Historical Marker

Post Oak Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Historical marker location:
2675 FM 2906, Easton, Texas
( south side of FM 2906 at approximately ten miles southeast of Longview)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

DURING RECONSTRUCTION, AFRICAN AMERICANS LIVING IN THE AREA FORMED COMMUNITIES AND CHURCHES. MANY OF THESE CHURCHES SERVED AS A HOUSE OF WORSHIP AND AS THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CENTER OF THE COMMUNITY. IN 1878, NEAR THE TOWN OF EASTON, A GROUP OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CHRISTIANS JOINED IN FELLOWSHIP TO FORM THE POST OAK COLORED METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. ORIGINAL FOUNDERS INCLUDED BROS. JEFF PORTLEY, JESSIE DANIELS, SR., AND DANIEL BRADFORD. THE FIRST MEMBER ON THE MEMBERSHIP ROLL WAS CHARLIE LUCAS FROM 1880. THE CONGREGATION FIRST ORGANIZED UNDER THE PASTORATE OF REVEREND M. BUTLER. OVER THE YEARS, THE CHURCH WAS GUIDED BY REVEREND ELI JOHNSON, REVEREND T. H. RANDALL AND REVEREND V. McCALISTER.

A LOG CABIN SERVED AS THE FIRST PLACE OF WORSHIP UNTIL THE GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP LED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING BETWEEN 1896 AND 1899 MEASURING 14 BY 28 FEET. SEVERAL ACRES WERE PURCHASED FROM COUNTY JUDGE E. M. BRAMLETTE IN 1912. IN THE LATE 1930s AND EARLY 1940s, A NEWER FRAMED BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED. IN THE 1970s, COMMUNITY GROWTH ENABLED THE CHURCH TO BUILD A LARGER, MODERN BRICK STRUCTURE.

THE CHURCH CHANGED ITS NAME IN MAY 1954 TO POST OAK CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. FROM ITS INCEPTION, CHURCH SERVICES WERE ONLY HELD ONCE A MONTH. BY THE 1960s, MEMBERS DESIRED TO MEET EVERY SUNDAY. THE POST OAK CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF A COMMUNITY AND CHURCH CREATED BY AFRICAN AMERICAN LANDOWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF EASTON AND GREGG COUNTY

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.

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Gregg County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a vibrant history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee nations. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that European settlement began in the area.

In 1839, Gregg County was established as part of the Republic of Texas, named after Texas Confederate States Army General John Gregg. The county grew slowly over the next few decades, with agriculture and cattle ranching being the primary industries. The discovery of oil in East Texas in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Gregg County. The prolific East Texas Oilfield attracted oil companies and workers from across the country, leading to a population boom.

During World War II, Gregg County played a crucial role in the war effort. The county's industrial base expanded rapidly as several defense plants were established in the area. The influx of workers and industries contributed to the county's postwar growth and prosperity.

Since then, Gregg County has continued to develop and diversify its economy. It is known for its agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The county is home to the city of Longview, which serves as the county seat and is a major cultural and economic hub in East Texas. Today, Gregg County boasts a rich history, a thriving community, and a promising future.

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

  • 1841 – The Texas Congress establishes Gregg County as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 – Gregg County becomes a part of the United States as part of the state of Texas.
  • 1849 – The city of Longview is established as the county seat of Gregg County.
  • 1861-1865 – Gregg County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many men serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1872 – The Longview and Pacific Railroad is completed, connecting Gregg County to the national railway system.
  • 1873 – The first public school in Gregg County opens in Longview.
  • 1930s – The discovery of the East Texas Oil Field leads to an economic boom in Gregg County.
  • 1936 – The East Texas State Teachers College (now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce) opens a branch in Longview.
  • 1980 – The Longview Mall, the first enclosed shopping mall in East Texas, opens in Longview.
  • 2006 – The East Texas Oil Museum, showcasing the history of the oil industry in the region, opens in Kilgore.