Historical Marker

New Salem Freewill Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
4455 South FM 51, Decatur, Texas
( 4455 South FM 51, Decatur)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

IN APRIL 1893, REVEREND JOSEPHUS WESLEY FORD AND WIFE, JAMES ALEXANDER FORD AND WIFE, RICHARD S. FORD AND WIFE, JESSIE GARRISON AND WIFE AND SISTER JESSIE L. PHILLIPS ORGANIZED THE NEW SALEM FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH SOUTHWEST OF DECATUR. REVEREND JOSEPHUS W. FORD PREVIOUSLY PASTORED A CONGREGATION IN McDONALD COUNTY, MISSOURI BEFORE TRAVELING TO TEXAS WHERE HE SERVED AS PASTOR OF THE NEW SALEM FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH UNTIL HIS DEATH IN JULY 1898. IN THE EARLY YEARS, THE CHURCH CONGREGATION MET ONLY ONCE A MONTH, BUT AS MEMBERSHIP GREW, SERVICES WERE HELD MORE OFTEN.

CHURCH SERVICES WERE HELD AT THE PLACE OF ORGANIZATION UNTIL AROUND 1907 WHEN A NEW STRUCTURE WAS BUILT. THE BUILDING WAS CONDEMNED A FEW YEARS LATER. AT THAT TIME, THE PERRIN SCHOOL OCCUPIED THE PRESENT LOCATION OF THE CHURCH BUT WAS LATER RELOCATED WHEN THE SCHOOL CONSOLIDATED INTO THE DECATUR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE BUILDING BECAME AVAILABLE AND THE CHURCH MOVED IN. SEVERAL MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE OVER THE YEARS TO ACCOMMODATE THE GROWING CONGREGATION INCLUDING SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOMS, A NURSERY, PARKING LOT, FELLOWSHIP HALL, RESTROOMS AND A KITCHEN.

THE NEW SALEM FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH EXTENDED OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED PASTORS TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CHURCH. IN ADDITION, THE CHURCH AND DENOMINATION HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY THROUGH LOCAL AND FOREIGN MISSIONS. FOR OVER A CENTURY, THE NEW SALEM FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH HAS BEEN A SPIRITUAL AND CHARITABLE SANCTUARY FOR THE COMMUNITY

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.

buildings churches religionBaptist denomination
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Wise County is located in northern Texas and has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1856. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes such as the Kiowa and Wichita before European settlement began. The county was named after Henry A. Wise, a Governor of Virginia who supported Texas' annexation.

In the early years, Wise County was primarily used for ranching and farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth in the region.

During the Civil War, Wise County remained divided between Unionists and Confederates, leading to some conflict within the county. After the war, the discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of coal mining towns, including Newark and Rhome. These towns ushered in a new era of industrialization and attracted more settlers to the county in search of employment.

In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a decline in coal mining due to competition from other energy sources. However, the discovery of oil in the 1920s sparked a new economic boom. Today, Wise County remains a hub for oil and gas production, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also boasts a diverse agricultural industry and has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

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

  • 1856 - Wise County is established and named after Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise.
  • 1860 - The first post office, called Taylorsville, is established in the county.
  • 1867 - The county's first courthouse is built in Decatur, the county seat.
  • 1873 - The Wise County Old Settlers Association is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1882 - The Wise County Messenger, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
  • 1883 - The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is completed, connecting Wise County to major cities.
  • 1905 - The county's second courthouse, a grand Neoclassical building, is completed.
  • 1920 - The oil boom hits Wise County, leading to increased drilling and economic growth.
  • 1927 - The county's third courthouse, a Modern Classical structure, is completed.
  • 1969 - Lake Bridgeport, a reservoir, is completed, providing water recreation opportunities.
  • 2000 - The population of Wise County reaches over 48,000 people.
  • 2015 - The Wise County Heritage Museum is established to showcase the county's history.