Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
1. Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Marker
Established before the Civil War by pioneer area settlers, this congregation first met in a schoolhouse on the property of William Harvey Beeman (1817-1860), a member of the Mercer Colony. Early services were conducted by Methodist circuit riders, including the Rev. J. E. Ferguson, the father of Texas Governor James E. Ferguson.
In 1870 the congregation purchased a building site (2 mi. SW) in conjuction with a local Cumberland Presbyterian church. Known as Goshen, the eighteen-acre tract was also used for camp meetings. Usually held after the harvesting of crops, the religious meetings often lasted several weeks.
Church trustees acquired property at this site in 1877 from the estate of Jubilee Lafayette McKinney (1810-1872). A grove of oak trees here was the possible inspiration for the congregational name. Services were first conducted in a brush arbor and later in a frame sanctuary, which was replaced by a newer structure in 1905.
Membership of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church has included many pioneer area families and leaders of the surrounding area.
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11623.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 32° 3.713′ N, 96° 29.882′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is at the intersection of South 45th Street (Farm to Market Road 2555) and Old County Route 1025, on the left when traveling south on South 45th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1437 S 45th St, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Oak Valley School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Navarro Rifles (approx. 1.1 miles away); 15th Texas Infantry Companies E and G (approx. 1.1 miles away); Corsicana State Home (approx. 1.1 miles away); Calvert Hall (approx. 1.1 miles away); A Tribute to the Corsicana State Home Veterans (approx. 1.1 miles away); Meritt Drane (approx. 1.1 miles away); IOOF Home Memorial Bell Tower (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
2. Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 8 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.
