Marvin Methodist, called the first church in Smith County
A Texas Historical Commission marker calls Marvin Methodist Church the first church in Smith County, organized in 1848 by the Revs. Sam Box and Alexander Douglas, with early all-faiths services in a log cabin on the courthouse square.
The downtown National Register nomination also calls its congregation the first of any denomination organized in Smith County.
Its present building, erected in 1890, is called Tyler’s oldest church.
Note
The Handbook of Texas dates a Methodist church to 1846. First Baptist’s marker dates that church to April 8, 1848, so which congregation came first depends on which Methodist date is right.
Sources
- Texas Historical Commission marker: Marvin Methodist Church (Atlas 5423007741)atlas.thc.texas.gov
First church in Smith County. Organized 1848 by the Revs. Sam Box and Alexander Douglas. Had all-faiths services at first in log cabin on Courthouse Square
Present church, erected 1890 (now Tyler's oldest church), was named in 1891 to honor Bishop Enoch Mather Marvin
- Handbook of Texas: Tyler, TXtshaonline.org
A Methodist church was organized in 1846, and the First Baptist Church was established in 1848.
- National Register nomination, Tyler Downtown Historic District (NRHP 100008283)atlas.thc.texas.gov
The first congregation of any denomination organized in Smith County, the group had been meeting in the log cabins on the courthouse square starting in 1848
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed