Original Site of First Methodist Church of Austin
historical marker
This site in Austin, Travis County, Texas, marks the original location of the First Methodist Church of Austin. Established in 1840 by Reverend John Haynie, it was Austin's second Protestant congregation. After holding early services in temporary locations, the congregation built its first permanent church, a wooden structure, at this corner of Cedar Street and Congress Avenue in 1847. From January 17 to 19, 1853, thirty-five doctors met here to organize the Texas Medical Association. In 1854, the Methodists moved to a new brick church. The Texas Historical Commission erected this marker in 1978. This location is significant as the first permanent home for an early Austin congregation and a meeting place for a statewide professional organization.