HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

Roberts Baptist Church

San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Founded 1872 by the Rev. John Patton, in Brush Arbor. Members erected building on land (2.5 mi. NE) given by Elisha Roberts, but in 1918 bought present site. Member families are faithful for generations; so are pastors: the Rev. Jim Canton and son, the Rev. Hubert, were in the Roberts pulpit for 58 years. (1972)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Founded in 1872 by the Rev. John Patton in a brush arbor, this congregation first built on land donated by Elisha Roberts before moving to its present site in 1918. Its story is one of remarkable continuity: the Rev. Jim Canton and his son Hubert together held the Roberts pulpit for 58 years, and many member families have stayed faithful across generations.

Why it matters

It illustrates the deep, multigenerational roots that rural churches put down in East Texas, binding families to place and one another for well over a century.

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Related people

  • · Rev. John Patton
  • · Elisha Roberts
  • · Rev. Jim Canton
  • · Rev. Hubert Canton

Themes & tags

Nearby & related markers

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