Near Timpson in Shelby County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Tennessee Presbyterian Church

Photographed by James Hulse, March 15, 2025

1. Tennessee Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. Organized in 1857, this church was originally known as Mount Carmel. It was the First Presbyterian Congregation established in Shelby County. A one-room log cabin served as a meeting place until a large two-story frame building was constructed in 1877. It was used by the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist churches in the Tennessee community. The building also served as the public schoolhouse and as the lodge hall for the Woodmen of the World. Tennessee Presbyterian Church built its own sanctuary at this site in 1914, and it served the congregation until a new structure was built and dedicated in 1957.

The earliest church roll dates from 1858 and lists E.T. Corley, Charley H. Corley, Mary Pitman, Mary Watts, R.R. Johnson, Martha Ann Johnson, and John F. Ramsey as members. Some of the early settlers of the community attended church here. The congregation first was served by circuit riders, but in 1866 the Rev. Mitchell Smith became its first full-time pastor.

Over the years, Tennessee Presbyterian Church has continued to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders. As one of the oldest organizations in Shelby County, it is an important part of the heritage of the area.

Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7698.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 31° 57.388′ N, 94° 19.09′ W. Marker is near Timpson, Texas, in Shelby County. It is on Farm to Market Road 947 near County Road 4653, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located in front of the church by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5231 Farm to Market Rd 947, Timpson TX 75975, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Tennessee Community Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Tennessee Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Washington Green (approx. 2.3 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 4½ miles away); Buena Vista Cemetery (approx. 4.6 miles away); Woods New Hope Baptist Church (approx. 5.4 miles away); Woods Methodist Church (approx. 5.4 miles away); In Memory of Our Boys (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Timpson.

Tennessee Presbyterian Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 15, 2025

2. Tennessee Presbyterian Church and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.