Memorial Presbyterian Church

Originally organized as the Bethel Presbyterian Church, Memorial Presbyterian Church was was created June 2, 1838, by the Reverend Hugh Wilson, Missionary of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America.

The Church was organized with twenty-two charter members at Goodlaw’s School House, located 4 miles west of San Augustine.

The church was relocated to San Augustine in November of 1840, with the coming of the Reverend John M. Becton. The church was also renamed from Bethel to San Augustine at that time.

The oldest Presbyterian Church in Texas, Memorial Presbyterian has been in continuous operation since its organization. Membership was down to one member during the Civil War, when Mrs. Polly Nicholson, wife of Elder John Nicholson, refused to let the Presbytery dissolve the church.

Soon after the Civil War the church began to prosper again. The present sanctuary was built under the leadership of the Reverend D.A. McRae in 1887. At that time, it was renamed Memorial Presbyterian Church in memory of the early pioneers. Funds for its erection came from all over the Synod of Texas.

The three pulpit chairs which are the in the Church today were given by Miss Fanny Rankin in 1887. The handmade pulpit upon which the guest book now rests was used until recent years. Two hand-made pews are to be found in the little room to the right of the sanctuary, and a copy of the original Session Minutes are available on the old communion table in front of the sanctuary.

205 E. Livingston
936-275-2546 or 936-275-9961