Historical Marker

First Baptist Church of Poynor

Historical marker location:
Lee St, Poynor, Texas
( Lee Street, just off US 175 E)
Marker installed: 2004
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Texas & New Orleans Railroad laid out the town of Poynor when it reached the area in 1901. The post office opened the following year, and the town immediately began to grow. Early residents met in a Union church building for worship services, and two congregations soon formed, one Baptist and one Church of Christ. Seven Poynor residents met on August 21, 1904 to organize what began as a Missionary Baptist congregation. Elder W.W. Hall led the new church, and James P. Thrasher served as the first church clerk, a position he held for many years. Church pastors preached once a month until 1925, when the congregation added a second service.

In 1923, congregation members purchased the land where the church building stood and continued to expand with additional land and new facilities over the next decades. The church's membership increased after Hunt Oil Company opened a gas plant nearby, encouraging younger members to stay in the community.

Congregants have been active within both the church and Poynor. Many members were local educators, and their work carried over into religious education, which is offered for all ages. Others were community leaders and officials, including mayors, city council members and postmistresses. First Baptist Church has also provided holiday programs for the community.

At its centennial, Poynor's First Baptist Church continued to grow, using funds from the estate of Mae Thrasher Hamilton (d. 1991) to further expand its amenities, as well as its programs, which support both its members and the larger community. (2004)

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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Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.