Barnhart Cowboy Church
Barnhart, Irion County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Local residents, representing several faiths, gathered for an outdoor community meeting in 1914 to organize this Union church. The sanctuary was constructed by cowboys from area ranches, working under the supervision of W. H. Parker and his brother-in-law Henry Barker. Completed in 1917, the building was known as the Cowboy Church. Since the early days of Barnhart, members of various Christian denominations have worshiped here together. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1914 residents of several faiths met outdoors to organize a shared Union church for the ranching community of Barnhart. Cowboys from the surrounding spreads built the sanctuary themselves under the direction of W. H. Parker and his brother-in-law, finishing it in 1917. Fittingly nicknamed the Cowboy Church, it has hosted worshippers of many denominations together ever since.
Why it matters
A house of worship literally raised by cowhands, the Barnhart Cowboy Church embodies the frontier ecumenism that bound scattered ranch families into a community.
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Related people
- · W. H. Parker
- · Henry Barker
Themes & tags
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