Near Cleveland in Liberty County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Rural Shade Baptist Church
At least 14 charter members founded this church in the Tarkington's Prairie community about 1870. Land was deeded in 1878 for a combination Baptist church and Masonic Hall structure. That year a two-story building was erected, with the second floor housing the Masonic Lodge, and the church on the first floor. Many early church members were also active in the Lodge. D. D. Forman was a Master Mason and the first church pastor from 1874 to 1876 and again in 1882.
In the early years pastors were elected from the congregation members. Worship services were held once or twice a month, usually on Saturdays. "Meeting of Days," later called revivals, were held at the church building.
In 1908 the Ryan Cemetery was deeded to the Rural Shade Baptist Church by Washington Berry. Located five miles south, the church held ownership to the land until 1989, when it was transferred to the Ryan Cemetery Association.
Since its founding, the congregation has continuously supported a variety of Christian programs for its members, as well as outreach mission work in domestic and foreign fields.
Erected 1996 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9684.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 30° 17.563′ N, 94° 58.619′ W. Marker was near Cleveland, Texas, in Liberty County. Marker was on County Road 2274 east of State Highway 321, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 3304 County Road 2274, Cleveland TX 77327, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Old Wells' Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Schools of Tarkington Prairie (approx. 1.4 miles away); Burton B. Tarkington (approx. 1˝ miles away); John Cherry (approx. 4.3 miles away); Ryan Cemetery (approx. 4.3 miles away); Oak Shade Baptist Church (approx. 5.3 miles away); Daniel Donahoe Original Homestead (approx. 5.3 miles away); Tom Hill House (approx. 7.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cleveland.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 3. submitted on January 23, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.