Presbyterians have long played an important role in Nacogdoches; the earliest Presbyterian influence here dates to the 1830s, with several churches organizing later in the century. In 1893, the Rev. B.A. Hodges and twelve founding members established Main Street Presbyterian church under the Cumberland
Denomination's Presbytery of Texas. Around 1900, the church constructed a wood frame building on Main Street designed by noted Nacogdoches Architect D.A.W. Rulfs. After outgrowing this structure, the church completed a sanctuary and manse in 1930 at the corner of North and Powers Streets and became known as Westminster Presbyterian Church. The congregation added Westminster Fellowship Hall in 1965 and an educational building in 1998.
Westminster Presbyterian Church has a rich history of helping those in need. During World War I the church led Nacogdoches County's war savings stamps campaign, and in the 1920s, worked with local boy scouts and with students at Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College (now Stephen F. Austin State University). The congregation helped to found the head start program in Nacogdoches. Other ministries have included a senior citizen nutrition center, telephone reassurance program, Samaritan counseling center, Habitat for Humanity and Love Inc. the congregation has also stressed music ministry, both in worship and in the community. Today, more than 100 years after its founding, Westminster Presbyterian Church continues to play a vital role as a spiritual and community leader in the Nacogdoches.
Marker is property of the State of Texas.
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