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

Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and Cemetery

 
 
Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and Cemetery Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 2, 2025
1. Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and Cemetery Marker
Inscription. Although Methodist worship services may have been held in this area before 1860, the first written records of this congregation date from that year, with the Rev. J.A. Srugs as the earliest known pastor. The church has been informally called "Blackjack" throughout its history, probably for the grove of blackjack trees that once stood on this property. The name Lynch's (later Lynches) Chapel was adopted in honor of the Rev. Samuel Lynch, who was serving as pastor at the time of his death in 1867.

Early leaders in the church were Alexander Black and his son, John, who also served as the first teacher for Hendrick School. School classes for many years were held in the Lynches Chapel sanctuary, built near this site in the 1870s. Preaching services were held once a month, with annual summer revival meetings.

The cemetery associated with Lynches Chapel Methodist Church began in 1885. Pioneer family names reflected on the tombstones include Landrum, Wallace, Schochler and Moffett. One unusual grave is that of an Indian girl, who died while her family was in the area.

Over the years, Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and Cemetery have been important elements in this rural farming community.
 
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6974.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial SitesReligion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
 
Location. 31° 38.021′ N, 95° 10.66′ W. Marker is near Alto, Texas, in Cherokee County. It is on County Road 2910 0.1 miles south of State Highway 294, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Co Rd 2910, Alto TX 75925, 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: Landrum Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Weeping Mary Community (approx. 2.8 miles away); Travel Encounters (approx. 2.8 miles away); A Welcome Rest (approx. 2.9 miles away); Famous and Infamous Journeys (approx. 2.9 miles away); El Camino Real de los Tejas (approx. 2.9 miles away); Zebulon Pike Campsite (approx. 2.9 miles away); Waystation for Travelers and Traders (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alto.
 
Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 2, 2025
2. Lynches Chapel United Methodist Church and marker
Lynches Chapel Cemetery image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 2, 2025
3. Lynches Chapel Cemetery
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 52 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.
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Jun. 20, 2026