect Jacob Langkopf. To keep costs down, the committee decided to limit the length of the church to eighty feet, with construction to be done in such a way that the church could be lengthened in the future. They chose native limestone as the building material and laid a cornerstone on July 18, 1875.
On March 16, 1879, the congregation held its first service in the new church. They dedicated a tower on July 14, 1889, at the cost of $2,800, and finished the interior by July 1893, at the cost of $1,728.39.
The church was renovated in 1955 in order to accommodate a growing membership. The congregation lengthened the church and added rooms on each side of the tower. They also added a basement to house heating and cooling equipment.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Local significance of the building:
In the spring of 1845, Prince Solms of Braunfels am Lahn, Germany, and his followers landed in Houston, Texas. Solms had purchased land on the San Saba and Llano rivers. Indian raids, however, a discouraged settlements near the San Saba, so Solms bought a league of land on the Comal River and took a contingent of German settlers there to begin farming.
On October 15, 1845, the Republic of Texas issued a charter to the Solms German Protestant Congregation and in the spring of the following year, the settlers of New Braunfels built a log church. They laid a cornerstone on March 8, 1846, and held their first services on March 22, Palm Sunday, April 5, the church was consecrated.
About 1870 the congregation decided to build a larger church. They formed a building committee instead of hiring a contractor, and they commissioned architect Jacob Langkopf. To keep costs down, the committee decided to limit the length of the church to eighty feet, with construction to be done in such a way that the church could be lengthened in the future. They chose native limestone as the building material and laid a cornerstone on July 18, 1875.
On March 16, 1879, the congregation held its first service in the new church. They dedicated a tower on July 14, 1889, at the cost of $2,800, and finished the interior by July 1893, at the cost of $1,728.39.
The church was renovated in 1955 in order to accommodate a growing membership. The congregation lengthened the church and added rooms on each side of the tower. They also added a basement to house heating and cooling equipment.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
About National Register Listings
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.
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The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
About Comal County
Comal County Timeline
Comal County, located in the heart of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Lipan Apache, who relied on the land's abundant natural resources for survival. Spanish explorers arrived in the region in the 1700s, establishing missions and settlements.
In the early 19th century, German immigrants began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for a better life. These settlers established small farming communities and brought with them their language, traditions, and expertise in agriculture and craftsmanship. The town of New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, becoming the first German colony in Texas.
The mid-19th century saw significant growth and development in Comal County, with the construction of schools, churches, and businesses. The area became known for its thriving agricultural industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as cotton and corn. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and provided easier access to markets.
Throughout the 20th century, Comal County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county's strong German heritage remained at the forefront, celebrated through events like Wurstfest, a German sausage festival. The tourism industry also grew, with visitors flocking to the county's natural attractions, such as the iconic Guadalupe River and historic Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall.
Today, Comal County is a vibrant and thriving community, blending its rich history with modern amenities and a strong sense of pride in its cultural heritage. With its beautiful landscapes, strong economy, and warm Southern hospitality, Comal County continues to be a desirable place to live and visit.
In the early 19th century, German immigrants began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for a better life. These settlers established small farming communities and brought with them their language, traditions, and expertise in agriculture and craftsmanship. The town of New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, becoming the first German colony in Texas.
The mid-19th century saw significant growth and development in Comal County, with the construction of schools, churches, and businesses. The area became known for its thriving agricultural industry, with farmers cultivating crops such as cotton and corn. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and provided easier access to markets.
Throughout the 20th century, Comal County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county's strong German heritage remained at the forefront, celebrated through events like Wurstfest, a German sausage festival. The tourism industry also grew, with visitors flocking to the county's natural attractions, such as the iconic Guadalupe River and historic Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall.
Today, Comal County is a vibrant and thriving community, blending its rich history with modern amenities and a strong sense of pride in its cultural heritage. With its beautiful landscapes, strong economy, and warm Southern hospitality, Comal County continues to be a desirable place to live and visit.
Comal County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Comal County, Texas.
- 1846 - Comal County established as one of the original 23 counties in the state of Texas
- 1847 - Settlement begins in the area with the founding of New Braunfels
- 1850 - Comal County's population reaches 2,013
- 1861-1865 - County residents actively involved in the American Civil War
- 1870 - Completion of the first railroad through Comal County
- 1885 - Jacob's Well, a natural artesian spring, becomes a popular tourist attraction
- 1920s - Economic growth in Comal County, driven by agriculture and manufacturing industries
- 1941-1945 - County residents contribute to the war effort during World War II
- 1968 - Canyon Lake, a reservoir on the Guadalupe River, is completed
- 1990s - Rapid population growth and urban development in Comal County
- 2007 - Construction begins on the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor project