Rusk in Cherokee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First United Methodist Church of Rusk
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023
1. First United Methodist Church of Rusk Marker
The first deed for Methodist church property in Rusk was recorded on May 22, 1850. The first church building was erected the following year. A second sanctuary was built in 1896 during the pastorate of the Rev. V.A. Godbey. Those serving on the building committee were E.L. Gregg, J.W. Summers, and J.F. Mallard. The present building was completed in 1920 while the congregation was under the leadership of the Rev. J.W. Goodwin. It was dedicated in 1935, when the building debt was retired. The dedication day was referred to as a great day in the life of the church.
All three Methodist sanctuaries have stood on this site. There have also been three parsonages. The first built in 1879, was replaced by a second home in 1947. Recent additions to the church property were an educational building in 1961 and parsonage in 1981.
For over a century, the First United Methodist Church of Rusk has been a vital part of the community, many descendants of early members continue to be active in the life of the church.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1850.
Location. 31° 47.629′ N, 95° 8.953′ W. Marker is in Rusk, Texas, in Cherokee County. It is at the intersection of South Henderson Street and East 4th Street, on the left when traveling south on South Henderson Street. The marker is located in front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 255 South Henderson Street, Rusk TX 75785, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. 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 walking distance of this marker: Old Bonner Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Rusk (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Norman Law Firm (about 500 feet away); The James I. Perkins Family Home (about 600 feet away); Cherokee County Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Cherokee County (about 700 feet away); Rusk Footbridge (about 700 feet away); Cherokee County Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rusk.
Also see . . . Rusk, TX. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on September 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023
2. The First United Methodist Church of Rusk and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023
3. The view of the First United Methodist Church of Rusk from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
