Swedish Central Methodist Church, Austin, Texas
historic place
The Swedish Central Methodist Church in Austin, Travis County, Texas, has a history rooted in the city's Swedish immigrant community. The church was organized in 1873 by Reverend Carl Charnquist as the Swedish Methodist Church. Its first sanctuary was built at Red River and 15th Street. In 1898, under the leadership of Reverend O.E. Olander, the congregation moved to a new site at Colorado and 13th Street, occupying buildings of the disbanded Central Methodist Church. At this time, the fellowship added "Central" to its name. The church property at Colorado and 13th Street was sold in 1956 to allow for the expansion of state offices. The congregation was then renamed Memorial Methodist Church and relocated to northeast Austin. A historical marker commemorating the Swedish Central Methodist Church was erected in 1975 by the Texas Historical Commission. This marker recognizes the church's early presence and evolution within Austin's historical landscape.