Smiley in Gonzales County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Smiley United Methodist Church
Photographed by James Hulse, February 8, 2021
1. Smiley United Methodist Church Marker
Methodists in the Smiley area gathered for informal worship services as early as 1879. In 1885 a congregation, originally known as the Bundick Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, was organized with about six charter families. The Rev. W.H. Killough served as the church's first Itinerate Pastor. Later, Rancho circuit and other preachers held services at the Smiley Church one a month.
The congregation first met in the Bundick Schoolhouse, a two-story wooden structure also used for Lone Star Masonic Lodge meetings. The Smiley community moved closer to the railroad after the tracks were laid in 1906, and the Methodist congregation built a one-room sanctuary in the new townsite in 1907. It served the fellowship until the current structure was completed and dedicated in 1948.
Members of the Smiley United Methodist Church generally have come from farming and ranching families. Over the years they have provided significant service and leadership to the community and have continued to uphold the ideals and traditions of the founders.
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4952.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 29°
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Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Baptist Church of Smiley (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old Smiley Lake and Townsite (approx. half a mile away); First Baptist Church of Nixon (approx. 7.4 miles away); Nixon Ice and Water Company and Poultry Processing Plants (approx. 7½ miles away); The First Cotton Gins in Nixon (approx. 7½ miles away); Nixon (approx. 7½ miles away); Nixon Depot and Cattle Pens (approx. 7½ miles away); Southern Pacific Railroad Promotes Nixon Townsite (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smiley.
Photographed by James Hulse, February 8, 2021
2. The view of the Smiley United Methodist Church Marker from the road
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 23, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
