Turning 180 

by Bobbi Kroll, Travis Park United Methodist Church Historian

“In June of this year [1846], I organized a class.” With these words, pioneering circuit-riding Methodist minister John Wesley DeVilbiss recorded a defining birth event in the wild land of Texas where the U.S. War with Mexico had begun weeks earlier. This humble start was the beginning of one of the first Protestant churches in San Antonio. Soon after establishing this class, he left to plant other churches in the region, but that small congregation grew under subsequent leaders and became Travis Park United Methodist Church. Now, in 2026, we look back once again, remembering, reflecting as this church turns 180.

One-hundred and eighty years is a long time and a lot of stories.* As one reads the stories and looks at the wide variety of faces in the pictures, we realize more deeply the truth of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. People sat in these pews long before we came along. They had joy and disappointments, fears and peace and boldness. All mingled together in community. This congregation, faithful through all the topsy-turvy years, has blossomed into us. We are here because of them and their labor of love. Someday, we will be the ones being looked back on when a future group celebrates another significant birthday.

Significant birthdays often give us pause. History invites us to reflect on stories and how each one shaped us. Those reflections strengthen us and are the soil for wisdom as we journey together into an uncertain future. Uncertain except for the foundational comfort that we are never alone. God is with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRAVIS PARK CHURCH!

*Read more stories on our history page >