Texas Historical Marker #05179
Benton City Institute, The. Structure was built in 1875. Atascosa Lodge 379, A.F. and A.M., bought top floor, 1876. School was owned by educators: first, Col. John D. Morrison, later B.C. Hendrix. A faculty member was Isaac Wood of Benton City. The institute operated under a Texas law distributing state funds to supplement private tuition; had basic courses plus accounting, law, music, and surveying. Later fully tax-supported, it had an influential career until 1919 and consolidation of school district with Lytle. Building was used at times until 1934. #5179
?, Lytle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03158
Lytle Methodist Church. According to oral history, the Lytle Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was founded in 1889. W.C. Newton, a local farmer and preacher, became known as "The Father of the Lytle Methodist Church" due to his efforts to establish a permanent place of worship. Newton also provided land for the Lytle Community Cemetery, cared for by church trustees. The Rev. Jerome P. Garrett served as the first appointed pastor from 1891-1893. The congregation built their first sanctuary in 1892. After the railroad came through Lytle, bypassing the Benton City community, the Benton City Methodist congregation merged with this one in 1909. An active Women's Missionary Society was founded in 1915; a youth group and the Methodist Men's Club were also established. To meet the needs of a growing congregation, the sanctuary was expanded and renovated in 1922. In 1950 a multi-purpose education building was added, and in 1957 a building committee planned a brick sanctuary with cathedral ceiling and stained glass windows. The Lytle United Methodist Church, as it has been known since 1968, continues to provide diverse ministries to the community through worship services, study programs and other charitable activities. (1992) #3158
?, Lytle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #00061
Atascosa Lodge No. 379, A.F. and A.M.. Organized by eleven Master Masons in Benton City in 1872 and chartered June 9, 1873, by Grand Lodge of Texas. First hall, erected of stone in 1876, provided space for public school. The lodge, which has furnished social and cultural leadership to this locality, was moved to Lytle on May 20, 1909. (1970) Marker in appreciation for Masons past and present. #61
19004 Somerset Road, Lytle, TX, United States