Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church | Strength and Perseverance from the beginning

The African American Methodist community in Galveston dates back to 1848 when Gail Borden deeded land on Broadway for a church for the enslaved. Following the Civil War, the congregation changed its affiliation from Methodist Episcopal Church to the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. The Church became known in 1867 as Reedy Chapel, and in 1868, the St. Paul group divided with one group buying property on Broadway and 38th St. becoming Wesley Tabernacle Church. The Reverend Peter Cavanaugh organized the Church in 1869 as an independent congregation. Church members met in a one-room house on Broadway between 38th and 39th Street. As the Church grew, the present location was purchased, and the house was moved to the site. After the loss of church buildings to a fire and the 1900 storm, a one-story building was erected. In 1924 the Church was remodeled by raising the building and constructing a new first floor. The new construction gave the building a unique combination of architectural styles as seen today. The pews and altar furniture date back to 1881. Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church has long been involved in social progress for the African-American community it serves. Members have promoted civil rights for many years, including organizing the first anti-lynching society in Texas in 1914. Like other religious organizations in this area, Wesley Tabernacle represents strength and perseverance and has done so over the past 150 years.

Interested in information covered in this episode? Reference links below:
Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church
African American Historic Places in Galveston
Black Galveston
African-American History Resources: Reconstruction to the Present

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