Comanche in Comanche County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First United Methodist Church of Comanche
Photographed By James Hulse, April 28, 2024
1. First United Methodist Church of Comanche Marker
Inscription.
First United Methodist Church of Comanche. . This congregation has historic ties to the frontier town of Cora, the early seat of government for Comanche County. The Rev. J.W. Whipple, presiding elder, and local pastor the Rev. M.O. Coker, organized the church there in 1858. It relocated to Comanche soon after the government moved to the new town in 1859. Two years later, county commissioners donated land for a congregational meeting site for the Methodists, as it did for other early churches in Comanche. The church later met in the Comanche College building but moved to new facilities at the current site in 1879. It added new buildings as membership grew steadily over the years., Begun in the frontier days of the region, the church had a number of colorful early pastors, one was the Rev. Hugh M. Childress, known as the "Bear Hunter Preacher," who carried guns. Early church programs included Ladies' Aid, later the Women's Missionary Society, and the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, which became the Epworth League. Over the years, a number of nearby churches merged with first Methodist church, including White Point, Indian Creek and Proctor. The spiritual strength of the Comanche Church is reflected in the number of its members who followed callings into the ministry., First United Methodist Church of Comanche remains a vital institution in the city and county, long after its founding, providing leadership and outreach for the community it serves.
This congregation has historic ties to the frontier town of Cora, the early seat of government for Comanche County. The Rev. J.W. Whipple, presiding elder, and local pastor the Rev. M.O. Coker, organized the church there in 1858. It relocated to Comanche soon after the government moved to the new town in 1859. Two years later, county commissioners donated land for a congregational meeting site for the Methodists, as it did for other early churches in Comanche. The church later met in the Comanche College building but moved to new facilities at the current site in 1879. It added new buildings as membership grew steadily over the years.
Begun in the frontier days of the region, the church had a number of colorful early pastors, one was the Rev. Hugh M. Childress, known as the "Bear Hunter Preacher," who carried guns. Early church programs included Ladies' Aid, later the Women's Missionary Society, and the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, which became the Epworth League. Over the years, a number of nearby churches merged with first Methodist church, including White Point, Indian Creek and Proctor. The spiritual strength of the Comanche Church is reflected in the number of its members who followed callings into the ministry.
First United Methodist Church of Comanche remains a vital institution in the city
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and county, long after its founding, providing leadership and outreach for the community it serves.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13642.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location. 31° 53.914′ N, 98° 36.14′ W. Marker is in Comanche, Texas, in Comanche County. Marker is at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and North Pearl Street, on the right when traveling west on East Grand Avenue. The marker is located in front of the church near the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 E Grand Ave, Comanche TX 76442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. The First United Methodist Church of Comanche and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.