First United Methodist Church of Marlin (Marlin)

Missionary preachers served Methodists in this area even before the establishment of Falls County or the city of Marlin. First sent was the Rev. John W. DeVilbiss in 1842. He was followed by other circuit riders until the Rev. Charles Brown was appointed full-time pastor for the Marlin congregation in 1874. In 1851 the Methodists selected a lot on which to build a church in the new town of Marlin. Adjoining lots were added to the property at Fannin and Williams streets in 1879 and 1881. In 1909, under the pastorate of the Rev. I. F. Betts, the church purchased this site. The building, still in use today, was completed in 1910. Bricks made from Brazos River bottom red clay were used, while the painted and stained glass windows were imported from Italy. The church bell was at one time used on a southern plantation. The congregation has established a long tradition of Christian service. The church held its first revival on record in 1865 and has twice been host for the Texas Annual Conference of Methodist Churches. Its women's groups have actively supported mission work at home and abroad. One member, Miss Maggie Rogers, served as a missionary in China from 1904 to 1943. Five of the church's members have entered the ministry.

First United Methodist Church of Marlin is a historical marker in Marlin, Falls County, dedicated in 1981. It is one of 64 historical markers documented in Falls County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 70 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.3076, -96.8920 near Marlin. The nearest cataloged historic site is First United Methodist Church of Marlin (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include First Baptist Church of Marlin, Hot Mineral Water, and Captain Henry Gray Carter.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5145008833. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.