Jacksonville in Cherokee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

1. First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville Marker

Inscription. This congregation traces its history to 1845, when it was organized in the small rural settlement of Gum Creek. The Rev. Henderson D. Palmer, a circuit riding Methodist minister, served as the first pastor of the congregation. Earlier, worship services were held in the homes of various Methodists.

In 1847 the town of Jacksonville was created by Jackson Smith. As homes, businesses and the post office were transferred to the new town, Gum Creek gradually declined in favor of Jacksonville. The Methodist congregation moved to the new town in 1853 and built a structure used as a Union church on Sundays and for a school during the week. A two-story structure replaced the 1853 building in 1856.

In 1872 present Jacksonville was laid out along the rail line. The Methodist Church moved to the new Jacksonville town site in 1874 and built a one-room sanctuary. In 1882 the growing congregation relocated to this site. It was designated a full charge by the denomination in 1888, and the Rev. W.W. Hopper became the first full-time pastor. The First United Methodist Church continues to be an integral part of the Jacksonville community.

Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6840.)

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 1845.

Location. 31° 56.403′ N, 95° 14.165′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Texas, in Cherokee County. It is at the intersection of Loop Texas Route 456 and Farm to Market Road 768, on the right when traveling east on Texas Route 456. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1031 SE Loop 456, Jacksonville TX 75766, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Craft Baptist Church (approx. 1½ miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Central Baptist Church of Jacksonville (approx. 2 miles away); Nan Travis Memorial Hospital (approx. 2.4 miles away); John Wesley Love Home (approx. 2½ miles away); Jacksonville Independent School District (approx. 2.6 miles away); Site of First Free Public School (approx. 2.6 miles away); Lon Morris College (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

2. First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville Marker

First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville supplemental plaque below marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

3. First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville supplemental plaque below marker

In 2007 the congregation of First United Methodist Church relocated to 1031 SE Loop 456 taking their beautiful stained glass windows and their memories.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.