First United Methodist Church of Bonham
Bonham, Fannin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1844 in the Republic of Texas by a circuit rider, the Rev. James H. Graham (1815-1884), this church first met in a log cabin, which it shared with Baptist and Presbyterian congregations. Charter members included the families of Bailey English (1797-1867), founder of the town of bonham, and his brother-in-law, James P. Simpson. The log cabin was replaced in 1872 by a frame church, which the Methodists shared on alternate Sundays with Cumberland Presbyterians until 1881. A brick church building was erected in 1887 and rebuilt one year after it was destroyed by a fire in 1898. The Women's Missionary Society, organized in 1887, enabled Lelia Roberts (1861-1950), a lifelong members of this congregation, to begin a mission school in Mexico. Miss Roberts, along with her sister, Martha, operated the school for 44 years until it was taken over by the Mexican government in 1930. A memorial fund, established by the church in 1950, continues the missionary efforts begun by Miss Roberts. An education building was constructed in 1952-53 and the present sanctuary in 1960-61. With a current (1975) membership of 841, this is one of the largest congregations in Fannin County.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1844 in the Republic of Texas by circuit rider James H. Graham, this Methodist congregation first met in a shared log cabin alongside Baptists and Presbyterians, its charter members including Bonham's founder Bailey English. Over the decades it built and rebuilt through fire and growth. Its Women's Missionary Society, organized in 1887, sent lifelong member Lelia Roberts and her sister Martha to run a mission school in Mexico for 44 years.
Why it matters
It shows how frontier congregations — and especially their women's missionary societies — extended education and outreach far beyond the church walls.
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Related people
- · Rev. James H. Graham
- · Bailey English
- · Lelia Roberts
- · Martha Roberts
Themes & tags
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