Historical Marker

Henry's Chapel United Methodist Church

Historical marker location:
4539 FM 13 East, Troup, Texas
( 4539 FM 13 E, Troup)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

HENRY’S CHAPEL

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

THE COMMUNITY OF HENRY’S CHAPEL WAS ESTABLISHED SIX MILES FROM TROUP AND NAMED FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER WILLIAM HENRY. BEFORE 1914 MANY METHODISTS WORSHIPED AT BETHEL LOCATED TWO MILES NORTH OF HENRY’S CHAPEL. R.E. BARRON DONATED LAND TO THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WHICH, IN TURN, WAS DONATED TO THE METHODIST CHURCH TO ESTABLISH HENRY’S CHAPEL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH. IN 1968, THE DENOMINATION CHANGED THE CHURCH NAME TO UNITED METHODIST. CIRCUIT RIDER PREACHER JOE WELLS BECAME THE FIRST MINISTER AND SERVED OTHER CHURCHES IN THE MARSHALL DISTRICT. IN THE EARLY DAYS, THE CHURCH HOSTED SUMMER REVIVALS WHERE PRAYER MEETINGS AND SERVICES WERE CONDUCTED UNDER A BRUSH ARBOR.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP GREW DURING THE OIL BOOM OF THE 1930s AND, AS A RESULT, HENRY’S CHURCH BUILT A PARSONAGE AND HIRED REVEREND J.L. MCADAMS AS THE FIRST PERMANENT MINISTER. THE YOUTH WERE ORGANIZED IN 1932 UNDER THE NAME EPWORTH LEAGUE AND, IN 1939, CHANGED THE NAME TO METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP TO REFLECT THE MERGER OF THREE DIFFERENT FACTIONS OF METHODISTS. WOMEN ORGANIZED IN 1935 UNDER THE NAME WOMAN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY. IN ADDITION TO GIVING SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE, THE WOMEN’S GROUP SUPPORTED MISSIONS AND RAISED FUNDS TO FINANCE THE BUILDING OF A KITCHEN, FELLOWSHIP ROOM, AND OTHER CHURCH IMPROVEMENTS. THROUGH MANY ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGES, THE CHURCH CONTINUES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH AS WELL AS SOCIAL AND CIVIC EVENTS.

(2012)

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.

Methodist denomination churches religion
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Cherokee County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Kickapoo, and Cherokee. In the early 19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the region, resulting in conflicts with the indigenous populations.

In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.

In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.

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

  • 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
  • 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
  • 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
  • 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
  • 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
  • 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.