Historical Marker

Mt. Providence Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
806 North Palestine Street, Athens, Texas
( From East Larkin St. travel 0.56 miles north. Church is located on right side just past East Edmonson St.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

MT. PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH

MT. PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH WAS FIRST ORGANIZED IN 1888 IN THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH UNDER REVEREND F.M. JACKSON. FOR A WHILE THE CHURCH WOULD MEET IN DIFFERENT CHURCHES, HOMES AND BRUSH ARBORS. ON APRIL 19, 1890, CHURCH TRUSTEES S.M. MCINTIRE, GREEN WRIGHT AND HENRY COOK PURCHASED LAND FOR MT. PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH. IN 1890, A SMALL BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED AND REVEREND MCINTIRE SERVED AS THE FIRST MINISTER. AT THIS TIME, CHURCH SERVICES WERE HELD ONCE A MONTH, BUT BY 1902 BUILDING EXPANSION WAS NECESSARY. DURING THE WEEKDAYS, THE NEWLY BUILT CLASSROOMS WERE USED TO ACCOMMODATE STUDENTS AT BLACKSHEAR SCHOOL. IN THE EARLY DAYS MINISTERS PREACHED AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT CHURCHES SIMILAR TO CIRCUIT RIDER PREACHERS. BAPTISMS AT MT. PROVIDENCE WERE LESS FREQUENT AND HELD AT THE POOL NEAR THE OLD HARBISON-WALKER BRICKYARD DURING THE SUMMER.

AFTER WORLD WAR II, THE GOVERNMENT SOLD MILITARY BUILDINGS AND MT. PROVIDENCE PURCHASED A BUILDING FROM CAMP FANNIN LOCATED NEAR TYLER. THE OLD BARRACKS BECAME THE NEW CHURCH HOME AND, SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE STRUCTURE WAS BRICKED. DURING THE 1950s, REVEREND J.C. DELLY BECAME THE FIRST FULL-TIME PASTOR AND IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE TO THE CHURCH THAT INCLUDED AN INDOOR BAPTISMAL POOL AND A SMALL ORGAN. UNDER PASTOR C.C. TAYLOR, A FELLOWSHIP HALL WAS ADDED AND IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE CHURCH INTERIOR. TODAY THE CHURCH IS A LARGE PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND MAKES DONATIONS TO THE SICK AND THOSE IN NEED, CONTRIBUTES TO SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS, VISITS NURSING HOMES, DONATES TO THE AFRICAN RELIEF FUND, DISTRIBUTES CHRISTMAS CHEER BASKETS AND OPERATES AN IN-HOUSE FOOD PANTRY

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.

churches Baptist denomination
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.