Hickory Grove Baptist Church
Kilgore, Rusk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Cross Roads Community, located in northern Rusk County and southern Gregg County, recognized a need for a cemetery and church in 1911. In 1912, five acres of land which adjoined the pre-existing Hickory Grove Cemetery on the west side were purchased. Construction of a church began in late 1912. In 1930, the name was changed from Missionary Baptist Church of Christ at Hickory Grove to Hickory Grove Baptist Church. In 1991, the building was relocated across Rusk County Road 284 to land donated by the Still family. The original sanctuary was replaced in 1992 with a new auditorium. For over a century, Hickory Grove Baptist Church has been an active source of support for the community and those in need.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Cross Roads community, straddling the line between Rusk and Gregg counties, saw a need for a church and cemetery in 1911 and bought five acres beside the existing Hickory Grove Cemetery. A church rose in 1912, took the Hickory Grove name in 1930, and was later moved across the road onto land donated by the Still family before a new auditorium replaced the original sanctuary. For more than a century it has been a steady source of support for its neighbors.
Why it matters
Rural congregations like this one were the organizing heart of scattered farming communities, providing the gathering place a crossroads settlement needed to become a real community.
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Themes & tags
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