Tioga United Methodist Church
Tioga, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Services began in homes of the Shiloh community, two miles to the east of here. In 1887, the worshipers organized the Shiloh Methodist Church, with the Rev. Mr. Allen as pastor. After Tioga was founded, the congregation moved here and erected original building on this site in 1893. Additional rooms and facilities have since been added to the central structure. This church has faithfully served Tioga. One of its members, Olan R. Van Zandt, was a representative, then senator, in the Texas Legislature for 16 years, 1926-1942.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This congregation began with services in the homes of the Shiloh community, two miles east, and organized as the Shiloh Methodist Church in 1887 under the Rev. Mr. Allen. After the town of Tioga was founded, the worshipers moved and built their sanctuary on this site in 1893, expanding it over the years. Among its members was Olan R. Van Zandt, who served sixteen years in the Texas Legislature as both representative and senator from 1926 to 1942.
Why it matters
It illustrates how frontier churches migrated with their communities as railroads and new towns reshaped rural Texas.
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Related people
- · Olan R. Van Zandt
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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