County Line Baptist Church and Cemetery
Geneva, Sabine County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation began soon after the end of the Civil War in the Freedmen's community known as Weeks Quarters (about 2 mi. S). Early prayer meetings and worship services were conducted in homes. Led by the Rev. M. McBerry, the congregation built its first sanctuary in 1868. Worshipers came from a large surrounding area to attend services in the small frame building, which also served as a community schoolhouse. The church's name originated from its location near the Sabine-San Augustine County line. In 1885 the members voted to relocate the church to the nearby Hankla community, next to the County Line Cemetery (about 2/10 mi. N). The oldest documented grave in the cemetery dates to 1902, although local oral tradition suggests burials occurred much earlier. Many early graves are unmarked. In 1944 the congregation voted to move once again to this location. Since that time additional facilities have been built to serve the growing congregation. County Line Baptist Church continues to serve members from a large area in both San Augustine and Sabine counties. (1990)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
County Line Baptist Church grew out of the Freedmen's community of Weeks Quarters soon after the Civil War, first meeting in homes before Rev. M. McBerry led members in building a frame sanctuary in 1868 that doubled as a schoolhouse. Named for its site near the Sabine–San Augustine county line, the congregation relocated to Hankla beside the County Line Cemetery in 1885 and moved again to this location in 1944. It still draws worshipers from across both counties.
Why it matters
Founded by newly freed people who built their own church and school together, the congregation reflects how emancipated communities anchored their freedom in faith and education.
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Related people
- · M. McBerry
Themes & tags
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