Near Martins Mill in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Holly Springs United Methodist Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
1. Holly Springs United Methodist Church Marker
Located 10 miles southeast of Canton in Van Zandt County, the Holly Springs United Methodist Church has served the community for over 160 years. The church was organized in 1852 and is named for the native holly trees and fresh water springs near the original site of the church, two miles west of the current location. The original structure was a small board building used for both church and school where members relied on community living and farming. It is one of the oldest churches of any denomination in the area. In 1859, members decided to move to the present location, where it continues to be an influential spiritual beacon in the community.
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17926.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 32° 26.215′ N, 95° 46.427′ W. Marker is near Martins Mill, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is at the intersection of County Road 4403 and Farm to Market Road 1653, on the left when traveling east on County Road 4403. Touch for map. Marker is in this post
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Holly Springs Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cox Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Lexie Dean Robertson (approx. 1.8 miles away); Prairie Springs Cemetery (approx. 3.3 miles away); Little Hope Baptist Church (approx. 3.4 miles away); Carter Cemetery (approx. 3½ miles away); Ben Wheeler Community (approx. 4.1 miles away); Cane Syrup Production in Van Zandt County (approx. 4.1 miles away).
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
2. Holly Springs United Methodist Church and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
