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Smithfield Church of Christ

North Richland Hills, Tarrant County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Smithfield Church of Christ This congregation can trace its history to October 25, 1888, when J. E. and Mary E. Turner deeded two lots of land in the new railroad town of Smithfield to Christian Church trustees Uriah French, Lewis Jones and Thomas Garrett. A one-room building was constructed on the property for worship services. Known as the Smithfield Church of Christ after a doctrinal split in the early 1900s, the congregation purchased property on this site in 1956, across the street from its original location, and completed a new building in 1960. Programs of study, worship and outreach continue to keep the Smithfield Church of Christ a significant part of the community's heritage. (2002)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

This congregation traces its roots to 1888, when a local couple deeded two lots in the new railroad town of Smithfield to Christian Church trustees, who raised a one-room house of worship. After an early-1900s doctrinal split, it became the Smithfield Church of Christ. In 1956 the congregation bought land across the street and dedicated a new building in 1960.

Why it matters

The church reflects how railroad towns took shape across late-19th-century Texas, with congregations forming at the heart of new trackside communities.

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Related people

  • ¡ J. E. Turner
  • ¡ Mary E. Turner

Themes & tags

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