Shiro in Grimes County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Shiro Presbyterian Church
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, February 19, 2024
1. Shiro Presbyterian Church Marker
Inscription.
Shiro Presbyterian Church. . In October 1853, eleven early settlers of the Prairie Plains community (3 mi. E), also known as Red Top, founded the Prairie Plains congregation of the Cumberland Prebyterian Church. Brother Weyman Adair served as the congregation's first pastor, although he became ill and died shortly thereafter. He was buried in the Red Top Cemetery. A few years later, in 1857, Jesse Bookman formally deeded five acres to the church; the property included the cemetery, manse and sanctuary. The church building was the only one in the area and served local residents as a community center as well as a house of worship. , Due in part to a national rift within the Presbyterian church, the congregation did not hold regular church services between 1899 and 1906. That year, the Prairie Plains Church, like most Cumberland congregations, became part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. At that same time, community residents began moving to Shiro, where the Trinity and Brazos Valley Rail Line had been located. On January 17, 1909, church members voted to move to this site and change the congregation's name to Shiro Presbyterian Church. , As area population declined during the middle 20th century, so did church membership. The pulpit was often filled by lay and missionary preachers, and the church held services once a month for many years. In 1952, members discussed disbanding, but two men, T.J. Staton and Edwin Harman, encouraged them to continue. With new energy, the congregation lobbied seminary students and others to preach. Members organized church lunches and a Women's Circle. By 1970, they added Sunday School classes. In 2003, the congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary.
In October 1853, eleven early settlers of the Prairie Plains community (3 mi. E), also known as Red Top, founded the Prairie Plains congregation of the Cumberland Prebyterian Church. Brother Weyman Adair served as the congregation's first pastor, although he became ill and died shortly thereafter. He was buried in the Red Top Cemetery. A few years later, in 1857, Jesse Bookman formally deeded five acres to the church; the property included the cemetery, manse and sanctuary. The church building was the only one in the area and served local residents as a community center as well as a house of worship.
Due in part to a national rift within the Presbyterian church, the congregation did not hold regular church services between 1899 and 1906. That year, the Prairie Plains Church, like most Cumberland congregations, became part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. At that same time, community residents began moving to Shiro, where the Trinity & Brazos Valley Rail Line had been located. On January 17, 1909, church members voted to move to this site and change the congregation's name to Shiro Presbyterian Church.
As area population declined during the middle 20th century, so did church membership. The pulpit was often filled by lay and missionary preachers, and the church held services once a month for many years. In 1952,
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members discussed disbanding, but two men, T.J. Staton and Edwin Harman, encouraged them to continue. With new energy, the congregation lobbied seminary students and others to preach. Members organized church lunches and a Women's Circle. By 1970, they added Sunday School classes. In 2003, the congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13066.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 30° 36.703′ N, 95° 53.471′ W. Marker is in Shiro, Texas, in Grimes County. Marker is at the intersection of Texas Route 30 and Norman Street, on the right when traveling east on State Route 30. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19328 SH 30 (Main Street), Shiro TX 77876, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, February 19, 2024
2. Shiro Presbyterian Church and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.