New Cherry Grove Baptist Church
Historical marker location:
NEW CHERRY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH
IN 1889, HICKORY GROVE SCHOOL AND CHURCH WAS RELOCATED FROM THE WEST BANK OF COW BAYOU TO A MORE ACCESSIBLE LOCATION THAT WAS NOT BLOCKED DURING PERIODIC FLOODING. THE CHURCH MAY HAVE EXISTED EARLIER, BUT WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION BEGINS WITH THE BUILDING’S 1889 RELOCATION. THE NEW BUILDING WAS NAMED CHERRY GROVE SCHOOL AND CHURCH BECAUSE OF THE FOLIAGE AT THE NEW SITE. THE CHERRY GROVE STRUCTURE WAS MOVED TO ANOTHER SITE A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY IN 1900. THE ARRIVAL OF THE ORANGE AND NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY AND THE SUBSEQUENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNITY OF GIST MADE IT LOGICAL FOR THE CHERRY GROVE SCHOOL AND CHURCH TO RELOCATE TO GIST IN 1909.
WHEN THE TWO BAPTIST CHURCHES IN GIST DECIDED TO COMBINE CONGREGATIONS IN 1916, THE NEW CHURCH BECAME NEW CHERRY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH. THE STEADY GROWTH OF THE CONGREGATION REQUIRED A LARGER CHURCH FACILITY, AND THE OLD CHERRY GROVE BUILDING WAS AGAIN MOVED, TO A SITE AT THE CORNER OF STATE HIGHWAY 62 AND GIST ROAD (NOW COUNTY ROAD 826). THE FIRST SERMON WAS PREACHED AT THIS LOCATION IN JUNE 1923. CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE CHURCH PLAN THROUGH THE YEARS IN ORDER TO BETTER SERVE THE CONGREGATION.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF NEW CHERRY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH’S ACTIVITIES SINCE THE CONGREGATION’S FOUNDING. THE CHURCH BUILDING HAS SERVED AS A JASPER COUNTY POLLING SITE SINCE AT LEAST 1889. THE CHURCH MAINTAINS A BENEVOLENT FUND TO ASSIST CHURCH AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NEED AND ALSO SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES AND FOREIGN MISSIONS. THROUGH SEVERAL CHANGES IN LOCATION AND NAME, NEW CHERRY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH HAS FAITHFULLY SERVED THE RESIDENTS OF SOUTHEASTERN JASPER COUNTY.
175 YEARS OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE * 1836-2011
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.
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.
The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.
Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.
Jasper County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jasper County, Texas.
- 1835 - Jasper County is established on February 1st.
- 1846 - The county seat is moved from Bevilport to Jasper.
- 1861-1865 - Jasper County residents participate in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is built through Jasper County.
- 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike near Beaumont triggers an oil boom in the area, benefiting Jasper County.
- 1950s-1970s - The construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir boosts the county's economy and recreational opportunities.
- 1996 - Jasper County experiences racial tension and protests following the murder of James Byrd Jr.