Sunday, January 8, 2023

Decker School, United Methodist Church and Community

Decker School from the 1936 Defender yearbook of Travis rural schools.

History of Decker School as told in 1936 Defender. Click to enlarge.

Decker is one of the schools included in the 1936 Defender, a year book for rural schools. It was part of a Swedish community that included a church and cemetery. From the historical marker :

 
Decker United Methodist Church and Community

First settlers in this area on Decker Creek were Swedish immigrants, who attended church in Austin from 1867 to 1870s.

Beginning in 1871, the Rev. C.C. Charnquist of Austin preached in homes. With advent of more settlers, a church was erected and dedicated at Pentecost, 1879.

In 1882, a public school was opened. In 1884, the church was enlarged and parsonage built.

In the pastorate (1901-02) of the Rev. C.O. Freeman, the present sanctuary was erected. The large modern wing was added in 1967.

 

 


Original Decker School of 1882. This building burned in 1907 and was rebuilt with the one shown in the 1936 Defender. See Austin American-Statesman, 29 Jul 1907, Page 2

Original school photo was done by F. Chapman, part of his "Views of Austin and Surroundings"

1940 aerial showing location of school, church, cemetery and parsonage

Location of school on today's landscape. Church, cemetery and parsonage remain as in 1940 aerial.

View of cemetery, church and parsonage (distance)

Parsonage built 1884

North side of parsonage with well visible.

 

Click to enlarge any photo.




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