Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

United Methodist Church of Athens

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

1. United Methodist Church of Athens Marker

Inscription. Henderson County Methodists were first organized in 1852 by the Rev. Hezekiah Mitcham. Worshipers met in homes and brush arbors around the county. In 1854, the Rev. W.M. Sansom was assigned to this circuit, and in 1859 he formally organized 12 churches. The church at Athens, with 45 members, was the largest. Mrs. Dulcinea (Thompson) Avriett (1835-1920) was the last surviving founder with continuous membership.

In 1884, after meeting in the sanctuaries of the Athens Baptist and Presbyterian Churches, a lot on West Tyler Street was acquired and a frame church building was constructed. In 1904, a new stone and brick sanctuary was completed after property on the southeast corner of the public square was purchased by the Ladies Aid Society. An educational building was completed in 1931 and was later dedicated to Henderson County pioneers Judge and Mrs. J.J. Faulk. The sanctuary on the square served the congregation for sixty years.

With its emphasis on Christian education and community service, the United Methodist Church of Athens has continued to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders. The congregation has worshiped at this site since 1964. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15157.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 32° 11.931′ N, 95° 50.41′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of Lovers Lane and East College Street, on the right when traveling north on Lovers Lane. The marker is located at the eastern side of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 225 Lovers Lane, Athens TX 75751, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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: Bruce Field (approx. half a mile away); Athens Lodge No. 165 A.F. & A.M. (approx. ¾ mile away); First Baptist Church of Athens (approx. 0.8 miles away); First United Presbyterian Church of Athens (approx. 0.8 miles away); Machinery From First Factory in Athens (approx. 0.9 miles away); Henderson County Pottery Industry (approx. 0.9 miles away); J.B. Henry (approx. 0.9 miles away); Athens (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

2. United Methodist Church of Athens Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.