First United Methodist Church of Aransas Pass

Efforts to create a regional shipping center and port in this vicinity began in the middle 19th century. By 1890, plans were well underway to dig a ship channel and develop Aransas Harbor City. Residents of Aransas Harbor (now Aransas Pass) used a structure known as the Dwyer and Drummond Pavilion for meetings and events. On February 22, 1891, seven men and women met there and organized as the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South, under the leadership of the Rev. J.W. Groves. The Rev. J.W. Sims arrived later that year to serve as pastor. Many of the church's early ministers lived in nearby Rockport, serving a congregation there and traveling to Aransas Pass twice monthly for Sunday services. First Methodist Church constructed its first sanctuary in late 1892 on what is now South McCampbell Street and shared it with the local Christian church, the second congregation to organize in the community. Rockport and Aransas Pass Methodists not only shared a pastor in the early years, but also met frequently for picnics and fellowship. Pastors serving the two congregations added an Ingleside charge, but in 1940 the Aransas Pass church established a full-time pastorate during a boom in the city's economy. Over the years, members of First Methodist built new facilities and survived several major storms. Following the devastation of Hurricane Celia in 1970, the church's Education Wing served as the Aransas Emergency Hospital for four months and the Fellowship Hall became a community communications center. Through outreach and service programs, as well as fellowship, worship, education and music, the congregation continues to support and sustain residents of Aransas Pass. (2005)

First United Methodist Church of Aransas Pass is a historical marker in Aransas Pass, San Patricio County, dedicated in 2004. It is one of 35 historical markers documented in San Patricio County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 59 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 27.9056, -97.1562 near Aransas Pass. The nearest cataloged historic site is Great Land Lottery of Aransas Pass (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Aransas Pass First Baptist Church, Terminal Railroad, and Prairieview.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5409013261. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.