Tool in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Providence Baptist Church of Tool
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
1. Providence Baptist Church of Tool Marker
In August 1893, T.H. Cobble donated property (now part of Tool Cemetery) for a school in the Hog Fork Community in January of the following year, area residents organized the Providence Missionary Baptist Church and began holding services in the schoolhouse. In 1903, patrons of what was then Rescue School bought additional land, including this site, from Sam and M.E. Wood. Here, they built a larger schoolhouse, which was also used for Baptist worship services. In 1906, the name of the school and community changed to Tool.
Previously served by circuit riders, the Baptist congregation hired its first full-time pastor, the Rev. J.L. Calmese in 1922. The Baptist church and other area churches continued to use the school building, meeting outside under shade trees and brush arbors during summer months until 1927. That year, residents built a chapel to serve the Providence Baptist Church, as well as the local Methodist Episcopal and Church of Christ congregations.
In 1942, when the Tool school consolidated with Malakoff and the building was moved there, the former school site became the property of the
this page online
Providence Baptist Church continues to grow, serving members and neighbors through a variety of programs, including community outreach, music services, children's activities, fellowships, and prayer and study groups, as well as local, domestic and international mission work through the Southern Baptist Convention and other Baptist organizations.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15331.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1893.
Location. 32° 16.346′ N, 96° 10.725′ W. Marker is in Tool, Texas, in Henderson County. It is on Church Road 0.4 miles south of S Tool Drive (Texas Highway 274), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1016 Church Rd, Kemp TX 75143, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America,
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
2. Providence Baptist Church of Tool Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Durham Avant (within shouting distance of this marker); William P. Avant (within shouting distance of this marker); Baker Cemetery (approx. 7.1 miles away); Prairie Point Church and Cemetery (approx. 7.3 miles away); Mabank (approx. 7.7 miles away); Roddy Lodge No. 734, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 7.9 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Mabank (approx. 8 miles away); First Baptist Church of Mabank (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tool.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
