Old Union Church & Cemetery
Newton, Newton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This Baptist Church was organized formally in 1855 with 54 charter members, although records indicate a congregation was in existence as early as 1851. An early 1900s fire burned their log sanctuary, which was replaced by the present structure. Monthly services and summer camp meetings were held here until 1928, when the church moved to Cline's Ferry Road. The congregation's first pastor, Enoch S. S. Phelps, is buried in this cemetery, as are descendants of John Newton, for whom the county is named. Land for the "scraped style" cemetery was given in 1876 by W. A. Droddy.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized formally in 1855 with 54 charter members—though worshippers had gathered here since about 1851—this Baptist congregation reflects the rhythms of frontier East Texas religious life, where log sanctuaries and summer camp meetings knit scattered settlers together. After fire destroyed the original log building in the early 1900s, the present structure rose in its place, serving until the church relocated in 1928. The adjoining 'scraped style' cemetery, its land donated in 1876, holds the congregation's first pastor and descendants of John Newton, the county's namesake.
Why it matters
Rural churches and their burial grounds were the social anchors of pioneer Texas, and this one ties a living congregation to the very family for whom the surrounding county is named.
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Related people
- · Enoch S. S. Phelps
- · John Newton
- · W. A. Droddy
Themes & tags
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