The First United Methodist Church of Austin is located at 1201 Lavaca in Austin Texas.
The historic marker on the front of the sanctuary reads as follows:
"FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF AUSTIN
In 1840, shortly after Austin was incorporated, the Rev. John Haynie (1786-1860), a Methodist circuit rider from the Mississippi Conference, led 14 members in forming this fellowship. They worshiped at temporary sites, including the Capitol building of Republic of Texas. In 1847 they completed their first church building, a wooden structure on Congress Avenue and 4th Street, during the pastorate of the Rev. Homer S. Thrall (1819-1894), circuit rider and well-known author of Texas and Methodist history. Doctors met in the original building in 1853 to from the Texas Medical Association.
In 1854, under the Rev. John W. Phillips (1821-1891), the original church was sold and a new brick edifice built at Brazos and 10th Street. In 1884 Dr. A. E.Goodwyn (1818-1902) led construction of a larger building at that site. For a time this congregation was called Tenth Street Methodist Church. The members bought the present property in 1921 and built this neo-classical structure. Pastors instrumental in building and improving the present church facility include Dr. Edward R. Barcus (1872-1958), Dr. W. F. Bryan (1872-1965), Dr. Marvin S. Vance (1905-1966) and Dr. Robert S. Tate, Jr. (1914-1976). As Austin's second oldest Protestant congregation this fellowship has made significant contributions to the state's history."
From the Church website: (
visit link)
"WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1840, and older than the State of Texas, First United Methodist Church of Austin is an inclusive faith community of Christian believers in the heart of downtown. We balance traditional worship services with progressive theology. Our members flock from across Central Texas and we share a commitment to engaging conversations, community service, social justice, and Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors. Our mission is to make Christian disciples who make a difference in our community and around the world. Come worship with us under the dome on Sunday mornings. All are welcome.
Our Mission
The people of First United Methodist Church of Austin seek a lasting, life-changing relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We act out our faith by making a positive difference on our streets, in our neighborhoods, and around the world, just as Jesus has called us to do.
Our Vision
We believe every person is a beloved child of God. We believe every person is on a journey to God, with God. We freely admit that we do not have the answers, but we believe that Jesus points the way. When we practice genuine hospitality, engage in heartfelt acts of service, and embrace the gifts of people from different backgrounds and experiences, the church becomes the authentic expression of God’s unconditional love for us all.
Values
At FUMC, we strive to remain true to the United Methodist motto, Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
Our congregation is committed to Jesus’ commandment to love thy neighbor by welcoming all ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, economic conditions, marital statuses, and mental or physical abilities to attend, join and participate fully in the life of our congregation.
We believe in studying scripture as the foundation of Christian beliefs.
We promote social justice and actively participate in service and advocacy to draw closer to the kingdom of heaven on earth.
All we are and all we do flows from our common worship and love of God. We are able to reach out and love others because God first loved us.
We challenge the notion that faith is easy by asking difficult questions. Engaging our hearts and minds allows us to grow in our understanding of God.
We seek meaningful relationships with one another through social and service activities, shared study and conversations, and mutual support of our families, young and old."