Historical Marker

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Shiloh was one of many communities of displaced, newly-freed slaves that sprang up after the Civil War. Named from the Bible, it was located outside Winchester, near what became known as the Shiloh Branch of the Colorado River. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church began as prayer meetings by ex-slaves in a brush arbor at that site in 1867, the year of one of the worst yellow fever epidemics in the region. Organized in 1872, Shiloh helped build the structure of the black Baptist church in Texas. In 1874, it was one of 16 churches to form the La Grange Baptist District Association (LGA). The LGA soon joined the fledgling statewide Baptist Missionary and Education Convention. Shiloh members founded Center Union Baptist Church in Bastrop County in 1878.

Shiloh Baptist bought 3.2 acres in 1894 that ran from N. Raymond road to near Shiloh Cemetery. In 1896, Shiloh AME, later Shiloh United Methodist, was built across FM 153 next to Cokesbury (Coaxberry) School. For 100 years, they worshipped in each other’s churches on alternating Sundays and served as venues for community events. They even ordered their church bells together in the 1890s. In 1914, Shiloh Baptist traded its west 2 acres for 1.25 acres south to FM 153. In 1916, the church burned; a new one was built in 1917 nearer to FM 153. Cokesbury (1890-1948) held a class here in the 1936-37 school year. The church was remodeled in 1983, adding a dining hall in back. From 1981-2011, Shiloh Baptist served as Shiloh Cemetery’s sole steward. Noted pastors are Rev. Alexander L. Boone and Rev. Anderson Denman. Shiloh Baptist Church is the only surviving entity in Winchester that carries forward the history of its black community.

(2009)

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.

African American ecclesiastical buildings Baptist denomination churches religion
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The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Fayette County, Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was first settled by indigenous Native American tribes, such as the Lipan Apache and Karankawa, who thrived off the bountiful natural resources of the region. European exploration and colonization began in the late 17th century when Spanish explorers arrived, followed by French adventurers and American frontiersmen.

The establishment of Anglo-American settlements in Fayette County started in the 1820s under Stephen F. Austin's colony. The town of La Grange, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1826 and named after the ancestral home of General Lafayette. Over the next few decades, more pioneers arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming and ranching. German immigrants, in particular, played a significant role in the county's development, establishing thriving communities and introducing their agricultural practices.

During the mid-19th century, Fayette County became embroiled in the turmoil of the Texas Revolution and the Civil War. The Battle of Fayetteville, fought in 1836, marked a significant event in the struggle for Texas independence. Confederate soldiers from Fayette County fought in various battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Galveston and the Battle of Sabine Pass.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fayette County experienced economic growth and cultural diversification. Railroads connected the county to larger markets, stimulating trade and commerce. The discovery of oil and gas reserves further bolstered the local economy. Today, Fayette County is known for its agricultural industry, with crops like cotton and corn, as well as cattle ranching. It also attracts tourists with its historical sites, including the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate important moments in the county's history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fayette County, Texas.

  • 1837 – Fayette County is established as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838 – The permanent county seat is established in La Grange.
  • 1861-1865 – Fayette County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1873 – The railroad reaches Fayette County, spurring economic growth.
  • 1901 – The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the discovery of the West Point Oil Field.
  • 1905 – The monumental Fayette County Courthouse is built.
  • 1950s-1970s – Fayette County experiences an agricultural boom due to the construction of the Fayette Power Project and Fayette Nuclear Plant.
  • 1998 – Fayette County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2011 – The historic town square in La Grange is added to the National Register of Historic Places.