Texas Historical Marker #05071
St. Paul Lutheran Church. During the late 1870s German farmer William Winkler and other area pioneers organized a Lutheran congregation that was formally chartered in 1883 as St. Paul Lutheran Church. By 1896 members had erected a sanctuary on Winkler's farm and had called the Rev. Huge as their first full-time pastor. When the fellowship outgrew the first church building, they moved to this site in The Grove in 1908. With deep roots in the German Christian tradition, services at St. Paul Lutheran Church were often held in both English and German. #5071
?, The Grove, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03480
Mother Neff State Park. First official state park in Texas; suggested the idea for the State Parks system. Originated with a 6-acre plot willed to Texas in 1916 by Mrs. Isabella E. Neff, mother of Pat M. Neff, Governor of Texas (1921-1925) Because Texas then had no state parks, Mrs. Neff stated the land was to be used for religious, fraternal, political, and educational activities. Seeing the need for more such areas, in 1923, the 39th Legislature created the State Parks Board. In 1934 Pat Neff deeded 250 acres, and other owners 3 acres, to enlarge the original tract. #3480
?, The Grove, TX, United States