The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized First United Methodist Church of Allen (FUMC Allen) as a significant part of Texas history by awarding it an Official Texas Historical Marker. The designation honors FUMC Allen as an important and educational part of local history.
A dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2017, 12:30pm, at 601 S Greenville Avenue in Allen. Speakers for the afternoon include Steve Terrell, mayor of Allen, and Dr. Michael Black, chair of the Collin County Historical Commission. The Collin County Historical Commission welcomes the public to share in and witness this exciting historical event.
“The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC. “Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state’s history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources,” Wolfe said.
A subject qualifies for a marker if two basic criteria are met: historical significance and age. Historical significance is established by reviewing its role and importance in local history, and the age requirement depends on the topic. The THC’s Official Texas Marker Policies are outlined in the Official Texas Historical Marker Procedures, which may be obtained by contacting the History Programs Division, Texas Historical Commission, at 512.463.5853 or visiting the web site at www.thc.texas.gov.
The community is invited to enjoy the marker dedication ceremony and stay for the church’s annual Fall Festival, which features Trunk or Treat, chili and hot dogs, face painting, a petting zoo, bounce house, music, and more.
“It is vital that as we move forward, we do not forget our past. Not only will the Texas Historical Marker provide awareness in the community of our fascinating history, but it will become a building block for the promotion of local tourism,” said Rev. Todd Harris, Senior Pastor of FUMC Allen.
There are three types of Texas Historical Markers. Subject markers are posted solely for public education awareness and awarded more frequently than the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL), which is a legal designation for historic structures and comes with a measure of protection. Unlike subject markers, the RTHL must also meet a third criterion--architectural integrity. Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) markers identify cemeteries which have obtained the HTC designation and whose histories have been researched in detail.
Texas has the largest marker program in the United States with approximately 15,000 markers. Seventeen states have used the Texas program as a model; the THC reviews more than 300 marker applications each year.
The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas.