First United Methodist Church of Kountze
Soon after the town's creation, a group of worshipers led by the Rev. James S. Murphy joined together to organize a Methodist congregation. Land was acquired in 1887 from P.S. Watts, and plans were made to erect a sanctuary to be used by all denominations. The cornerstone was laid on May 11,1888, and the first church building in Kountze soon was completed. Worship services were held on alternate Sundays by Methodists and other denominations. Murphy continued to serve as circuit-riding minister to the Methodists until December 1888, when he was succeeded by the Rev. V.A. Godbey.
The Methodist Church in Kountze continued to grow over the years. Sunday School and missionary programs were organized, and in 1940 the congregation became a full charge in the denomination, with its own full-time pastor. A new sanctuary was built in 1951 to serve the growing congregation. The church has been a part of Kountze history for over a century.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11152.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures
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Location. 30° 22.158′ N, 94° 18.66′ W. Marker is in Kountze, Texas, in Hardin County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 69 and State Highway 326, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 69. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kountze TX 77625, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Baptist Church of Kountze (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pine Lodge No. 642, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Braxton Bragg, C.S.A. (approx. Ό mile away); Kirby-Hill House (approx. Ό mile away); Hooks Abstract Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hardin County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Courthouses of Hardin County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of Kountze Baptist College (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kountze.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2011, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,048 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2011, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
