| Marker Text |
On November 6, 1898, twenty-one ears after the founding of Alice, fifteen people met with an evangelist, the Rev. A.H.P. McCurdy of the Western Presbytery of Texas, to organize a mission church. The fifteen charter members were Mrs. Anna Adams, Mr. M.D. (Frank) Ayers, Mrs. Alice Mary Ayers, Miss Sadie P. Ayers, Mrs. Lillie Beckham, Mr. Walter Caldwell, Miss Lillie Clark, Miss Annie Doughty, Mrs. Mollie Gibson, Mr. W.A. Hinnant, Mrs. M.J. Jones, Miss Carrie E. Mosser, Mrs. Annie Schoebaum, Mrs. Sarah R. Staples, and Miss Ann Staples. The Rev. Mr. McCurdy served as first pastor. In January 1903, the Presbyterian Ladies' Aid Society was formed with fourteen member. By December 1903 the society had raised enough money, through such enterprises as ice cream socials, oyster fries, and bazaars, to purchase land on this site for a price of $137.75. In July 1908 a white frame church building was completed, and in 1912 a two-story manse was erected next door. The mission became a self-supporting church in 1937. A new brick building was erected in 1938, and an educational building was added in 1948. The structure was remodeled in 1979 to fit the congregation's growing needs. In 1998, the First Presbyterian Church of Alice had 181 members. Continuing in the traditions of its founders, the congregation remains involved in community service and outreach, mission programs, and worship activities. (1998) |
