Bastrop County, Texas, is home to a number of historic churches that reflect the area’s early settlement and religious traditions. Many of these churches have historical markers or are recognized for their architectural and community significance. Below is a list of historic churches in Bastrop County. (Research is still in process on this subject.)
Cedar Creek, Texas
- Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church (and Hopewell Rosenwald School)
- History: Established in 1921, the school and church served African Americans. The buildings are located on land donated by the McDonald family, former slaves. They remain intact and are a testament to the community’s commitment to education and faith. The buildings have been restored and serve as a community center.
- Significance: Part of the nationwide Rosenwald School Building Program, which aimed to provide quality education to African American children in the segregated South. This is the only Rosenwald structure of the original five still intact in Bastrop County.
Bastrop, Texas
- First United Methodist Church:
- History: Established in 1835, it’s considered the first church organized in Bastrop. The congregation initially met in various locations, including a house, before building their first church in 1851. The current brick structure was built in 1925, incorporating elements from the 1851 church. It has a Texas Historical Marker.
- Significance: Represents the early establishment of Methodism in Texas and has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly two centuries.
- Bastrop Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):
- History: Existed as early as 1857, with services initially held in the old courthouse. A “little rock church” was built on its current site in 1867. The present Victorian-style building was erected in 1895 and is known for its original pews and stained glass windows.
- Significance: One of the older denominations in the community, with a long history of serving the Bastrop area. The current building is a beautiful example of late 19th-century church architecture.
- Ascension Catholic Church (formerly Sacred Heart):
- History: The first Catholic Church in Bastrop, St. Martin’s, was a brick structure built in 1870. This was replaced by a frame church named Sacred Heart in 1896. The church became Ascension Church in 1963. The current church and bell tower were completed in 1983, but its roots stretch back to the mid-19th century when priests from other areas served the Catholic community in Bastrop.
- Significance: Reflects the growth of the Catholic community in Bastrop County and its evolution over time.
- Calvary Episcopal Church:
- History: Organized in 1869 by Alexander Gregg, the first Episcopal Bishop of Texas. For many years, the congregation used the local Methodist church for services. Its current location at the intersection of downtown and the river has been a significant presence for over 150 years.
- Significance: An enduring part of Bastrop’s downtown historic landscape, contributing to the town’s cultural and spiritual life.
- First Baptist Church of Bastrop:
- History: Organized on August 3, 1850, with eleven members. The congregation shared a building with the Presbyterian Church and the Masonic Lodge for a period. It has a Texas Historical Marker.
- Significance: A historically significant congregation demonstrating the early growth of the Baptist denomination in Bastrop.
- First Presbyterian Church:
- History: While less detailed historical information is readily available online compared to some others, the First Presbyterian Church in Bastrop has a long history, with their building built in 1894 and restored in 1986.
- Significance: A classic example of turn-of-the-century architecture and a long-standing presence in the Bastrop community.
- Paul Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church:
- History: Established in 1876 by Reverend Joseph Morgan.
- Significance: An important historic African American church in Bastrop, representing a vital part of the community’s heritage.
- Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church:
- History: Organized in 1864 by Silvie Story, William Hill, Martha Young, Paulie Johnson, Grant McBride, and Martha J. Hill with the help of Reverend Joshua Brice. This site was traditionally used by area slaves for gatherings, and early baptisms took place in the Colorado River. It has a Texas Historical Marker.
- Significance: A profoundly important historic African American church, established shortly after emancipation, and a testament to the resilience and faith of the post-Civil War African American community in Bastrop County.
Elgin, Texas
- Mary Christian-Burleson House (Elgin): While not a church, the Mary Christian Burleson House in Elgin was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places (January 2024). Mary Christian was a charter member of the First United Methodist Church in Bastrop, indicating the strong religious ties of early settlers.
It’s important to note that many smaller, rural communities within Bastrop County may also have historic churches, some of which might be less documented online but hold significant local history. For a more comprehensive list, consulting local historical societies and driving through the county’s smaller towns would be beneficial.