This Week in Texas Methodist History August 13

African American Church Dedicated in Galveston, March 30, 1851

Historians who study Texas and U. S. history in the era before 1865 are often frustrated by the lack of sources relating to African American history.  Therefore, when I was recently reading the 1851 issues of the New Orléans Christian Advocate, and discovered a notice from Galveston which announced the dedication of a church building for "the colored population," I was delighted.  This is the earliest reference I have found of a Methodist church building specifically for African American inn Texas.   The article mentioned that the church building was debt free and "filled with spiritual worshippers."

The 1851 appointments do not show an African Mission, but in subsequent annual conferences, such appointments become common in both the Texas and East Texas Conference's.  

The article referenced is signed "Julius" which is a pen name.  In 1851 there were three appoints for Galvestons.  James Wesson was Pressing Edler, Homer Thrall was station preacher, and Ulysses Salis was appointed to the German mission (est. 1847).  If I had to guess, I would guess Julius to be Homer Thrall, the great historian of 19th century Texas Methodism.