Mims Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery
Jefferson, Marion County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This church was organized by pioneer area settlers before the Civil War. The first building here was a log structure known as the Rock Church because of a large nearby rock where early meetings were held. The church was later named Mims Chapel Methodist Church in honor of brothers John W. Mims (1829-1907) and Henry Mims (1839-1915), who were instrumental in securing this site for the congregation. Graves in the cemetery date from the 1870s and include prominent early community leaders. A schoolhouse here was in use until about 1906. (1983)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Pioneer settlers organized this Methodist congregation before the Civil War, first gathering at a log 'Rock Church' named for a large stone where early meetings were held. It was later renamed Mims Chapel to honor brothers John W. and Henry Mims, who helped secure the site. Graves in the adjoining cemetery reach back to the 1870s and include prominent early community leaders, and a schoolhouse stood here until about 1906.
Why it matters
Rural church-and-cemetery sites like Mims Chapel were the social bedrock of frontier East Texas, where a single log building served at once as sanctuary, school, and community center for scattered pioneer families.
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Related people
- · John W. Mims
- · Henry Mims
Themes & tags
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