Fair Play in Panola County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Allison Chapel United Methodist Church
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023
1. Allison Chapel United Methodist Church Marker
Inscription.
Allison Chapel United Methodist Church. . The Rev. Littleton Fowler, an early Methodist missionary in East Texas, is believed to have organized this congregation between 1837 and 1839. Land for the first sanctuary, now the site of Old Williams Cemetery (1 mi. W), was donated by Purviance Williams. The congregation was originally known as Bethesda Church, but the name was later changed to honor Samuel G. Allison, who gave land for the present building site in 1882. Traditionally, Allison Chapel United Methodist Church has been considered the oldest active church in Panola County.
The Rev. Littleton Fowler, an early Methodist missionary in East Texas, is believed to have organized this congregation between 1837 and 1839. Land for the first sanctuary, now the site of Old Williams Cemetery (1 mi. W), was donated by Purviance Williams. The congregation was originally known as Bethesda Church, but the name was later changed to honor Samuel G. Allison, who gave land for the present building site in 1882. Traditionally, Allison Chapel United Methodist Church has been considered the oldest active church in Panola County.
Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10812.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 32° 8.814′ N, 94° 31.705′ W. Marker is in Fair Play, Texas, in Panola County. Marker is on U.S. 79, 4 miles west of Farm to Market Road 1970, on the left when traveling east. On US 79 in Fairplay, 10 mi. west of Carthage. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carthage TX 75633, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
