Historical Marker

First United Methodist Church of Del Rio

Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Six individuals met on September 23, 1882 to create the Methodist Episcopal Church South, the forerunner of First United Methodist Church of Del Rio. These first congregants were Randolph Pafford,J. Lyman Bailey, William M. Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Rosalie Roberts and William G. Hancock. During the earliest days of the congregation’s existence, church meetings were held in the homes of members. Pafford donated a town lot and $500 to the church in 1883, and a wood-frame structure was soon erected on cemetery street (now Pecan street), on what was then the northern edge of town. Growth of the congregation was modest into the 20th century, and a stone chapel was constructed in 1903-1904.

The congregation grew to slightly greater than three hundred members by 1917, as members opened their homes to soldier trainees at Camp del Rio, later known as Camp Michie. Continued growth of the congregation created the necessity for another, larger facility, and the first service in the new building was held on may 31, 1931. The larger sanctuary was well justified, as the congregation doubled in size to over seven hundred members between the world wars. The growth of the city and the opening of laughlin air force base facilitated the enlargement of the membership to more than nine hundred during the 1960s. In 1968, the Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church merged into the United Methodist Church.

The church has promoted missions and charitable work after numerous hurricanes, as well as abroad in Mexico and Liberia, and also provides numerous outreach programs throughout the local community. (2008)

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Val Verde County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, and by the 18th century, Spanish missions were established to convert the native populations to Christianity.

In the early 19th century, Val Verde County became a part of Texas after the Mexican War of Independence. The region saw conflict during the Texas Revolution, with the infamous Battle of Val Verde taking place near the county's namesake river in 1862. The battle, part of the American Civil War, resulted in a Confederate victory.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Val Verde County experienced significant economic growth. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s stimulated agriculture and ranching industries. The county also became a hub for mining, particularly silver, lead, and zinc. The city of Del Rio, the county seat, emerged as an important trading center and transportation hub.

Val Verde County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The construction of Amistad Dam in the 1960s brought about the formation of Lake Amistad, which became a popular recreational area. The county's economy shifted to include tourism and outdoor activities, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and historical sites.

Today, Val Verde County remains an important part of Texas history and a vibrant community. Its rich past is celebrated through museums and heritage sites, while the region's diverse cultural and natural resources contribute to its appeal as a tourist destination.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Val Verde County, Texas.

  • 1885 - Val Verde County is officially established.
  • 1800s - Indigenous people, including Comanche and Lipan Apache tribes, inhabit the area.
  • 1880 - Southern Pacific Railroad extends through Val Verde County.
  • 1882 - City of Del Rio is founded as the county seat.
  • 1912 - Devil's River State Recreational Area is established.
  • 1942-1946 - Laughlin Army Air Field (now Laughlin Air Force Base) is constructed and operated during World War II.
  • 1952 - Amistad Dam is completed, creating Amistad Reservoir.
  • 1980 - Seminole Canyon State Historical Park and the nearby Fate Bell Shelter are dedicated.
  • 1998 - Val Verde Winery, Texas' oldest continuously operated winery, celebrates its 125th anniversary.