Trinity United Methodist Church

This congregation grew from a small mission organized in 1848 for the slave membership of the Houston Methodist Church (now first United Methodist Church). The Rev. Orceneth Fisher served as first pastor of the African mission, which was given a sanctuary of its own about 1851. On March 5, 1865, the congregation was organized officially by the Rev. Elias Dibble of the Mississippi Mission Conference. Initially known as First Church, Houston, Trinity Methodist Church grew to number 100 within the first year. In 1869 the cornerstone was laid for a sanctuary at 1408 Travis and Bell streets. Trinity Methodist Church has been a part of numerous significant events in the history of Houston, including the founding of Wiley College in 1873 and the organization of Texas Southern University in 1925. A number of leaders in Houston politics, education, and fraternal organizations have been members here. Throughout its history the congregation has been responsible for organizing other churches in Houston. One of the earliest black congregations in Houston, Trinity United Methodist Church has been located at this site since 1951.

Trinity United Methodist Church is a historical marker in Houston, Harris County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 422 historical markers documented in Harris County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 849 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.7313, -95.3649 near Houston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Sam (Lightnin') Hopkins (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Houston Negro Hospital School of Nursing Building, Eldorado Ballroom, and Houston Negro Hospital.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5201010809. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.