First Christian Church of Bonham
Bonham, Fannin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Congregation organized in 1868 by Charles Carlton (1821-1902). Born in England, he was educated in West Virginia under Alexander Campbell, founder of Disciples of Christ movement. Carlton moved to Bonham in 1867 and here organized Carlton College. First Christian Church was established on May 31, 1868, with 27 charter members. This lot was bought from Col. Jack R. Russell in 1877, and a frame building was erected in 1878. Present classical revival structure was built in 1912. The Rev. Charles M. Schoonover was minister at its dedication.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
English-born Charles Carlton, educated in West Virginia under Alexander Campbell of the Disciples of Christ movement, settled in Bonham in 1867 and soon founded Carlton College. In May 1868 he organized the First Christian Church with 27 charter members, who worshiped in a frame building raised in 1878 on a lot bought from Col. Jack R. Russell. The present classical revival sanctuary followed in 1912.
Why it matters
Carlton's twin legacy of church and college shows how the Disciples of Christ movement carried both faith and education into the towns of nineteenth-century Texas.
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Related people
- · Charles Carlton
- · Alexander Campbell
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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