Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church
Gholson, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1873, during the height of the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War, Methodist families in the vicinity of Gholson met to organize a church. Services were first held in log schoolhouse near the cemetery. After it burned, members met in the new schoolhouse until a sanctuary was completed on this site in 1891. The land, located one mile north of the schoolhouse where the church began, was donated by Frank and Lucy Sparks. A focal point of Gholson since 1873, Wesley Chapel continues to reflect the goals and ideals of its founders.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1873, at the height of Reconstruction, Methodist families near Gholson gathered to organize a church, first meeting in a log schoolhouse by the cemetery. After fire and a move, they completed a sanctuary on this site in 1891 on land donated by Frank and Lucy Sparks. The congregation has remained a focal point of the Gholson community ever since.
Why it matters
The chapel reflects how rural congregations anchored community life in Texas during the difficult years of Reconstruction and after.
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Related people
- · Frank Sparks
- · Lucy Sparks
Themes & tags
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