Kountze in Hardin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First United Methodist Church of Kountze

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, July 23, 2011

1. First United Methodist Church of Kountze Marker

Inscription. The town of Kountze developed in the 1880s, after the Texas and New Orleans Railroad was built through this area. The county seat, which had previously been located at the town of Hardin, was moved to Kountze in 1886.

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: Churches & Religion

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. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1888.

Location. 30° 22.158′ N, 94° 18.66′ W. Marker is in Kountze, Texas, in Hardin County. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Baptist Church of Kountze (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hooks Abstract Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Braxton Bragg, C.S.A. (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); Richard E. Jackson (approx. 7.6 miles away).

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, July 23, 2011

2. First United Methodist Church of Kountze Marker

Inscription on Front Side next to main entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, July 23, 2011

3. Inscription on Front Side next to main entrance

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 629 times since then and 30 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.