Cedar Grove Baptist Church
Carthage, Panola County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Soon after the Civil War, settlers established a community here, naming it Snap after Snap Cariker, a physician and early resident. On May 14, 1905, several members of what was known as Six Mile Church met under the leadership of the Rev. W.A. Reagan and organized the Baptist Church of Christ at Old Six Mile Church. They continued meeting in the facilties of their former congregation until making plans to build their own sanctuary in 1911. At that same time, members changed the congregational name to Cedar Grove Baptist Church of Christ, dedicating a new sanctuary in 1912 and establishing a Sunday school program. Four years later,the congregation became affiliated with the Panola County Baptist Association, and within a few more years it became known simply as Cedar Grove Baptist Church. The church later affiliated with other area associations, and preachers from nearby towns led services once a month. The largely agricultural community of Snap supported several businesses until World War II, after which its population slowly declined. The church, however, continued to grow throughout the 20th century, eventually conducting services twice monthly and in 1951 establishing a full-time pastorate. The congregation supported numerous programs during its first century, including women's, men's and youth service and study groups, and annual vacation Bible school. Continuing to grow, the congregation also continued to build new facilities for its various programs. More than one hundred years after its founding members first met as a congregation, Cedar Grove Baptist Church continues its work and service. Family-oriented, the church provides a focal point for the numerous residents in the area. (2005)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Soon after the Civil War, settlers founded a community here and named it Snap for a local physician, Snap Cariker. In 1905 members of the nearby Six Mile Church organized under the Rev. W.A. Reagan, built their own sanctuary by 1912, and took the name Cedar Grove Baptist Church. While the farming village of Snap declined after World War II, the congregation kept growing, adding a full-time pastorate in 1951 and new facilities as it passed its centennial.
Why it matters
Cedar Grove shows how a rural East Texas church can outlast the very community that founded it, becoming the enduring gathering point long after farms and stores faded.
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Related people
- · W.A. Reagan
- · Snap Cariker
Themes & tags
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