Historical Marker
Peniel
Historical marker location:
1009 N. Rees Street, Greenville, Texas
( southeast corner of Rees (US 69) and Cordell streets. Marker reported missing Mar. 2016.)
Marker installed: 1974
Religious community founded in 1899 in conjunction with the establishment of Texas Holiness University on this site by E. C. DeJernett and B. A. Cordell. Title deeds prohibited sale or use of alcoholic drinks and tobacco, and practice of "worldly amusements," such as card playing and dancing.
Post office opened in 1901, with name of "Holiness"; changed in 1902 to "Peniel," for a biblical site. The town was incorporated in 1906.
The university continued to operate until 1920, when it was moved to Oklahoma. The city was annexed Greenville in 1957, and the post office discontinued.