Howe in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Christian Church of Howe
That same year, several residents met to organize what would become the First Christian Church of Howe. Founders and charter members included George Miller, J.A. Hughes, Henry Stevens, J.A. Matthews, W.T. Copeland, Si Collins, C.E. Wheat, L.M. Davis, J.C. McBee, Jim McCoy and John Grigg, and members held their first Sunday School classes and worship services in homes, schools and other buildings.
The congregation grew and purchased this site in 1893 from John W. and Minnie B. Simpson. The church, led by trustees Charlie Hanna, J.W. Bearden, and John and Frank Grigg, constructed a building on the site. The structure was one of four Protestant sanctuaries constructed in Howe during that period. Each had similar vernacular designs showing Victorian influences. Features included fishscale shingling, steep-pitched gable roofs and neo-gothic details. The First Christian Church congregation added an annex in 1925 and later purchased a parsonage on adjoining property. During its years as a congregation, the First Christian Church members held revivals in the churchyard and ministered and witnessed to those in the Howe community. In 1982, because of declining membership, the church disbanded, and members donated the sanctuary and site to the city, which prepared to use the facility for community purposes while maintaining a link to the community's past.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12872.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 33° 30.403′ N, 96° 36.751′ W. Marker is in Howe, Texas, in Grayson County. Marker is at the intersection of North Denny Street (State Highway 5) and East O'Connell Street, on the right when traveling north on North Denny Street. The marker is located along the west wall of the church by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East O'Connell Street, Howe TX 75459, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mame Roberts (a few steps from this marker); Jabez and Harriet Haning (approx. 2.6 miles away); William Whitley Wheat (approx. 2.6 miles away); Hall Cemetery (approx. 2.6 miles away); Dorchester School (approx. 4.8 miles away); Boy Scout Troop 1 (Troop 44) (approx. 5.8 miles away); Site of Campus of Old Columbia College (approx. 5.9 miles away); Howe Lodge No. 430, A.F.& A.M. (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Howe.
Also see . . . Howe, TX. Texas State Historical Association - Handbook of Texas (Submitted on April 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4. submitted on May 28, 2022, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma.