Resource Name: First Methodist Church
Address: 300 E. Houston St.
Architect: Pope,Alexander; Smalley,Billington
County: Harrison
City: Marshall
Architectural Style: GREEK REVIVAL
Narrative: The First United Methodist Church is a rectangular stuccoed brick Greek Revival style building with five bay nave, plain stuccoed cornice, and tetra style front (north) portico, of monumentally scaled square columns. The portico is surmounted by a large colonnaded octagonal cupola added in 1949 to replace the original belfry. Large stained glass windows were placed in the nave bays in 1901 and in 1949 the most important window was removed from the South wall and installed between the central two columns of the portico forming a vestibule. The interior has been expanded and remodeled, with new ceilings, woodwork, and fixtures. However, the propositions of the original rectangular auditorium space have been preserved. Major additions to the South end of the structure to house educational and administrative functions occurred in 1927, 1949, and 1958 using materials, scale, and massing sympathetic to the character of the original fabric.

Construction of the church commenced with the awarding of the contract July 6, 1860. The bricks were fired locally, probably on the site, by slave labor. The building was substantially complete by October, 1861.

In 1882 a balcony originally intended for use by slaves was removed and the ceiling over the nave was arched and frescoed. In 1899 a pressed metal ceiling and chandeliers were installed, and structural improvements made to the foundations replacing brick piers with metal columns. Eleven stained glass windows costing $7,000 were installed between 1901 and 1903, one in each of the nave bays with a major 8' x 14' windows implanted in the choir (South) wall. An original square spire topped by a pyramidal roof was removed for
safety reasons in 1909.

In 1927 a $40,000 classroom addition was attached to the South end of the church. The addition is a gable roofed masonry structure with the roof ridge running perpendicular to the ridge of the church. The gable end (West) facade is composed of five bays scaled to mains the continuity of the original facade. Each bay contains a 12 light window in each story. A second major expansion occurred in 1949 with the addition of a new wing to the East containing classrooms and a gymnasium. The addition formed a U-shaped courtyard with the original church, an arched arcade defining the south side of the court.

The interior of the sanctuary was enlarged and remodeled at that time, the main auditorium was lengthened 22 feet by recessing the choir south into an alcove and adding a balcony at the north end. The ceiling was raised and arched with new lighting; walnut wainscoting was installed throughout. The cupola added at this time over the portico dominates the entire edifice and anchors the church's primary axis to the main entrance. It rests on a square platform with a dentilled molded cornice and wrought iron railing. Eight
octagonal columns with simple capitals support the cupola, which is topped by a bell's shaped metal roof and a large Latin cross.

The church attained its present form with a four story, U-shaped addition to the South end in 1958. The addition included a chapel, offices, parlor, classrooms, and mechanical functions contained in a gable roofed building with two gable ended wings projecting southward. A tower with cupola separates the 1927 addition from the 1958 addition and defines the West entrance to the building complex. The South facade contains a major entrance with an arched portico. Like the rest of the structure, this section is roofed
with composition shingles. The fenestration is similar to that of the 1949 addition.

Although First Methodist has undergone many changes, the impact of its all important north facade remains close to what the original must have been. The additions are all sensitive to the original and sited so that they do not intrude on this main facade. The First Methodist Church is one of the few examples of monumentally scaled Greek Revival church architecture in Texas. As a major public building in a strategically crucial Confederate city, it was the site of several important Civil War events, including the organization of the
Trans-Mississippi Department. Having served its original function since construction, the church is still a carefully maintained landmark.

Organized prior to 1845, the church held its meetings in a schoolhouse until 1853, when it moved to a converted building. The present site was acquired in 1860 and the building completed in 1861. The style chosen reflects the popularity and persistence of Greek Revival forms in mid-nineteenth century Texas. Litigation marred the church's first years; because the war disrupted the local economy, the contractors were unpaid until 1868.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis convened in 1862 a series of annual conferences of governors from the Trans Mississippi states. The first conference, to discuss organization, defense, and administration of this critical area was held at First Methodist. A large audience gathered to hear Texas' Governor Lubbock, Missouri's Governor Jackson, and the representatives from Arkansas and Louisiana.

Besides the residence of Missouri's government in exile, Marshall became headquarters for Trans-Mississippi Department logistics, and First Methodist was included as part of the complex. Confederate supplies were stored in the basement. A bell for the belfry was secured during the war by stealing one from Federal troupe nearby. Many of the regions' church bells had been confiscated for the production of Federal armament, so two local men felt no compunction in retrieving one for their church. The bell remained in the belfry
until World War I when it was sold to the government, again for military use.

The pastor of the church at the conclusion of the Civil War was a popular Army chaplain, Enoch Mather Marvin, who had been assigned to Price's Division. In 1866 the General Conference of the Methodist Church meeting in New Orleans elected Marvin bishop, a noteworthy honor for a Southern clergyman from west of the Mississippi River. Throughout its existence, the Marshall church has been a focal point for community and regional events both religious and secular. The townspeople still regard it highly for its beautiful
architecture and close association with local history.

Marker Title: First Methodist Church
Address: 300 E. Houston St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Begun by Littleton Fowler, 1839. Job M. Baker, first pastor. Organized 1845. Built 1861 on site given by Wm. M. and Mary M. Johnston. Bricks hand-molded, beams hand-hewn. Gallery in North end for slave members. Munitions stored in basement during Civil War. Bell, given to Confederacy, replaced 1865 by one stolen from Federal Army. During World War I, this sold for metal. While pastor here, 1866, Dr. E. M. Marvin was elected bishop. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965

Marker Title: First Presbyterian Church
Address: 400 W. Burleson St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1963
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: Corner of N. Fulton at W. Burleson
Marker Text:

Marker Title: Harleton Methodist Church
Address: FM 450 at York St.
City: Harleton
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1993
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Methodist services were held in the homes of area settlers as early as the 1840s. In 1901 the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was deeded land in Harleton where they built a sanctuary. Membership expanded and in 1914 Trustee R. W. Taylor supervised the building of a new brick sanctuary at this site. The congregation has historically shared its church building with other local organizations. The congregation became Harleton United Methodist Church in 1970. The church continues to sponsor various
outreach programs and provide spiritual guidance for the community.

Marker Title: Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
Address: 1300 Billups St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1994
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: After the Civil War many African Americans in Texas struggled to gather the resources necessary to establish churches in their communities. In 1874 a group of African American residents of this section of Marshall (then known as Hubbard's Hill), led by the Rev. William Davis, overcame a lack of resources and organized Jerusalem Baptist Church. Prince Monroe and Jacob Martin were selected as church trustees. During the pastorage of the Rev. Mr. davis (1874-1888) the congregation constructed its first church
building at a nearby site and organized a Sunday School. About 1890 a Baptist Training Union was established. The sanctuary was expanded to include a pastor's study, choir room, and a bell tower in the early 1920s. A parsonage was added in 1930. The congregation built a new sanctuary at this site in 1948. The congregation initiated several youth programs in the early 1950s including a kindergarten, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and a youth center. During this time the church expanded its women's missionary activities. The church completed renovations to its facilities in 1993. Jerusalem Baptist Church plays an important role in community affairs and
continues to provide spiritual guidance for the community.

Marker Title: LaGrone's Chapel
Address:
City: Hallsville
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1973
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Situated on land owned by a pioneer, Jacob LaGrone (1785-1868), who settled here in 1837, as a citizen of Republic of Texas. Chapel was built about 1866, of timber sawed by Harleton's Mill (12 mi. N) and hand-dressed at construction site. T. B. McFarland supervised the work; neighbors donated their labor. Property was deeded Aug. 17, 1870, to Methodist denomination by David McKinney, purchaser of 200 acres from LaGrone's estate. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1973

Marker Title: Site of Marshall Masonic Female Institute
Address: N. Franklin and W. Burleson St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1969
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: School originated as Female Department of Marshall University, chartered Jan. 18, 1842, by Republic of Texas. Marshall Masonic Lodge No. 22 chartered the Female Institute as a separate school in 1850. Five lodge members (including city's most prominent men) were on institute's executive board. By 1853, there were fifty-three students and a faculty of five. Two who served longest of the school's five presidents were Dr. Thomas B. Wilson (1850-1858 and 1865-1870) and Dr. Charles B. Stuart (1874-1886).

Marker Title: Site of Marshall University
Address: 700 blk. of W. Houston at Adkins St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: A pioneer institution of higher education incorporated January 19, 1842. Granted four leagues of land for its support by the Republic of Texas. The leading educational institution in northeast Texas until the Civil War. It later became a part of the public school system of Marshall.

Marker Title: Nesbitt Cemetery
Address:
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1976
Designations: na
Marker Location: 5 mi. NW of Marshall on SH 154, then west on CR 4204 to cemetery
Marker Text: Robert Jameison (1810-86) and Nathan L. Nesbitt, twin brothers from Tennessee, settled this area in 1847. First grave here was that of Nathan's wife, Psyche ("Sackey") Walker Nesbitt (1815-51) Robert's wife, Susan Adeline Nesbitt (1827-1901), who often nursed sick neighbors in the absence of a community doctor, donated this site for the family cemetery. After her husband died, she used her pension from his service in the Mexican war (1846-48) to fence the plot. Nesbitt descendants, led by Julian Womack Nesbitt, established a trust fund for perpetual care of the cemetery in 1969.

Marker Title: Noonday Holiness Camp Interdenominational
Address:
City: Hallsville
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: 4 mi. north of Hallsville on FM 450 near Noonday Cemetery
Marker Text: Founded in 1897 by J. M. Black, T. P. Black, F. E. Dickard, J. B. LaGrone, J. J. Koon and G. B. Richardson, early civic leaders who were businessmen and landowners. The first two annual camp meetings were held under brush arbors on site given by Mrs. Alfred Beaty and Messrs. Will Schaffer, Will Brazzil and G. W. Croft. Tabernacle was built here in 1900. A plantation bell
announced services. In early days, guests came by special trains. Camp is controlled by a board of managers who maintain the facilities and conduct business.

Marker Title: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Address:
City: Hallsville
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1997
Designations: na
Marker Location: 3.8 mi. south of Hallsville on FM 450, then 1 mi. east on Pleasant Road
Marker Text: Within a few months of the 1865 notification of the Emancipation Proclamation, former slave families began to settle in the area later known as the Pleasant Hill community. Led by Brother Ned Jacobs, several community members held prayer meetings in private homes. In 1871 the Pleasant Hill baptist Church was established under a brush arbor with the Rev. George Pritchett as pastor. In the absence of other public gathering places, the church became a focal point for community pursuits such as reading and writing lessons and economic and political meetings, as well as the church's own gatherings. (1997)

Marker Title: Sam Houston School
Address: 1201 E. Houston Ave.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1993
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: The Marshall School Board purchased two acres here in 1903 as the site for this 8-room brick school building designed by prominent architect C. G. Lancaster. Originally called the "East Side School" it opened to anglo students in 1905. The school initially offered elementary classes to students in Marshall's expanding eastern sector and for 2 years offered a high school curriculum for students throughout the community. It was renamed Sam Houston School in the early 1920s and continued to serve the community until it was closed by the school district in 1981.

Marker Title: Smyrna United Methodist Church
Address: FM 450
City: Harleton
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1998
Designations: na
Marker Location: 5 mi. NW of Harleton
Marker Text: Dr. John Chadd and his family arrived in Harrison County from Indiana in 1846. With several other men from the community, Dr. Chadd founded the Smyrna Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The Chadd home served as the meeting place for the congregation; services, held once every three weeks, were led by Methodist circuit riders. In 1858 Dr. Chadd and another founder, William Knox, deeded 2 acres to the E. J. Glover Masonic Lodge No. 178 for the use of the church. A two-story log building was shared by the Masons, the church, and the local school. The structure and its replacement were destroyed by fire. In 1874 Chadd deeded land adjoining the church property and a new building was erected in that year. By 1887 the congregation numbered 80. The school was moved to land donated by Chadd in 1902. The church building was destroyed by a cyclone in 1905. Two years later,
Chadd again deeded land to the church, and the Methodist Conference gave $100 for a new edifice. George Oscar McIntosh, the contractor for the new structure, became a church member. In 1953 McIntosh was the head carpenter for construction of the fifth church building. Renamed Smyrna United Methodist Church in 1968, the congregation counted 56 members in 1997. The church continues to be a center of Smyrna community and religious life. (1998)

Marker Title: Site of Temple Moses Montefiore
Address: W. Burleson and N. Fulton St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1982
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: In 1887 Jewish residents of the Marshall area organized the Moses Montefiore congregation, Adath Israel. Daniel Doppelmayer, a Civil War veteran and one of the pioneer Jewish settlers of the area, was selected as the first president. At his suggestion, the congregational name was chosen to honor Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885), the noted Jewish financier and
philanthropist of England. In 1900, under the direction of President Ike Hochwald, a temple was constructed at this site. Designed by the local architect C. g. Lancaster and built by the firm of Sonnefield and Emmons, it featured an elaborate middle eastern architectural style. The structure served as the congregation's place of worship and as a center of the community's cultural and civic activity until 1973, when it was razed. The Moses Montefiore congregation was founded on a tradition of community leadership, which was begun by pioneer Jewish residents who moved here when the area was first settled. Members and rabbis of the temple continue to play a vital role in the development of Marshall. Their contributions now serve as reminders of their influence on the civic, business and cultural
character of the city.

Marker Title: Trinity Episcopal Church
Address: S. Grove and W. Houston St.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1973
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: One of the oldest Episcopal churches in Texas. An outgrowth of 1840s work in Caddo Lake area by the Rev. William Steel of Louisiana, and of appeals for priests made by Frances Cox Henderson (wife of the diplomat, Governor, U.S. Senator, J. Pinckney Henderson) to the church in the United States. Trinity parish was founded Jan. 4, 1851, with 22 members, by the Rev. Henry Sansom (1821-1903), who was rector 1851-1855. Original membership included E. G. Benners, later a priest; also the Key family, who
remain in parish a century later. Communicants have included Confederate Generals Benjamin Huger and Louis T. Wigfall, and 20th century jurist T. Whitfield Davidson. The Rev. Edwin A. Wagner (rector intermittently, 1859-1875), the Rev. C. C. Kramer (1909-1914), the Rev. C. S. Sargent (1914-1921) and others built spiritual strength of the parish and advocated a permanent church edifice to replace successive early structures. Present church was built in 1926-26, when the Rev. Charles S. Monroe was rector. It was
dedicated by Bishop Clinton S. Quin, July 25, 1926. Architect was J. W. Northrup, Jr., Houston. The Rev. Henry F. Selcer (1930-1956) achieved record for longest service as rector. Parish in 1972 had 508 members. Its day school renders community service.

Marker Title: Wiley College
Address: 711 Rosborough Springs Rd.
City: Marshall
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1973
Designations: na
Marker Location: in front of Cole Library on Wiley College campus, NW corner of Roseborough and University St.
Marker Text: (Established March 17, 1873; chartered 1882) Founded by Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Church (North) as a co-educational institution dedicated to the education of black men and women freed by the Civil war. Named for Bishop Isaac W. Wiley (1825-84), black religious leader. Original campus was 2 miles south, relocated here in 1878. In early years offered courses only in academic preparation and vocational fields; first college-level course offered, 1885; first graduate, Henry b. Pemberton, 1888. In 1893 Wiley College received its first black president, the Rev. Isaiah Scott, former slave preacher. During the first half of the 20th century, under the administration of Dr. Matthew W. Dogan, the school experienced an era of growth and maturity; rated "A" by the Association of Negro Colleges in 1924. In his 46 years as president, dr. dogan initiated a combined technical and academic program, offering the students scholastic experience and practical training. Known as the "Wiley method," it was widely copied among black colleges. Wiley College Presidents: F. C. Moore (1873-1876); W. J. Davis (1876-1885); N. D. Clifford (1885-1887); George Whitaker (1887-1891); P. a. Pool (1891-1893); Isaiah Scott (1893-1896); M. w. Dogan (1896-1942); E. C. McLeod (1942-1947)

Marker Title: Woodlawn Baptist Church
Address:
City: Woodlawn
County: Harrison
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Designations: na
Marker Location: on US 59, 1 mi. S. of Woodlawn, about 6.5 mi. north of Marshall
Marker Text: Organized as Bethesda Baptist Church on July 21, 1850, with 13 charter members, most of whom had come from Mississippi or Alabama. Bethesda church building, erected in 1850, was moved in 1877 to a site donated by Capt. Henry L. Berry. For 95 years, until 1945, services were held only on the fourth Sunday of each month, sometimes furnishing an occasion for "dinner on the ground." In 1958, the congregation adopted its present name and completed this modern building on a site given by Mr. and Mrs. George C. Ives.