Whitewright in Grayson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Bethel Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2024

1. Bethel Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. This congregation grew from an early prayer group. Established in the Bethel community in 1875. A small group met in the schoolhouse, which also served as a community center, for weekly prayer and bible study. On April 16, 1884, nine men and women met to organize the Bethel Baptist Church. These charter members were Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Autrey, Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Blanton, Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Holland, Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Jones, and Mrs. Sarah Miller. The Rev. Bob Thomas served as first pastor. The small congregation grew rapidly and soon had more than 150 members.

In 1897, this property was deeded to Bethel Baptist Church by Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Autrey. In the same year, during the pastorate of J.M. Harder, a one-room sanctuary was constructed. A 1918 storm damaged the building, but it was repaired and the congregation continued to worship there until another was constructed in 1937.

Throughout its history, Bethel Baptist Church has served as a focal point for the small community. The congregation continues to maintain the ideals and traditions of its pioneer founders.

Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7340.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1884.

Location. 33° 27.604′ N, 96° 24.078′ W. Marker is in Whitewright, Texas, in Grayson County. It is on State Highway 160 north of Bethel-Cannon Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located along the highway in front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2930 State Hwy 160, Whitewright TX 75491, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico

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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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pilot Grove Baptist Church (approx. 1.9 miles away); Pilot Grove (approx. 2.1 miles away); Binion Homestead (approx. 3.3 miles away); Whitewright Masonic Lodge No. 167 (approx. 3.4 miles away); First Methodist Church of Whitewright (approx. 3.6 miles away); Martindale-Lackey-Hudgins House (approx. 3.6 miles away); Whitewright (approx. 3.7 miles away); First Presbyterian Church and Manse (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitewright.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2024

2. Bethel Baptist Church Marker

The view of the Bethel Baptist Church Marker from the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2024

3. The view of the Bethel Baptist Church Marker from the highway

The “new” Bethel Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2024

4. The “new” Bethel Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 17, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.