First United Methodist Church of Elkhart

The First Methodist service held in this area was in 1840, when a group of citizens formed a small congregation that met in private homes. In 1878 a Methodist mission was established in Elkhart. The Rev. J. F. Henderson, a circuit riding minister, was in charge of this as well as seven other missions in his district. In its first fifteen years, the church was served by nine different clergymen. By November 1892, the congregation had grown such that plans were made to build a sanctuary. A white frame structure was erected, with a high steeple and bell tower on one corner. A Sunday School program began, and in 1907 the church created a youth ministry which continued over the years to form the Methodist Youth Fellowship. A missionary society was formed in 1915 by the women of the church. In late 1930, under the leadership of the Rev. J. L. Webb, a new church building program was begun. A one-story structure was completed in 1933, and a second story was added in 1939. A brick parsonage was built near the church in the 1950s, and by 1971 the need for a new sanctuary had arisen. The addition was made onto the northeast side of the old church, and was consecrated on September 14, 1974. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

First United Methodist Church of Elkhart is a historical marker in Elkhart, Anderson County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 115 historical markers documented in Anderson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 229 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.6265, -95.5787 near Elkhart. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Baptist Church of Elkhart (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Pilgrim Predestinarian Regular Baptist Church, Site of Henry High School, and Elkhart Garden of Memories Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5001008749. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.