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

Grace Methodist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

1. Grace Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Methodist missionary efforts in this area date to the late 1830s. Circuit-riding ministers served Methodists in Palestine from the time of its founding as the Anderson County seat in 1848. In 1850 church members built a frame sanctuary and in November of that year the East Texas Conference was held in the new building, named Bascom Chapel in honor of an early Methodist bishop.

The arrival of the railroad in 1872 resulted in a population boom for Palestine, and in 1884 a new church, named Centenary for the 100th anniversary of Methodism in the United States, was built. Three years later, the congregation divided to form the present First United Methodist Church and Grace United Methodist Church.

Initially called Methvin Chapel in honor of the Rev. Alex Methvin, this congregation built Howard Avenue Methodist Church in 1898. After it burned in 1913, a new sanctuary was constructed at this site and named Grace Methodist Church. Long a supporter of local and foreign missionary efforts, Grace United Methodist Church continues to serve the community with a variety of worship, educational, and outreach programs.

Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8759.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures

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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 31° 47.747′ N, 95° 37.807′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. It is at the intersection of Country Club Road (Farm to Market Road 3309) and North Link Street, on the right when traveling east on Country Club Road. The marker is located at the front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2130 Country Club Road, Palestine TX 75803, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Osjetea Briggs (approx. 1.7 miles away); Alonzo Marion Story (approx. 1.7 miles away); Hodges - Darsey House (approx. 1.7 miles away); Seven Oaks (approx. 1.9 miles away); William Freeman (approx. 1.9 miles away); Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church (approx. 2 miles away); Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 2 miles away); Col. Homer Garrison, Jr. (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

The Grace Methodist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

2. The Grace Methodist Church and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.