Near Decatur in Wise County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
New Salem Freewill Baptist Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 30, 2026
1. New Salem Freewill Baptist Church Marker
In April 1893, Reverend Josephus Wesley Ford and wife, James Alexander Ford and wife, Richard S. Ford and wife, Jessie Garrison and wife and Sister Jessie L. Phillips organized the New Salem Freewill Baptist Church southwest of Decatur. Reverend Josephus W. Ford previously pastored a congregation in McDonald County, Missouri before traveling to Texas where he served as pastor of the New Salem Freewill Baptist Church until his death in July 1898. In the early years, the church congregation met only once a month, but as membership grew, services were held more often.
Church services were held at the place of organization until around 1907 when a new structure was built. The building was condemned a few years later. At that time, the Perrin School occupied the present location of the church but was later relocated when the school consolidated into the Decatur Independent School District. The building became available and the church moved in. Several modifications have been made over the years to accommodate the growing congregation including Sunday school rooms, a nursery, parking lot, fellowship hall, restrooms and a kitchen.
The New Salem Freewill Baptist Church extended opportunities to young and inexperienced pastors to gain knowledge and familiarize themselves with the activities of the church. In addition, the church and denomination has served the community through local and foreign missions for over a century, The New Salem Freewill Baptist Church has been a spiritual and charitable sanctuary for the community.
Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17119.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1893.
Location. 33° 10.746′ N, 97° 37.153′ W. Marker
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Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Trimble Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Wise County Reunion (approx. 2.3 miles away); Preskitt Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away); Pleasant Grove Cemetery (approx. 2.4 miles away); Site of Wise County Poor Farm & Cemetery (approx. 2˝ miles away); First Baptist Church of Decatur (approx. 2.6 miles away); Decatur Baptist College (approx. 3.6 miles away); Texas Ranger Captain Ira Long
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 30, 2026
2. New Salem Freewill Baptist Church and marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Sam Woody's Cabin (was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
