Historical Marker

Sardis Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
Rusk vicinity, Texas
( 8 miles southwest of Rusk on FM 1857)
Marker installed: 2002
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Members of the Baptist Church of Christ at Salem and other area churches in the Edgefield District of South Carolina traveled together to Texas in 1846-48 and settled in what became the Sardis community of Cherokee County. Early settlers included members of the Berry, Martin, Coleman, Nickolson and Jennings families. In 1854, they officially organized the Sardis Baptist Church with J. W. Carter as the first ordained minister and petitioned for membership in the Judson Baptist Association. Throughout its history, the church has been the focus of this small rural community. Members were added through baptism, often after revival meetings. Early baptisms took place in the Neches River or in Box's Creek.

Not much is known about the congregation's first church building, but the second structure was a two-story building that was also used as a community school. The Woodmen of the World fraternal organization occupied the upper floor. A third building was used solely for church activities. After the Sardis school consolidated with the Rusk schools in 1948, the school district traded property and buildings with the church, and the congregation began worshipping in the former Sardis schoolhouse. When the population of this rural area declined, so, too, did church membership. A reflection of the community's heritage, Sardis Baptist Church is an important reminder of Texas' rural past. (2002)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Baptist denomination churches religion
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Texas random facts
Cherokee County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Kickapoo, and Cherokee. In the early 19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the region, resulting in conflicts with the indigenous populations.

In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.

In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cherokee County, Texas.

  • 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
  • 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
  • 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
  • 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
  • 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
  • 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.