Wills Point in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Russell Memorial United Methodist Church
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, April 7, 2024
1. Russell Memorial United Methodist Church Marker
Inscription.
Russell Memorial United Methodist Church. . Organized 1875 as Wills Point Methodist Episcopal Church, South, after a retired minister, James A. Scruggs, had led services for some years. The Rev. L. P. Lively became first resident pastor in 1878. The earliest sanctuary, built about 1877 and razed by a tornado in 1890, was soon replaced. In 1924, the congregation erected a third edifice, naming it in honor of a deceased steward, Eric A. Russell, and his son. Russell Memorial Church absorbed the Palmer Grove congregation in 1955 and also in 1971. The present structure was consecrated on July 28, 1974.
Organized 1875 as Wills Point Methodist Episcopal Church, South, after a retired minister, James A. Scruggs, had led services for some years. The Rev. L. P. Lively became first resident pastor in 1878. The earliest sanctuary, built about 1877 and razed by a tornado in 1890, was soon replaced. In 1924, the congregation erected a third edifice, naming it in honor of a deceased steward, Eric A. Russell, and his son. Russell Memorial Church absorbed the Palmer Grove congregation in 1955 and also in 1971. The present structure was consecrated on July 28, 1974.
Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11438.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 32° 42.367′ N, 96° 0.497′ W. Marker is in Wills Point, Texas, in Van Zandt County. Marker is at the intersection of South 4th Street and East O’Neal Street, on the right when traveling north on South 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 S 4th St, Wills Point TX 75169, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Russell Memorial United Methodist Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 49 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
