One January 8, 1860 the congregation formally organized as the First Baptist Church. The Rev. The congregation became actively involved in both Baptist affairs and missionary endeavors early in its development. In 1867, Ladonia was the site of the Baptist convention of Eastern Texas, though attendance was somewhat low due to a yellow fever outbreak. However the next year Ladonia continued hosting other Baptist events and participating in local, county, and regional association meetings, as early as 1869, women's groups were active in local missionary programs, and at the turn of the century the congregation as a whole began to support a nearby orphanage as well as foreign missions. Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church of Ladonia has played an important role in the religious life of this community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n The pastor now (Jan 2014) at Ladonia First Baptist Church is \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nThe early history of the Church was obtained from one of our most beloved members, Mrs. J. H. Lowry, who has been a very active and loyal member, and whose presence each Sunday has been a great inspiration.<\/p> \r\n\r\nThe Church was built in the early eighties, about 1884 or 1885. The foundation was laid on the lot just off the square (east) at Seventh and Main Streets on the north side of Main Street, where the Magnolia filling station now stands. The foundation was finished, and it was two years before the money could be raised for the walls. All the men in the Church that could drive a nail went to work. So the work went on. They put the roof on so steep it would split a raindrop. Now again the work was stopped for lack of funds. The windows were nailed up, and the ladies ran a restaurant in the Church and made enough money to put in windows so services could be held there. The men made very crude benches. It was a hard pull, but a place to call their Church home was ready. <\/p> \r\n\r\nAbout 25 years later the ladies worked hard and put in stained (art) glass windows. <\/p> \r\n\r\nAmong the first members were: <\/p> \r\n\tDr. and Mrs. L. C. Page, Mrs. and Mrs. Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. John Erwin, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. John Baldwin, Sr. and Mrs. Sam Leeman, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bralley, Mr. and Mrs. Wylie Smith, J. H. Lowry, Granny Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Smithers, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Galbraith, Mrs. Tom Trout, Mrs. Grant Saylor, Mr. and Mrs. Gib Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Jo Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Owens. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe early Church was held together and helped to grow through the untiring efforts and liberal donations of all the members, with the outstanding leadership of Dr. L. C. Page and J. H. Lowry. The most ardent worker among the women was Mrs. Tom Trout. All the women combined their time and promoted bake sales, Church bazaars, Church dinners, tacked comforts, and held an annual silver tea each February to make money to buy things added to carry on the Church program. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe crude benches mentioned in Mrs. Lowry\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record were later used in the old tabernacle until it was torn down. Our Church went on record in 1942 to give our part of the tabernacle back to the City. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1926 there was a division in the Church, and we lost quite a few members to the organization of the Church of Christ. Our Church reorganized as the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has retained an approximate membership \u00e2\u20ac\u201c resident and non-resident) of 150 members. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThere have been several outstanding events in the history of our Church, but one that should be mentioned in detail is the moving of the Church building to its present location. <\/p> \r\n\r\nOn May 24, 1926, a committee of J. E. Thomson, W. B. Rieves, and Mc Eversole was appointed to make plans to move the Church building from its location of Seventh and Main to the Church property on Second and Main. This property had been donated to the Church many years ago by Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Galbraith. The parsonage was located on this lot, and it had to be moved to the north side of the lot, facing the house west to make room for the Church building on the south side of the lot next to the street. <\/p> \r\n\r\nFinal sale of the old location was made between a representation of the Magnolia Petroleum Company and the Trustees: J. E. Thomson, S. W. Mantius and Ison Eaton on May 7, 1937, for the sum of $2,200.00. <\/p> \r\n\r\nWork began immediately for the move, and Sunday, May 23, 1937, was the last Sunday School Meeting held in the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Old Church\u00e2\u20ac\u009d site before moving to the new location. There was both joy and sadness in the last meeting. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThrough the courtesy of the members of the Episcopal Church we held our services in their Church building from May 30, 1937 to June 14, 1937, when we returned to our Church building for make-shift meetings until September 26, 1937, when the Church was more or less completed. Great praise should be given to J. E. Thomson and C. M. Campbell who were on duty practically all the time from the moment Mr. Boles and his crew of men from Bonham started moving the Church building until the carpenters and painters had finished their work. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe new location was accepted, and a new set up of work of the Church became effective on Sunday, October 24, 1937, at 2:00 p.m. at an official Board Meeting when the following leaders were elected. Elders: J. E. Thomson, S. W. Mantius, H. C. McConnell, and Jack Wood, Sr. Deacons: H. L. Thompson, C. M. Campbell, Junot McKee, R. B. Self, Isom Eaton, S. B. Rieves, Wade McKee, J. W. Edwards, H. W. Dixon, Mc Eversole, Ed Swartzrock, Ralph McConnell, and Allen Davis. The time for the official Board Meeting was set for the first Tuesday night of each month. A Communion Service Committee was appointed for the first time with W. B. Rieves Chairman of the Deacons. <\/p> \r\n\r\nSince the big move there have been several projects of repairs and improvements on the Church property. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1940 the building of an Annex was discussed. Later the old Rock Point Presbyterian Church was purchased with plans to use the old lumber to build an annex. Later the building was sold before it was moved, and all we used from it was a few benches and a pulpit stand. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe bell system was installed in the Church in 1940, and the large dining table and buffet was purchased from Mrs. Corinne Galbraith to be used in the dining room for Church suppers. At this time the parsonage was being used as a recreation hall and also for Sunday School rooms. A ping-pong table, dart board and other games were placed in the parsonage, and all the fellowship meetings were held there. <\/p> \r\n\r\nNew swinging doors were installed in the vestibule of the Church in 1944. <\/p> \r\n\r\nYou might say our Church building is a mixture of denominations. The Sunday School room on the north, used for the men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s class, was first a part of the Old School Presbyterian Church that stood on the lot were the Joe Hembree home is now located on Pecan Street at Eighth Street. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1947 we purchased from the McKenzie Methodist Church of Honey Grove a building which was moved to the north and east of the Church. And with extensive repairs and remodeling, we completed what we call our Annex. It is used for Sunday School rooms and Church and civic social gatherings. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1948 the beautiful stained glass windows were repaired and broken glass replaced. A Layman\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s League was organized. T. P. Price sent a check for $500 to be used in the name of the church for foreign relief of China and India. <\/p> \r\n\r\nAn extensive remodeling of the Church was done in 1949, at which time the walls were covered with cello-tex, the woodwork painted, indirect lighting installed, the baptistery changed to its present location, and the choir seats moved to the south side of the Church from the middle of the platform. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Shelton made Cross decals on the swinging doors in the vestibule. Later restrooms were added, and the walks around the Church and Annex were built. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1950 the beautiful Hammond Organ was purchased from Whittle Music Company of Dallas, Texas, for the sum of $2,246.00. Mrs. Robert Shelton, Jr. was our first official organist. New song books were purchased in 1951. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1952 a Revival Meeting was held with ministers from Sherman, Greenville, Paris, Denison, and Bonham preaching one night each. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1953 it was voted to completely furnish the parsonage for the first time. The Trustees: H. C. McConnell, Mc Eversole, and the W. B. Rieves and their wives and Rev. and Mrs. Sam Cooper were instructed to select and purchase these furnishings. The Friendship Class paid for the dining room table. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe Church sent $25.00 to the Daingerfield Church building fund and $100.00 to the building fund at T. C. U. and $15.00 to the McKinney Church for repairs after a serious storm. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe men of the Church joined the County Men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Fellowship Group. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe roof of the Church was repaired in 1954, and the mailbox was donated by Jack Self. It was placed at the south side of the Church. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s class was organized in October 1954 with H. C. McConnell as teacher. <\/p> \r\n\r\nMore song books were purchased for the Sunday School. <\/p> \r\n\r\nA $1,000.00 bond was received by Junot McKee for the Church from a former member, Robert D. Walker of Rocky Ford, Colorado. <\/p> \r\n\r\nMuch has been said about the men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s work in the Church, but the record would not be complete without mentioning the women\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s work. Music is an important part of a Church Program. The choir, composed of both men and women, is a great asset. Mrs. Mc Eversole has been the choir director for many years, serving faithfully in this capacity, for all Church programs, funerals, weddings, and social gatherings. Other song leaders in the past were Lacy Smith, Mrs. Katherine King. Mrs. J. B. Atkins, and H. L. Thompson. <\/p> \r\n\r\nOne of the earliest remembrances of the Church music was of Mrs. J. C. McKinney at the old organ. Other Sunday School organists and pianists and assistants were: Mrs. C. M. Campbell, Mrs. Ruth Walker Wood, Mrs. Cornelia Raiden, Miss Lorene Stewart, Mrs. W. B. Rieves, Mrs. G. M. Whitley, Mrs. R. B. Self, Mrs. H. C. McConnell, and Mrs. Ethel Weeks, Mrs. John Patterson, and our present organist, Mrs. Robert Shelton, Jr. <\/p> \r\n\r\nRev. and Mrs. T. F. Boswell sponsored a Women\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Fellowship Club between the women of Windom and Honey Grove Churches. He was serving both Churches as pastor. This group was active for several years, using the Bible and World Call for their program material, alternating meetings between the two towns. This club promoted friendship that has lasted through the years. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe women have always worked, and for a long time this group was known as the Ladies Aid Society. Under the sponsorship of Mrs. Sears, a Junior Ladies Aid was organized, but was later disbanded. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1925 Mrs. John W. Russell organized the Women\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Missionary Society, which included all the Women of the Church. The Society continued to function until 1952. At this time the name was changed to the Christian\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Women\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Fellowship, and the policies of the national organization were accepted. The study course provided by the United Christian Missionary Society has been used, and all goals suggested by them have been met. In 1950 a ten-year program of doubled membership and giving was entered into, and at the present time all these goals have been obtained. Donations have been given to the local Church for the purchase of different items for the Church and Annex. Liberal donations have been made to the Jarvis Christian Institute, Church of the Valley, Twin Rivers Church, and Juliet Fowler Home. The C. W. F. alternated with the Study Club in placing flowers in the Church each Sunday. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe Young Ladies Study Club was organized October 10, 1938, sponsored by Mrs. T. F. Boswell. A few years later, as each member grew older, the name was changed to The Study Club. This club has been active in the welfare of the local members, promoting fellowship and bringing cheer to those in sorrow and ill health. The purpose of this club was to study the Bible and train ourselves in all phases of Church work. Money to carry on this work has been received by club dues, sale of cards, book reviews, and passing the Friendship Basket to each member with a gift, who in turn placed a money donation in the basket, for the club treasury. They have paid on the Preacher\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s salary from time to time, helped buy furniture and fixtures for the Church and annex. A refrigerator, book case for a Church Library, song books, and collection plates have been purchased. They paid on the Church carpet, and each year buy a complete Easter outfit for one small girl at Juliet Fowler Home. They sponsored sending cookies, eggs, and canned goods to the Home. During World War II they placed a Service Flag and Honor Record in the Church for our men who were in the service. For several years The Study Club has been hostess for the Annual Church Board Meeting the first Tuesday night in December. Some help with the Vacation Bible School and refreshments. There is an average of 11 in attendance with a membership of 13 that have the responsibility for program, meetings and placing flowers in the Church each Sunday. Both ladies\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 organizations play a great part in promoting the Church work. <\/p> \r\n\r\nOne person we all feel grateful to for his untiring service is Mc Eversole. No day has been too cold, rainy, sunshiney or hot to keep him from arising early on Sunday morning, going to the Church to open windows, turn on fans, light fires, whichever was necessary for the comfort of the congregation. This act will long be remembered by those who care. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe pastors who served this Church and the dates of their ministry as best as could be determined are as follows: <\/p> \r\n\r\nRev. Russell, Rev. Weaver \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 1903\r\nRev. A. B. Jett, 1914, Rev. Ewing, Rev. Sears\r\nRev. Caphus Shelbourne, 1918\r\nRev. W. J. Haywood, September 1, 1924 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c September 1, 1928\r\nRev. Marshall Masters, January 1, 1929 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c August 1931\r\nRev. Wallace Jones, 1932-1933\r\nRev. T. M. Broadfoot, 1935\r\nRev. T. F. Boswell, April 17, 1938 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c June 2, 1940\r\nRev. G. O. McMillian, February 4, 1941-January 6, 1943\r\nRev. T. W. Sisterson, 1945-1946\r\nRev. C. C. Klingman, September 1, 1947-September 1, 1953\r\nRev. Sam Cooper, October 25, 1953-October, 1955\r\nRev. John Patterson, January 22, 1956-\r\nRev. Loren Williams\r\nRev. Edwin Gorom<\/p> \r\n\r\nChairmen of the Board: <\/p> \r\nJ. H. Lowry \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 25 years\r\nJ. E. Thomson, February 26, 1932-August 29, 1943\r\nH. C. McConnell, September 8, 1943-December 3, 1946\r\nJ. W. Hammack, December 3, 1946-December, 1954\r\nT. A. Johnson, December 1954, Dec. 1955\r\nJack Self, December 1995-<\/p> \r\n\r\nTrustees have been: <\/p> \r\nJ. E. Thomson, S. W. Mantius, Isom Eaton, H. C. McConnell, Mc Eversole, W. B. Rieves, and J. W. Hammack<\/p> \r\n\r\nSunday School Superintendents were: <\/p> \r\nF. M. Bralley, 1903\r\nH. L. Thompson \u00e2\u20ac\u201c approximately 14 years\r\nH. C. McConnell, 1925\r\nJ. W. Hammack, 1938-1942\r\nR. B. Self, December 1942 \u00e2\u20ac\u201c December 1945\r\nJack Self, December 1945-December 1948; December 1952-June 1953\r\nRalph Shelton, December 1948-December 1951; December 1952-June 1953\r\nT. A. Johnson, December 1951-December 1952\r\nKenneth Ship \u00e2\u20ac\u201c December 1955-July 1956\r\nGarland Stanford<\/p> \r\n\r\nChurch Secretaries: <\/p> \r\nJohn T. Danrow, 1924-1932\r\nS. W. Mantius, 1932-1940\r\nJack Wood, Jr., 1940-1943\r\nW. B. Rieves, 1943-1953\r\nGarland Stanford, 1953- <\/p> \r\n\r\nChurch Treasurers: <\/p> \r\nJohn T. Damron\r\nMrs. Mc Eversole\r\nMc Eversole, 1938-1947\r\nJack Wood, Jr., 1947-1955\r\nWade McKee, 1955-<\/p> \r\n\r\nCustoms followed in our Church: <\/p> \r\nFor several years we have sent our Sunday School collection on the first Sunday of each month to the Juliet Fowler Home.\r\nOn Mother\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Day the youngest and oldest mothers are recognized and presented with a gift from the Church. Usually a watermelon feast is held sometime during watermelon season. The Christmas tree and gifts and program and Santa Claus for the younger group and sacks of fruit and candy for all is always an observance in December.\r\nVacation Bible School in June held jointly with the Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church.\r\nYoung people have gone to Summer Camp at Camp Underwood at Athens, Texas, through the years. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe Church\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s first homecoming was October 14, 1956. The following committees planned the occasion: <\/p> \r\nGeneral Planning Committee: Rev. John Patterson, H. C. McConnell, Mrs. H. L. Thompson, Miss Anne Clark, Mrs. H. L. Ballew, garland Stanford\r\nProgram Committee: Mrs. Mc Eversole, Mrs. Ralph Shelton, J. W. Hammack, H. L. Thompson\r\nFood Committee: C. W. F. and Study Club members <\/p> \r\n\r\nHistory provided by the First Christian Church. Transcription and posting by the Honey Grove Preservation League.<\/p> \r\n\r\nFor more information and photos, see the website of the Honey Grove Preservation League.<\/a>"},{"chu_id":25,"chu_name":"First Christian Church","chu_twn_fk":46,"twn_name":"Ladonia","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":null,"chu_lon":null,"chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"first_christian_ladonia.jpg","chu_caption":"","chu_text":"The First Christian Church \r\n \r\nAccording to various records and memories, the diary of Mrs T. A. Walker, and personal interviews the First Christian Church was organized around 1865. The first church building was at the corner of Mill St. as it intersects Nail St., where the church parsonage now stands. The building was a small white frame structure, and served the church until 1906 when it was replaced by a brick building. This building with the stained glass windows, domed structure was truly beautiful. On the morning of March 4, 1917 during church, T. A. Walker discovered the furnace, located in the church, was on fire. Mr. Cain asked the congregation to leave the building at once. Within minutes after leaving the building, the church floor collapsed. <\/p> \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe structure which now serves the First Christian Church was built in 1917 to replace the burned building. All that was saved from the 1905 structure was the cornerstone, and this was placed along with the cornerstone of 1917 in the northeast corner of the present building. Records show that on November 27, 1927, there were 96 in Sunday School and around 300 in church. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn the early part of 1905, Brother E. M. Waites [ later to become President of T.C.U.] and his wife Sarah came from Kentucky to minister to the First Christian Church of Ladonia. Studies show they were truly great workers for the church. Mrs. Waites introduced a newsletter entitled \" The Tidings\", and organized the Women's Missionary Society. The secretary's books containing all exact dates was destroyed in the fire and many records are necessarily incomplete. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe first president of the Women's Missionary Society was Mrs R. M. Rowland and the first secretary\/treasurer was Mrs S. J. McFarland. Only three charter members were on the roll. They are: Mrs J. A. McFarland, Mrs R. T. Bartley, and Mrs T. A. Walker. Some of the earliest members of the First Christian Church were: Mr & Mrs R. T. Bartley, H. G. Bartley, A. B. Cain, Mack Erwin [father of John Henry Erwin] J. D. Fraley, Herbert Gilbert, R. B. Hulsey, Zella Hulsey, Emily Hulsey, R. C. Haden, E. C. Lawhon, J. F. McFarland, J. A. McFarland, J. F. Roan, Beulah Walker, T. A. Walker, C. H. Woods, and W. M. Williams. Vista Lawhon, Secretary Book \r\nFor many years Mrs Lucille Cain served as organist. Some of the teachers have been: Lucy Parsons, Hazelle Scott, Mary Shive, Mary Clements, and Mrs J. D. Fraley. <\/p> \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJack Tom Bartley \r\n\r\nFirst United Methodist Church \r\n\r\nAs early as 1837, missionaries were sent out from the Mississippi Conference to the Republic of Texas, but Methodism in Texas did not take organized form until 1840 when Texas Conference was organized at Ruthersville in Washington County. After going through three conference changes throughout the years, the Ladonia Methodist Church became a charge in the Kaufman Conference some time before 1863. However, since most records were destroyed in the big fire of 1911, we depend upon three stories, or histories, written by Mrs Harve Miller, Mrs Hazel Wilson, and Elizabeth Neilson Mason. The church, parsonage, and four other houses were burned in this fire. <\/p> \r\n\r\nFor many years previous to 1880 there existed in Ladonia a church building which was used by all denominations in town.<\/p> \r\n\r\nIn 1880 a small white frame church with a steeple containing a bell was built. The bell was rung before every service. Through the years the members of the little white church worshopped, worked, and played together. The young people of all ages attended Epworth League, later becoming known as MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship).<\/p> \r\n\r\nOne of the most important events of the year in the early church life was the two week revival meetings, held each summer. it was at one of these meetings a man known as Happy Jack Conklin was converted and answered the call to the ministry. He became an evangelist.<\/p> \r\n\r\nThe present church building was constructed in 1912 at a cost of $10,000.00. In the cornerstone of the church were placed the following articles: copies of the Bible, Ladonia News, Texas Christian Advocate, and coins of each denomination one cent to one dollar. Being used currently are two pulpit chairs and a pulpit stand that were saved from the fire of 1911. The building originally had a large dome in the center of the sanctuary. It added to the beauty of the ceiling, but in years became a problem; and in the 1930's it was removed when a new roof was put on the church. The stained glass windows were given as memorials by family members. <\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\nFrom a lost 1882 roll, the following names of early families were found: C.T. Weldon, W.G. Nunn, J.R. Eaton, L.W. Little ( transferred from Olive Branch), M.A. (Heck) Abernathy, John Bramlett, Harve Miller, Samantha Bramlett Holland, R.M. (Bob) Rattan, Wade Rattan, Dave Myrick, Mrs Hines, Dr. S.B. Neilson (transferred from Olive Branch), W.B. Merrill, Z.T. Carr, Docia Reeves, and Gilbert Baker.<\/p> \r\n\r\nIn June 1956, a Hammond electric organ was given to the church by the S.B. Neilson family.<\/p> \r\n\r\n On August 13, 1963, with the Rev. Don Shaw as pastor, the church celebrated its one hundreth birthday. Since that time, in 1968, the General Conference meeting in Dallas, brought about the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren creating the United Methodist Church. <\/p> \r\n\r\nIn November of 1964, the first Lord's Acre plan began with a dinner and auction sale. This has become an annual festival of harvest and thanksgivingthat is enjoyed by all who attend. The funds raised have helped make possible the continuance of the Lords work at all levels.<\/p> \r\n\r\n At annual conference in 1965, the Ladonia and Pecan Gap congregations were brought together in a single charge whereby they share the same pastor and often meet together for worship and fellowship.Each church has maintained its own organization and met its own obligations.<\/p> \r\n\r\nPastors since 1945 are: L. E. Vandiver, V. V. Voss, A. O. Ackenbam, C. M. Hunt, J. M. Webb, Raymond Trompler, Arthur L. Lusby, Thomas Bellar, Norman Carter, Earl Ball, Don Shaw, Walter Zimmerman, Joe Saylor, Jr., McClain Smith, Leonard Tomlinson, Harold Staats, Frank Yates, Larry Tinsley, David Noblin, Sr., Clay Yeager, John White, Louise Welch, and Cheryl Jordan, who is currently serving as pastor."},{"chu_id":2,"chu_name":"Little Bethel Baptist Church","chu_twn_fk":46,"twn_name":"Ladonia","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.423970","chu_lon":"-95.956025","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"100","cem_name":"Pleasant Grove Cemetery","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"littlebethel.jpg","chu_caption":"Little Bethel Baptist Church","chu_text":" The Little Bethel Baptsit Church was organized in 1912, and was rebuilt in 1957. In October of 1957 The membership increased with the addition of Detailed additional information on the Main Street Presbyterian Church is at the website of the Honey Grove Preservation League<\/a><\/p> \r\n\r\n\r\nThe Main Street Presbyterian Church was tragically destroyed by fire on the early morning of February 10, 2013. The application for a historical marker for the church had been approved by the Texas State Historical Commission only weeks before the fire. Below is the text of the historical marker application. Go to the very end of this text to access the photo gallary of additional photos.<\/b><\/p> \r\nThe Main Street Presbyterian Church \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Honey Grove, Texas<\/b><\/p> \r\n504 Main Street East<\/p> \r\nSubmittal for an Historical Marker<\/b><\/p> \r\nPresbyterian churches in Honey Grove, Texas and the surrounding communities have provided ministry for over 150 years. The congregations of five churches are combined in the current Main State Presbyterian Church in Honey Grove.<\/p> \r\nI. Context<\/b><\/p> \r\nHoney Grove History.<\/b> The first Anglo settlers entered what is now Fannin County around 1836 . Hunters and travelers such as Davy Crockett visited the area now called Honey Grove around that time, but the first settler in Honey Grove was Samuel Erwin, who built a cabin in what became Honey Grove in 1842. After that time settlers came in increasing numbers, and the town of Honey Grove was laid out in 1848. In 1855 land for a church was purchased by representatives of four congregations. <\/p> \r\nII. Overview<\/b><\/p> \r\nThe Cumberland Presbyterian Church.<\/b> The Cumberland Presbyterian church was one of four churches in Honey Grove which in 1855 purchased land for the building of the Union Church. The Union Church was owned by the Methodists, Baptists, Christians, and the Cumberland Presbyterians. Each of the denominations had one Sunday each month for services. <\/p> \r\nAlthough the early records of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church have not survived, records beginning in 1866 detail the activities of the Church, and record that in February 1858 the church was organized with Rev. R. M. Rudolph as its minister and with S. Sloan and Orville Smith as elders. <\/p> \r\nIn November 1881 the Cumberland church began looking for a site to build a home of its own and in December 1881 it was agreed to purchase a lot east of the public square on Main Street. Before the new church could be built the congregation moved out of the Union Church building and worshiped in the school building owned by Professor J. S. Kendall. The Cumberland Presbyterian church sold its share of the Union Church to the Baptists in 1883. <\/p> \r\nThe new 26\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 x 52\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 church was begun in 1883 and was built according to the plan and specifications by Joseph Scott, Architect and was completed on April 1, 1884 by J.S. and J.B. Boone, contractors. The new church, which is the north section of the current sanctuary, was completed in April 1884 with furnishings, including pews and furniture, at a total cost of $1,816.00 and dedicated on May 11, 1884. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153A large audience assembled at an early hour in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to witness the dedicatory service.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/p> \r\nOn February 2, 1896 the Church Roll contained 152 members.<\/p> \r\nIn 1889 the church purchased the property south of the church lot from G. F. J. Stephens. <\/p> \r\nIn 1902 the church was \u00e2\u20ac\u0153very greatly enlarged and beautified to meet the needs of the growing congregation.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/p> \r\nIn addition to services in its church building, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church also participated and held services in Honey Grove\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s tabernacle. In 1907 Honey Grove completed a new tabernacle with a seating capacity of 1200 and a grand piano. The first meeting held at the Tabernacle was \u00e2\u20ac\u0153under the direction of the Cumberland Presbyterian church,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d although it was to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153not at all sectarian.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d The newspaper article announcing the meeting assured the readers that \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the members of all churches . . . will be as well-treated as our own.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\r\nAt some point between 1906 and 1911 the name of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was changed to the Main Street Presbyterian Church, although available records do not indicate the exact date. <\/p> \r\nThe First Presbyterian Church.<\/b> The First Presbyterian Church in Honey Grove was organized in November 1861 by the Rev. A. Shotwell, with 12 members. Services were first held in the Odd fellows Hall. Church records are missing until 1874, although the June 25, 1870 issue of the Honey-Grove Enterprise states that the Presbyterian Church would meet in the Union Church on the third Sunday with Rev. Rob\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t McCoy officiating. <\/p> \r\nA March 1879 report stated that the church had 35 members. <\/p> \r\nOn December 19, 1880, the First Presbyterian congregation decided to build its own church on the southeast corner of Eighth and Pecan Streets. A frame 26\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 x 40\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 frame building was constructed for a cost of around $1,000. The sanctuary had a seating capacity of 200. <\/p> \r\nIn 1905 there were 91 members of the church. In 1905 the Session voted to establish a Westminister League for the young people of the church. A 1908 report lists Sunday School teachers for 1st-7th grades.<\/p> \r\nIn 1909 the church was enlarged and beautified.<\/p> \r\nThe Two Churches Unite.<\/b> In 1911 the First Presbyterian Church was without a pastor, and two of the Elders approached the Pastor of the Main Street church to discuss the union of the two churches. On December 28, 1911 the Presbytery of Paris, U.S.A. approved the union of the two churches. <\/p> \r\nIn 1911 a veneer of brick was put on the Main Street Presbyterian Church, with a concrete foundation and stone trimmings. At the same time the interior was refinished and beautified. <\/p> \r\nIn April 1912 a Committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Peters, Architect, as to the practicability of attaching the First Church building to the Main Street building. During 1912 a portion of the First Presbyterian building was moved to the south end of the Main Street building to form what is today the Fellowship Hall. (The second portion (28 feet) was sold for $250 to the Christian Church to be added to its building. ) The Cumberland building undertook a complete makeover including the stain glass windows and brick veneer being added to the building. \r\nIn 1917 the combined church had a membership of 246. <\/p> \r\nRock Point Presbyterian Church.<\/b> The Rock Point Presbyterian Church was organized on July 19, 1891. Available records do not indicate where the church first met. In July 1898, the question of building a house of worship was considered and endorsed. Apparently a two acre lot was purchased, because in October 1898 the Methodist brethren asked to be allowed to buy an interest in the two acre lot. This arrangement was made and the Methodists built a church by 1900. In 1901 the Presbyterian Church sold the lot because it had been decided to build on another piece of land. On January 19, 1902, Rev. W. A. Kirkpatrick preached his first sermon in the new Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rock Point. <\/p> \r\nOn September 13, 1925, the Session discussed a transfer of the church to Honey Grove, but a vote was taken against this transfer at this time. \r\nIn 1939 the Rock Point Presbyterian Church, which was about 3 miles south of Honey Grove, and which had been without a pastor for 12 months, and because its membership was scattered and small, and because good roads and automobiles were available for easy transportation to Honey Grove, united with the Main Street Presbyterian Church in Honey Grove. The membership at that time consisted of 33 members. \r\nSpring Hill Presbyterian Church. <\/p> \r\n\r\nThe Spring Hill Presbyterian Church.<\/b> The Spring Hill Presbyterian Church was organized in 1854 northwest of Windom, Texas (about 5 miles west from Honey Grove) by the Presbyterian Minister, the Rev. W. A. Provine. In the early 1870\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a building was erected with stained glass windows. In 1966 the Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, located north of the town of Windom, was dissolved and 21 members transferred to the Main Street Church. Subsequently the church building was moved to private property and is now used as a barn. <\/p> \r\nDial United Presbyterian Church.<\/b> In November 1993 the oldest Presbyterian Church in Fannin County, the Dial United Presbyterian Church, organized in 1846, also united with Main Street. The Dial United Presbyterian Church, southeast of Honey Grove, had a long and proud history coming from the surrounding Honey Grove area. The former building of the Dial United Presbyterian has a Texas Historical Marker providing detailed historical information. <\/p> \r\nThe Main Street Church Building.<\/b> Main Street has been blessed with beautiful, large stain glass windows throughout the building which have been repaired and protected. Two large windows in the Fellowship Hall, the Hill and Petty windows, are from the original First Presbyterian Church building. Windows in the main portion of the sanctuary were given in memory of honor of various teachers and church leaders. One was purchased by the Woman\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Missionary Society. In all, the building contains 36 stained glass windows.<\/p> \r\nA second outstanding feature of the church building is the pipe organ. This organ was purchased from Moler Pipe Organ Co. of Chicago, Illinois in 1913 in part with the proceeds of the sale of the First Presbyterian Church\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s manse to L. W. Trout. The organ was repaired and restored by the Eberhardt Co. at a cost of $30,000 and first played by Art and Miriam Eberhardt on March 29, 1992. Rededication of the organ was held on May 17, 1992. <\/p> \r\nCurrent Activities.<\/b> Main Street participates with other Honey Grove churches in the Greater Honey Grove Ministerial Alliance including 5th Sunday singings and annual community Thanksgiving services. Through the area churches, Main Street has contributed in both time and money toward assisting those in need in Honey Grove and those passing through the community. It has for over 50 years joined with the First Christian Church and McKenzie Methodist in Honey Grove in holding joint Vacation Bible School programs each summer. A member of Grace Presbytery, the local church also contributes to projects of the greater church body. <\/p> \r\nIII. Significance<\/b>\r\nThe Main Street Presbyterian Church and the other Presbyterian churches which have combined with Main Street have provided services to their congregations and their communities since the beginning of settlement in Fannin County.<\/p> \r\nThe Main Street Presbyterian Church and its beautiful building which it maintains is an asset to this historic community which contains many beautiful historic structures, including businesses on the town square, historic churches, historic homes and a beautiful historic cemetery. Although there are a number of historical markers in Honey Grove, only one is on Main Street, and that one, for Crockett Park, is on the west side of town. <\/p> \r\nAn historical marker for the Main Street Presbyterian Church would be placed on the east part of Main Street, and would be highly visible to community members and visitors. It would support the ongoing efforts of the Honey Grove Preservation League to preserve and document the history of Honey Grove, and the erection of an historical marker for the Main Street Presbyterian Church is supported by the Honey Grove Preservation League.<\/p>"},{"chu_id":1,"chu_name":"Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":11,"twn_name":"Blantons Chapel","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.39702","chu_lon":"-96.29337","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":10,"mkr_name":"Blanton Chapel Methodist Church","chu_image":"blantonchapel.jpg","chu_caption":"Blanton Chapel Methodist Church","chu_text":""},{"chu_id":4,"chu_name":"Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":90,"twn_name":"Virginia Point","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.622856","chu_lon":"-96.375089","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"141","cem_name":"Virginia Point Cemetery","chu_mkr_fk":120,"mkr_name":"Virginia Point Methodist","chu_image":"virginia_point_church.jpg","chu_caption":"Virginia Point Methodist Church","chu_text":""},{"chu_id":5,"chu_name":"Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":40,"twn_name":"Hail","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.498994","chu_lon":"-96.057750","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"hail_methodist_1930s_pic2.jpg","chu_caption":"This is the original building of the Hail Methodist Church. \r\nIn 1918, the then existing church building was destroyed by a tornado. The McCraw's Chapel School (also known as the Nubbin Ridge School House) was used as a meeting house for the church until the early part of 1919 when the new church was completed."},{"chu_id":19,"chu_name":"Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":98,"twn_name":"Rock Point","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.511200","chu_lon":"-95.903140","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"105","cem_name":"Rock Point Methodist Church Cemetery","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"rockpoint_methodist.jpg","chu_caption":"Rock Point Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was located some two and one half miles south of Honey Grove.","chu_text":" This photo and the text below is from a newspaper clipping dated 02 Jul 1976 in the possession of the Fannin Co. Historical Commission.<\/p> \r\n\r\nIn Vol. 87, Page 609 of Fannin County Deed Records, \r\nThe \r\nAccording to notes taken by \r\nThe church flourished for over 20 years, the building being torn down in 1929 by \r\n\r\nA lengthy History of the Dial Presbyterian Church<\/a> prepared in 1948 is included on the The Honey Grove Preservation League Website<\/a>.<\/p> \r\n\r\nFor more photos, click on the Photo Gallery below.<\/b>"},{"chu_id":20,"chu_name":"Presbyterian Church","chu_twn_fk":84,"twn_name":"Spring Hill","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.608992","chu_lon":"-96.010249","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"spring_hill_church.jpg","chu_caption":"","chu_text":""},{"chu_id":17,"chu_name":"Tabernacle","chu_twn_fk":54,"twn_name":"Monkstown","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.790933","chu_lon":"-95.928306","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"82","cem_name":"Monkstown Cemetery","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"monkstown_tabernacle.jpg","chu_caption":"Monkstown Tabernacle before it was demolished.","chu_text":""},{"chu_id":13,"chu_name":"United Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":54,"twn_name":"Monkstown","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.790933","chu_lon":"-95.928306","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"monkstown_methodist.jpg","chu_caption":"Monkstown United Methodist Church","chu_text":"The church is believed to have been organized in 1926 or 1927. Services were held for several years in the lower story of a two story building owned by the Masonic Lodge. In 1941 the Masonic Lodge gave the building and grounds to the Church. The building was torn down and the building in the photo was built. Source of photo and information: The United Methodist Church Cooperative Ministry. 1977."},{"chu_id":15,"chu_name":"United Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":85,"twn_name":"Telephone","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.781211","chu_lon":"-96.018033","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"telephone_methodist.jpg","chu_caption":"Telephone United Methodist Church","chu_text":"The Telephone United Methodist Church was located about one block north of Telephone, where it was moved from the Forest Grove Cemetery. The building was reconstructed four times since it was first established, including in 1975. Photo and information from The United Methodist Church Cooperative Ministry, 1977."},{"chu_id":23,"chu_name":"United Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":72,"twn_name":"Ravenna","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":null,"chu_lon":null,"chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"ravenna_united_methodist.jpg","chu_caption":"Ravenna United Methodist Church built by McVey C. Morrow","chu_text":"Photo submitted by |665|."},{"chu_id":26,"chu_name":"Vineyard Grove Baptist Church","chu_twn_fk":1,"twn_name":"Allens Chapel","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.646900","chu_lon":"-95.960700","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"vineyard_grove_church.jpg","chu_caption":"","chu_text":" \"The Vineyard Grove Baptist Church was built in 1853 and is still in use by the community. The church was started in 1847 by Elder
\r\n by Joan Thomas<\/p>![\"First](\"images\/chu_images\/first_christian_ladonia_1912.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"Honor](\"images\/chu_images\/first_christian_ladonia_wwi.jpg\")
<\/p>
\r\nJohn Howard Parsons Jr.
\r\nAlbert Lee Bartley
\r\nRobert Pritchett
\r\nLynwood Butler
\r\nAlf Robardey Jr.
\r\nThomas Lawson Cain
\r\nRobert Rattan
\r\nElbert L. Dowell
\r\nCharles Swearingen
\r\nBilly Joe Erwin
\r\nHenry Allen Spes
\r\nWendell Fraley
\r\nElwood Starkey
\r\nJefferson D. Fraley
\r\nRichard E. J. Scott
\r\nMelvin T. House
\r\nWilliam Clyde Scott
\r\nJohn White Haden
\r\nCharles Franklin Thomas Scott
\r\nRobert Haden
\r\nR. C. Shelton
\r\nRobert Hulsey
\r\nMelvin Tapp
\r\nJim Hulsey
\r\nFulton Tadlock
\r\nRaymond Hulsey
\r\nCharles Troy
\r\nHugh McFarland
\r\nEdwin Scott West<\/p>"},{"chu_id":24,"chu_name":"First United Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":46,"twn_name":"Ladonia","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":null,"chu_lon":null,"chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"first_united_methodist_ladonia.jpg","chu_caption":"The above photo depicts the original First United Methodist Church of Ladonia. This building was demolished in 2018. There is a new smaller church next door and many of the glass windows from the old church have been moved to the new one.","chu_text":"The following is from A History of Ladonia, Texas 1836-1997<\/i><\/p>
\r\nBy Eunice Hill<\/p>
\r\nClick on the Photo Album link below for additional photos.","chu_text":"This building was constructed in the year 1890 and torn down in the year 1937. This picture was made of the Sunday School Classes in 1937. Alf Pirtle was Sunday School superintendent at this time. (Source: The United Methodist Church Cooperative Ministry, North Texas Conference - Sherman District. 1977)"},{"chu_id":7,"chu_name":"Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":42,"twn_name":"Honey Grove","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.583439","chu_lon":"-95.909967","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"honeygrove_meth_church.jpg","chu_caption":"Methodist Church","chu_text":""},{"chu_id":12,"chu_name":"Methodist Church","chu_twn_fk":6,"twn_name":"Bailey","chu_county":"Fannin","chu_lat":"33.432053","chu_lon":"-96.165808","chu_sub_fk":null,"chu_book":"N","sub_fullname":"","chu_cem_fk":"","cem_name":"","chu_mkr_fk":"","mkr_name":"","chu_image":"bailey_methodistfirst.jpg","chu_caption":"The original Methodist Church in Bailey, built around 1890.
\r\nFor photos of the church built in 1912, click on the \"View Photo Album\" link below.","chu_text":"The land for the original church was donated by