First Methodist Church (Marshall, Texas)

First Methodist Church (First United Methodist Church; Methodist Episcopal Church of South Marshall) is a historic Methodist church at 300 E. Houston Street in Marshall, Texas. It has also been known as First United Methodist Church and as Methodist Episcopal Church of South Marshall. It is a stuccoed brick Greek Revival-style church with a portico having four monumental square columns; such architecture is rare in Texas.[2]

HABS photo in 1936

First Methodist Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
First Methodist Church in 2015
First Methodist Church Show map of Texas First Methodist Church Show map of the United States
Location	300 E. Houston St., Marshall, Texas
Coordinates	32°37′33″N 94°21′59″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1860 (1860)
Built by	Alexander Pope, Billington Smalley
Architectural style	Greek Revival
NRHP reference No.	80004133[1]
RTHL No.	10157
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	July 16, 1980
Designated RTHL	1965

It was documented in 1936 by the Historic American Buildings Survey.[3] The portico was originally topped by a belfry but that was replaced in 1949 by a large octagonal cupola. It was built during 1860 to 1861, probably by slave labor. Its builders included mason Alexander Pope and carpenter Billingon Smalley. It was expanded in 1949 and in 1958.[2]

During the American Civil War, Confederate supplies were stored in the basement and it was the site of organization for the war effort. It was the site of the first conference, in 1862, of the Trans-Mississippi states convened by Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Texas Governor Lubbock, Missouri Governor Jackson, and representatives of Arkansas and Louisiana participated.[2]

It was added to the National Register in 1980.[1]