The Church of Christ in Rockwall
Rockwall, Rockwall County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Before establishing an independent republic in 1836, Texas settlers were expected to support the Mexican state religion. As Mexico's rule waned, residents and new arrivals to Texas organized non-Catholic churches. Among them was "the church on horseback and wheels." a group of approximately 300 members traveling from Tennessee to Texas. Led by noted preacher and physician Mansil (Mansell) W. Matthews, the members were part of what became known as the American Restoration Movement, which launched the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Church of Christ. Matthews' traveling church crossed into Texas at the Jonesborough crossing of the Red River on January 17, 1836 and became what is believed to be the first Church of Christ congregation in Texas. Matthews and his family moved to Rockwall in 1853. They only stayed a few years but during that time helped establish a local Church of Christ. Beginning with the strong leadership of Matthews in 1853, Rockwall's Church of Christ congregation grew during the next century. Members built their first meeting place in 1880. In 1895, a disagreement began over the use of instrumental music in worship, and the congregation split. The progressive faction became part of the Disciples of Christ and the conservative group formed a new Church of Christ congregation. Their first meetinghouse was completed in 1910. A later rift led to the formation of Lakeside Church of Christ, but the two groups later reunited in name, number and purpose. Known today as Eastridge Church of Christ, the congregation maintains the traditions of Texas' early religious pioneers through service, worship and study. (2005)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Before Texas won its independence in 1836, settlers were expected to uphold Mexico's Catholic state religion—so the arrival of a 300-member "church on horseback and wheels," led by preacher-physician Mansil Matthews, marked a turning point. Crossing the Red River in January 1836, the group is remembered as the first Church of Christ congregation in Texas. Matthews later helped plant a congregation in Rockwall in 1853, and through splits over instrumental music and later reunions, that church endures today as Eastridge Church of Christ.
Why it matters
The congregation carries the story of the American Restoration Movement into Texas and of the religious freedom that arrived hand in hand with the young republic.
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Related people
- · Mansil W. Matthews
Related events
- · American Restoration Movement
Themes & tags
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