National Register Listing

University Baptist Church

2130 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX

The University Baptist Church was established to provide a place of study for Baptist students and faculty at the University of Texas. The church's first stage was designed by Philadelphia architect Albert Kelsey and the second stage was designed by John C. Townes.

The University Baptist Church was established to provide a place of study and worship for Baptist students and faculty at the University of Texas. As the University student body grew rapidly through the first two decades of the 20th century, the surrounding community responded in kind. Amidst the growing community, churches of several denominations established congregations and constructed buildings near the campus to serve the spiritual needs of the University's students and faculty. Designed by Philadelphia architect Albert Kelsey, the University Baptist Church sanctuary and its adjoining classroom wing survive as an early example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, popular in Texas during the 1920s and 1930s. Designed and built in a period of severe economic strain in the U.S. during and after World War I, the church's final form and details reflect the time of its construction. The church was built in two stages and Mr. Kelsey's original design was altered to facilitate the project's completion. In November of 1918, the classroom wing, originally named the John C. Townes Bible Chair, and the sanctuary basement were completed, followed by the sanctuary three years later in November of 1921. Spared from extensive renovations, the University Baptist Church has survived relatively unchanged since its constriction. The property is nomination to the National Register under Criterion C in the Area of Architecture, at the local level of significance as the work of a prominent American architect and as an important example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in Texas.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

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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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.