First Methodist Church
Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded on this site, 1844. Rev. Jas. Baldridge, first pastor. Log church was replaced 1860 by most imposing brick one west of Mississippi River. Its bell, minted of 1500 Mexican silver dollars, now is in this building erected 1884. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1844 with the Rev. James Baldridge as its first pastor, this Methodist congregation replaced its log church in 1860 with what was called the most imposing brick church west of the Mississippi. Its bell, cast from 1,500 Mexican silver dollars, still rings in the present building, erected in 1884.
Why it matters
The church traces Protestant community life on the Texas frontier from the Republic era through the boom years of the riverport town of Jefferson.
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Related people
- · James Baldridge
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
William Clark Residence
Jefferson, TX
The two back rooms of this house are thought to date before 1852, built by Allen Urquhart, the founder of the riverport town of Jefferson. In 1885 the merchant William Clark bought the place and added three front rooms, living here for forty-three years while serving as postmaster, county judge, and Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge of Texas.
Presbyterian Church
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Built in 1872 for an already-established congregation, this Jefferson church was once the largest Cumberland Presbyterian building in Texas—fitting for what was then a thriving riverport town in the state's northeast. Its distinctive steeple carries painted clock faces marking the hours for Sunday school and morning and evening worship, alongside a specially cast bell. The building reflects the wealth and ambition of Jefferson during its commercial heyday.
Rowell Home
Jefferson, TX
Built about 1862 by civic leader Q. Bateman, this Jefferson home dates to the era when the town was a thriving inland riverport in East Texas. A. H. Rowell bought the house in 1884, and it retained its original gaslight fixtures and other period relics into the twentieth century. It was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1966.
Beard House
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Built in 1860 in the riverport town of Jefferson, the Beard House is a cottage-type dwelling raised on the eve of the Civil War. Its kitchen stood detached from the main house, a common practice in the Old South meant to keep heat and fire risk away from the living quarters. It was recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1966.