Travis Park United Methodist Church Plaque

The year is 1844. A hush falls over the makeshift congregation gathered in the San Antonio courthouse. All eyes are on the Reverend John Wesley DeVilbiss, a determined missionary who journeyed to the Republic of Texas. This is no ordinary gathering. They are about to witness a historic moment here at the future site of Travis Park United Methodist Church. Reverend DeVilbiss, affectionately known as “the little priest that owns the bell,” prepares to deliver the first Protestant sermon ever heard in San Antonio. His words, infused with passion and faith, resonate through the room, marking the very beginning of what would become a pillar of the community. Two years later, this small but devoted congregation formally establishes itself as Travis Park United Methodist Church. The church’s journey reflects the growth of San Antonio itself. They first worshipped in a humble chapel on Soledad Street. They later moved to the present site of Travis Park United Methodist Church in 1882. This Romanesque Revival masterpiece, with its additions and renovations, stands as a testament to unwavering faith and community. It even played a role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. In 1859, the church housed the San Antonio Female College, later known as the University of San Antonio, which eventually became part of Trinity University. Travis Park United Methodist Church’s story is etched not just in its limestone walls but also in the hearts of the people it has served for generations.