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

Site of Old North Church

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

1. Site of Old North Church Marker

Inscription. First known as Union Church as several denominations joined here to worship as early as 1836. Organized in 1838. A small log church was completed that year on ten acres donated by Dr. John M. Sparks. The present structure dates from 1859. In its graveyard rest many of the leading Anglo-American settlers of Nacogdoches County.

Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 9301.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 31° 40.074′ N, 94° 39.456′ W. Marker is in Nacogdoches, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. It is on County Road 205 south of County Road 202, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nacogdoches TX 75961, 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,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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: Old North Church Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Nacogdoches County (approx. 1.3 miles away); Alton W. Birdwell (approx. 3.1 miles away); Wisely Hall (approx. 3.2 miles away); Austin Building (approx. 3.2 miles away); Stephen Fuller Austin (approx. 3.2 miles away); Karle Wilson Baker (approx. 3.2 miles away); Women's Army Corps School (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nacogdoches.

Additional commentary.
1. "Under This Tree" marker
Hurricane Rita, in 2005, brought down the old oak tree mentioned in "Under This Tree" marker. It's remains are still there.

— Submitted April 20, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas.

Old North Church and "Under This Tree" Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, April 3, 2010

2. Old North Church and "Under This Tree" Markers

Old North Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, April 3, 2010

3. Old North Church

"Under This Tree" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, April 3, 2010

4. "Under This Tree"

The first Baptist prayer meeting was organized in 1835 by Aunt Massy Sparks Millard. Isaac Reed in 1835 preached the first Baptist sermon. Isaac Reed and Elder R.G. Green organized the first Baptist church in the State of Texas the first Sunday in 1838, the church known today as Old North Church. The First Protestant school in Texas was taught in a one room log house in the shadows of the old oak tree. Remember God alone can make a tree.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

5. Site of Old North Church Marker

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, April 3, 2010

6. Site of Old North Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,321 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 14, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. 5. submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 6. submitted on April 14, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.