Perryton in Ochiltree County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Gray Community Church
By Bill Kirchner, March 16, 2016
1. Gray Community Church Marker
Gray Community Church. . Settlers established Gray, Beaver Co., Okla., in the 1900s. Rev. J. W. Duff of Enid, Okla., organized a church in Jan. 1915 and became the first minister. Lumber came from Liberal, Kan., and the Ladies Aid Society raised funds to buy an organ, pews, and carpeting. Revivals and a dedication on Oct. 3, 1915, increased membership from 11 to 122. The Santa Fe Railway built between Gray and Ochiltree, Texas in 1919, creating Perryton. Most houses and buildings were moved by horse and mule teams or steam tractors south to the new townsite. The town’s only church remained and for decades was both a viable congregation and an attraction for travelers, with a blue neon cross declaring that “Jesus Saves.” In 2002, members decided to move the church to Perryton.
Settlers established Gray, Beaver Co., Okla., in the 1900s. Rev. J. W. Duff of Enid, Okla., organized a church in Jan. 1915 and became the first minister. Lumber came from Liberal, Kan., and the Ladies Aid Society raised funds to buy an organ, pews, and carpeting. Revivals and a dedication on Oct. 3, 1915, increased membership from 11 to 122. The Santa Fe Railway built between Gray and Ochiltree, Texas in 1919, creating Perryton. Most houses and buildings were moved by horse and mule teams or steam tractors south to the new townsite. The town’s only church remained and for decades was both a viable congregation and an attraction for travelers, with a blue neon cross declaring that “Jesus Saves.” In 2002, members decided to move the church to Perryton.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18095.)
Location. 36° 24.641′ N, 100° 48.124′ W. Marker is in Perryton, Texas, in Ochiltree County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 83. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 North Main Street, Perryton TX 79070, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ochiltree County (within shouting distance of this marker); Plainview Hardware Company Building
By Bill Kirchner, March 16, 2016
2. Gray Community Church
More about this marker. Marker is in the office of the Museum of the Plains. A dedication and installation of the marker is planned for the summer of 2016.
Regarding Gray Community Church. In 2003, the Gray Community Church was moved to the Museum of The Plains. The church was about to be abandoned because the few existing members (5) could no longer take care of the church.
Categories. • Churches & Religion •
By Bill Kirchner, March 16, 2016
3. Gray Community Church
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on March 31, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of marker and surroundings when installation is completed. • Can you help?
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