First Presbyterian Church
406 Avenue A, Palestine, TXThe First Presbyterian Church is a locally significant example of late 19th century Gothic Revival-style ecclesiastical architecture.
The First Presbyterian Church at 406 Avenue A is a brick institutional building with a modified rectangular plan and load-bearing masonry construction. The church exhibits a variety of stylistic ornament but appears as a Gothic Revival building with some Italianate and Romanesque Revival features. Pointed-arched windows, decorative buttresses, and steeply pitched gables with stone coping are indicative of the Gothic Revival style. The comer tower with its large round-arched hoodmolds and paired round-arched windows reflect the Italianate style, while the series of round-arched windows on the facade suggest the Romanesque Revival style. The church, which faces north onto Avenue A, is in a commercial area between the courthouse square and the central business district. The church has undergone several renovations since its construction, but still retains much of its historic character and a high degree of its integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized by 18 charter members in 1849, one year after Palestine's founding, and is the city's oldest church building to have continuously served a single congregation. The congregation outgrew its original building by the late 1880s, and in 1887 they began construction of a new structure to accommodate their growing numbers. Although the 1887 church was built in the Gothic Revival style, it also incorporates various Italianate and Romanesque Revival elements. Evaluated within the context of Community and Regional Development of Palestine, Texas: 1846-1945, the First Presbyterian Church is nominated at the local level of significance to the National Register under Criterion C as an outstanding example of late 19th century, Gothic Revival-style ecclesiastical architecture.
Local significance of the building:
The First Presbyterian Church was organized by 18 charter members in 1849, one year after Palestine's founding, and is the city's oldest church building to have continuously served a single congregation. The congregation outgrew its original building by the late 1880s, and in 1887 they began construction of a new structure to accommodate their growing numbers. Although the 1887 church was built in the Gothic Revival style, it also incorporates various Italianate and Romanesque Revival elements. Evaluated within the context of Community and Regional Development of Palestine, Texas: 1846-1945, the First Presbyterian Church is nominated at the local level of significance to the National Register under Criterion C as an outstanding example of late 19th century, Gothic Revival-style ecclesiastical architecture.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Loading...
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
About Anderson County
Anderson County Timeline
Anderson County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1846 and was named after Kenneth L. Anderson, a veteran of the Texas Revolution. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.
The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.
Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.
The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.
Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.
Anderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Anderson County, Texas.
- 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
- Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
- Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
- 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
- Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
- 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.