Redland in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mt. Zion C. M. E. Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
1. Mt. Zion C. M. E. Church Marker
Members of the Redland, Bethlehem, Prairie Creek and Chandler communities met near this site on Ephraim and Malinda Curtis' farm to organize the Mt. Zion Church in 1874. The congregation provided spiritual assistance, community outreach and encouragement to those needing it during the tumultuous reconstruction era after the Civil War. The Rev. M. L. Ragsdale served as first pastor.
In 1877, Ephraim and Malinda Curtis deeded part of their land to the trustees of Mt. Zion for the purpose of constructing a building for worship and fellowship. By 1898, more room was needed, which led Peter Hill to provide land at this site for a larger building, constructed during the pastorate of the Rev. L. E. Craig (1890-1894). Over the years, additional facilities were provided to accommodate the growing congregation, with a third new sanctuary completed in 1990.
Throughout its history, Mt. Zion C. M. E. Church has been a focal point for Redland and surrounding communities. A number of its members have gone on to become ordained ministers. The fellowship serves as a significant part of the area's religious and cultural history.
Erected 2001
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 32° 22.641′ N, 95° 30.063′ W. Marker is in Redland, Texas, in Van Zandt County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 CR 4823, Ben Wheeler TX 75754, 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, 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: County Line Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Roseland Plantation Home (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ingram Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Cherokee Chief Bowles (approx. 2.2 miles away); New Harmony Baptist Church
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
2. Mt. Zion C. M. E. 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 7 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.
