The wind whispers through the branches of the oak trees, rustling the leaves like whispers of a forgotten past. This is a place where history lives. Right here, in front of the Oak Island Methodist Church and Cemetery Plaque, you are standing on sacred ground.
The Oak Island Methodist Church and Cemetery Plaque is a tribute to the Rev. John Wesley DeVilbiss, a circuit rider who arrived in the Republic of Texas in 1842. He traveled the southwest, ministering to both Hispanic communities and native Texians, promoting harmony in the face of intercultural tensions. Rev. DeVilbiss believed in a shared future and worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
Stepping into the County Clerk’s office in San Antonio, Rev. DeVilbiss preached a sermon in English, a monumental feat, as it was the first sermon ever delivered in the city. It was a bold move that planted the seeds for a confluence of civilizations, where different cultures could exist alongside each other. Inspired by his work, the Oak Island Church was organized in 1867 or 1868. This building, completed in 1872, holds within its walls furniture made by DeVilbiss and his son.
The plaque stands here today as a testament to the lasting influence of the Rev. DeVilbiss. It reminds us of the power of faith, the beauty of unity, and the legacy of a man who devoted his life to building bridges between cultures.