Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Methodist Church of Palestine

Photographed by James Hulse, April 25, 2024

1. First Methodist Church of Palestine Marker

Inscription. This church began with Methodist classes organized by John Wilson in 1840 and held in this area at the home of John Box. Louisiana Catherine "Aunt Bee" Small helped formally organize a Methodist church in Palestine soon after its selection as Anderson County seat in 1846. By 1848 the Palestine community was included in the circuit of the Rev. Henderson D. Palmer.

Palestine's first church structure was built by area Methodists in 1850 at present day 812 N. Mallard Street. Named "Bascom Chapel" after Bishop Henry B. Bascom, it served numerous congregations in the community for many years as Palestine's sole house of worship.

In 1884 Palestine's Methodists erected a new sanctuary at the corner of Avenue A and N. Mallard Street and named it "Centenary." About 1900 a split in the congregation resulted in the formation of the First Methodist Church. Led by Dr. James Kilgore, First Methodist built a sanctuary here in 1910. The structure was remodeled in 1952 and in 1986 the adjoining "Carroll Building" was erected.

Women's local and foreign missionary efforts have been a part of church activities since at least 1910. The congregation continues to support numerous youth programs and activities.

Erected 1993 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8750.)

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 31° 45.539′ N, 95° 37.936′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. It is at the intersection of South Magnolia Street and West Reagan Street, on the right when traveling north on South Magnolia Street. The marker is located north of the main entrance of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 422 S Magnolia St, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

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: Home of Congressman and Mrs. Alexander W. Gregg (a few steps from this marker); The Bowers Mansion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of McKnight Plaza (approx. ¼ mile away); Kolstad Jewelers (approx. ¼ mile away); Palestine Post Office and Federal Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Palestine High School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Robert (Bob) Knight (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 25, 2024

2. First Methodist Church of Palestine Marker

The view of the First Methodist Church of Palestine and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, April 25, 2024

3. The view of the First Methodist Church of Palestine and Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 2, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.