Union Hill Church
Huntsville, Walker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1872, W.L. Holloway donated a tract of land to the Bath community. A small building on the land served as school and sanctuary for area residents, who established Union Hill Crhuch that same year. The congregation's first trustees were Martin Palmer, Jr., Jackson Wells, Jr. and Frank Arnold. Significant pastors were the Rev. Elisha Day and his son, the Rev. Robert E. Day. During one of Robert Day's sermons, a possum reportedly walked into the sanctuary, giving the community its locally known name of Possum Walk. Pastors from several denominations have served the church, which remains active, and the building, renovated over the years, continues to serve the community as a place for meetings and worship. (2003)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1872 W.L. Holloway donated land to the Bath community, where a small building served at once as school and sanctuary for the newly formed Union Hill Church. Its early trustees and pastors — among them the Rev. Elisha Day and his son the Rev. Robert E. Day — guided a congregation open to several denominations. Legend holds that a possum once wandered into one of Robert Day's sermons, giving the settlement its enduring nickname, Possum Walk.
Why it matters
Union Hill reflects how rural Texas communities built shared spaces where a single humble building served as both church and schoolhouse for generations.
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Related people
- · W.L. Holloway
- · Rev. Elisha Day
- · Rev. Robert E. Day
Themes & tags
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