Emory in Rains County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Emory United Methodist Church
During the first several years of existence, the congregation met in the old Masonic hall, located on the town square, which also served as the first school in Emory, then called Springville. In 1889, Rev. J.W. Beckham led the congregation to build a single-room church which was located on the northeast corner of the intersection of present-day Wood and North Streets in Emory. In 1894, a tornado destroyed the church and all its contents, including a new organ. The only item saved from the structure was the bell, which is still in use and hangs in the present-day church belfry. A new church was built on the same site the following year but several years later was moved to the present site. After a storm damaged the church’s roof in 1944, church members decided to raise money to build a new brick structure which was successfully completed and dedicated debt-free on September 16, 1945.
In honor of some of the founders and sustainers of the church and church school, beautiful stained glass windows were purchased from a builder in Hunt County. The windows were inscribed with the names of Uncle Tom and Aunt Fannie Weatherly, spiritual parents to the children of the church; Captain Tom Cain, and the Ballew, Berzette, Edwards, Henslee, Jenkis, Rodes and Woosley families. The Gethsemane window was dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Shaw. Due to the congregation’s hard work and dedication, Emory UMC continues to provide care and hope for the community.
Erected 2017 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18815.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1945.
Location. 32° 52.551′ N, 95° 45.859′ W. Marker is in Emory, Texas, in Rains County. Marker is at the intersection of North Texas Street and College Street, on the right when traveling north on North Texas Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 456 N Texas Street, Emory TX 75440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rains County (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rains County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Near Offices of "Rains County Leader" (about 500 feet away); The Amis House (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Rains County (approx. ¼ mile away); Emory Rains (approx. ¼ mile away); Ambrose Fitzgerald (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of Fraser Brick Company (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emory.
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 58 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.