The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 2, July 1898 - April, 1899 Page: 81

The Old Journal of Littleton Fowler.

"Dec. 19th. Congress adjourned to-day.
"Dec. 21st. This morning I leave for San Augustine. I have
obtained a deed to a lot in Houston for a house of public worship.
It is situated near the capitol, and is 125 feet long and 250 feet
wide."
Thrall's "Methodism in Texas" says: "During the time he-L.
F.-was in Houston, he received from the Messrs. Allen, a title
to half a block of ground, upon which the church and the parson-
age in that city now stand."-1872.
His journal tells also of his negotiations for church lots, and the
erection of church buildings in Nacogdoches and Marshall, in ad-
dition to the churches of San Augustine, New Washington, Hous-
ton, and other places.
As the records between ,are of church work alone, entries made
at Houston during the spring session of Congress, are again re-
sumed:
"April 5, 1838. I left Nacogdoches in company of Generals
Rusk and Douglass, and Drs. Rowlett and Richardson, for Hous-
ton, where we arrived on the 12th, after six days of travel over good
roads in fair weather. We found Houston much improved and
improving. There is much building and a great increase in popula-
tion. The Senate had organized when I arrived, and the Rev. Mr.
William Y. Allen, a Presbyterian minister, had been appointed
Chaplain pro tem. He impresses me as a man of piety. Rev. Mr.
Newell was invited by the Speaker to so serve the House. Mr. N.
is an Episcopal minister, who is said to be engaged in writing a
history of Texas."
In a private letter, dated April 21st, Mr. Fowler speaks more
freely of the chaplaincy, as follows: "Two days ago there was held
an election in the House for Chaplain. The result showed one
blank, four votes for Mr. Newell, fourteen for Mr. Allen, and seven
by way of burlesque for lan apostate Catholic priest of ,San Antonio.
Had they so handled the sacred office in the 'Senate, they could
have done their own praying so far as I was concerned, for I would
not have served them."
"Sunday, April 14th. I preached morning and afternoon in the
Capitol, Mr. Allen at night. There were large gatherings at all
three services.