This Week in Texas Methodist History  March 31

J. H. McLean Dedicates New Church Building at Manor, April 6, 1882

F. A. Mood, Regent of Southwestern University, was scheduled to give the dedicatory sermon for the new church at Manor, but he was indisposed, so J. H. McLean, the Vice-Regent filled in for him.  Methodists in Manor traced their origins to 1854 when they met in a school.  In 1871 the Austin branch of the Houston and Texas Central Railway provided access to markets, and northeastern Travis County prospered.  The Methodist church dedicated in April 1882 was one of three churches in Manor in the mid-1880s. 

The Day set for the dedication of the our church at Manor, Travis County, Texas, found a large congregation in attendance –more than could be comfortably seated although the house is 34 by 50 feet.  On account of the indisposition of Dr. Mood, Bro. J. H. McLean from the Southwestern University, came to our relief, for which we give thanks.  The theme selected for the occasion was “Spiritual Worship,” and it was well handled, and the preacher peculiarly fortunate in the elucidation of the want of modality in all the instances of worship as given in the Bible. . .

The friends brought refreshments of the most kind and greatest abundance, showing the cordiality with which they greeted the new enterprise.

May this building long stand a monument of the zeal and devotion of a few Christians.

W. C. Nelms, Texas Christian Advocate, April 22, 1882.