Hyde Park Presbyterian Church
a.k.a. Old Hyde Park Baptist Church
3915 Ave. B, Austin, TXDespite its peripatetic history, the church is the only ecclesiastical facility remaining from the initial period of Hyde Park's development. Exhibiting proportions and materials appropriate to the modest scale and frame construction that typify Hyde Park's residences, the building contributes to the historic character of the neighborhood. Its simple form, frame construction, and modest detailing typify small-scale churches built in Texas during the late 19th century. The composition of sanctuary fronted with a tower is characteristic of Baptist churches and may be traced to the Wren-Barogue ecclesiastical form prevalent in the eastern United States. The understated ornament is also typical of early Baptist churches in Texas. The straight-forward arrangement of the interior reflects the liturgical outlook of the sect; orderly pews directed to a simple altar table and pulpit denote the importance of the spoken word in their service. Provision of the design and construction by members of the congregation is also typical of similar churches, a tradition reflected by the Wesley Brethren Church (1866/1883/1891; NR 1979/1983) in Welcome, Texas.
The history of this building has its roots in the founding of the Hyde Park Baptist Church. On June 1, 1894, Reverend W.D. Beverly preached to a group of devout neighborhood residents at the Hyde Park Pavilion. The session provided the impetus to organize Hyde Park's first congregation. With plans delineated by Reverend Beverly, church members constructed this building in 1896 on land donated by Beverly and his wife. Beverly's design for the sanctuary in part reflected the visual influence of the nearby Hyde Park Pavilion, site of the congregation's first meeting. Built in 1892 to house theater productions, concerts, and dances, the Pavilion was an important social center for the neighborhood. Despite the irony of modelling the church after a pleasure hall, the newly constructed sanctuary served the Baptists until 1909, when pressures of an expanding congregation prompted a search for alternate facilities.
Concurrently, seminary students approached Dr. Daniel Allen Penick with plans to open a Presbyterian Church in the neighborhood. Penick, an instructor at the University of Texas and a pioneer in the campus ministry movement, approached Monroe M. Shipe to arrange for the donation of a tract of land. Shipe saw an opportunity to rid the neighborhood of an unwelcome saloon which, through omission of the characteristic deed restriction prohibiting such operations in Hyde Park, was tainting the dignified character of West 40th Street. If Penick and the students could open a church by a specific deadline, the saloon would be forced to close in the face of a state law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of a church.
As the needs of the Baptist and incipient Presbyterian congregations coincided, Penick arranged to purchase and relocate the Baptist sanctuary. By moving the church to the new site, Penick met Shipe's conditions and secured the future of the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church. The Baptists and Presbyterians held services in shifts at the sanctuary's new location at 406 West 40th Street until the Baptists occupied their new building in 1911 (DR 333:537; Austin City Directory 1912).
In 1921 the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church was moved to its present location at the corner of Avenue B and 40th Street (DR 333:482). The sanctuary was expanded at this time. Following World War II, a social hall was appended to the rear of the sanctuary to provide additional space for classroom facilities. Oral tradition maintains that this addition is a surplus building moved onto the site from Camp Swift, a nearby military base.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.
Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.
During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.
Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Travis County, Texas.
- Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.
1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.
1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.
1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."
1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.
1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.
1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.
1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.
1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.
2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.