Bonham in Fannin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First United Methodist Church of Bonham

Photographed by James Hulse, September 27, 2023

1. First United Methodist Church of Bonham Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1844 in the Republic of Texas by a circuit rider, the Rev. James H. Graham (1815-1884), this church met first in a log cabin, which it shared with Baptist and Presbyterian congregations. Charter members included the families of Bailey Inglish (1797-1867) founder of the town of Bonham, and his brother-in- law, James P. Simpson. The log cabin was replaced in 1872 by a frame church, which the Methodists shared on alternate Sundays with Cumberland Presbyterians until 1881. A brick church building was erected in 1887 and rebuilt one year after it was destroyed by a fire in 1898.

The Women's Missionary Society, organized in 1887, enabled Lelia Roberts (1861-1950), a lifelong member of this congregation, to begin a mission school in Mexico. Miss Roberts, along with her sister, Martha operated the school for 44 years until it was taken over by the Mexican government in 1930. A memorial fund, established by the church in 1950, continues the missionary efforts begun by Miss Roberts.

An education building was constructed in 1952-53 and the present sanctuary in 1960-61. With a current (1975) membership of 841, this is one of the largest congregations in Fannin County.

Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8884.)

Topics. This historical marker is

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listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.

Location. 33° 34.864′ N, 96° 10.889′ W. Marker is in Bonham, Texas, in Fannin County. It is at the intersection of Star Street and West 8th Street, on the left when traveling north on Star Street. The marker is located in front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 801 Star Street, Bonham TX 75418, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

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 walking distance of this marker: Trinity Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Christian Church of Bonham (about 700 feet away); First Presbyterian Church U.S. (about 800 feet away); On Route of Early Texas Streetcars (approx. 0.2 miles away); Constantine Lodge No. 13. A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Commissary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Enigma in a Riddle (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bonham.

Also see . . . First United Methodist Church of Bonham. Fannin County Historical Commission (Submitted on October 7, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The First United Methodist Church of Bonham and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 27, 2023

2. The First United Methodist Church of Bonham and Marker

The First United Methodist Church of Bonham image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 27, 2023

3. The First United Methodist Church of Bonham

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.