History of UA
History of UA
We’re proof that God makes marvelous things grow from small, humble beginnings.
The University Avenue church had its beginning in the spring of 1847 when ten followers of the Stone/Campbell restoration movement met in Austin. The group steadily increased in number during the next ten years, adding 120 members.
The church was practically dormant during the days of the Civil War, 
but after the war church activity increased. Following the Civil War, the congregation worshipped in a log cabin located on Congress Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets. In April, 1867 the church acquired title to its first building site at 8th and Colorado Streets and erected a wooden building. This building served the congregation until 1872 when a two-story building with a basement was constructed. During these early years the church was known as the Church of Christ or the Christian Church. These terms were used interchangeably.
By 1894,
the congregation was known as the East Austin Church of Christ and met at 14th and San Bernard Streets. In March 1917, they purchased a lot with a 3-story boarding house on the corner of University Avenue and 19th Street (called Magnolia Street in early days). This was converted into a place of worship and served until 1948 when ground was broken for the construction of a new building. The new structure was built in an “L” shape around the existing building, which allowed the older building to be used for worship until the new building was completed. The old building was then razed, and the site was landscaped.
As heirs of the American Restoration Movement, we value the integrity and authority of Scripture. We seek to achieve unity among all Christians on the basis of our common allegiance to Jesus Christ. We respect the autonomy of each congregation. Our regard for the diversity of Christ’s church is sometimes expressed in these words: “We are Christians only - but not the only Christians.”
