Historical Marker

First United Methodist Church

Historical marker location:
507 North Broad Street, Chandler, Texas
( Traveling east on Hwy 31, turn left at red light onto North Broad Street. The Church is a couple of blocks from the intersection and is located on the left side of the road.)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The Chandler United Methodist Church dates back to the 1870s when a group of Methodists came to Stillwater, about two miles north of Chandler, on the Upper Athens-Tyler stagecoach road. A. H. Chandler, who settled in the northeastern part of Henderson County in 1859, donated land to the Methodist Church. The congregation traded the land for the present site from T. P. Morman. The church was officially chartered due to the efforts of Laura Fitzgerald Maynard, the Ben Fitzgerald family, the Chamness family and others.

In 1889, the Texas Conference appointed Rev. O. C. Fountain as the first pastor. Before 1908 a new frame building was erected and, as it grew, wings were added in 1923 for additional space. In 1940, the Chandler Church became a member of the Texas Annual Conference, active in the Tyler district. The Colonial Style church seen today was built in 1953 to accommodate increased membership. The structure, now named Heritage Hall, continues to serve the church and community.

As the congregation grew, a new fellowship hall and additional classrooms were added in 1976 and again in 1979. In 1992, the congregation changed the name of the church to First United Methodist Church of Chandler. In 1998, a south campus was completed on the lake and named Lake Palestine United Methodist Church. What began as a small group of Methodists has grown into a sustaining spiritual force in Chandler

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.

Methodist denomination churches religion
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Henderson County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.