Historic Cemetery

Old Gay Hill Baptist Church Cemetery

Gay Hill, Texas
Location: Old Gay Hill Baptist Church Cemetery--AAon Chriesmann Rd, just N of LaBahia Trail, E, and just S of intersection with Dannheim Rd. Name taken entirely from sign on adjacent church. THC Site Visit 7/24/03: Gay Hill, Tx. E off SH 36 on Chriesmann Rd, intersection just N of FM 390. May also be known by another name. Name assumed for site from adjacent Baptist church sign. Approximately 1 acre rectangular site shaded by large Live Oaks and other trees. Some diverse markers. Abundant floral and other decorative grave materials, bench. Graves face East. Adjacent to road, heavy tree growth on N and W side. Diversity of formal markers, many carnes. Abundant floral grave materials. Marker trees. Adjacent to creek and road, nearby church. Moderate risk endangerment, adjacent to sharp bend in road.

Source: RIP Fields Table

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites