Texas Historical Marker #08836
Ashley Lodge No. 681, A. F. & A. M.. Chartered on December 12, 1889, this was the seventh Masonic lodge organized in Fannin County. The first official meeting occurred in January 1890, in a two-story frame building which the lodge shared with the Baptist church. In 1912 the lodge purchased a separate building in downtown Bailey. The second floor was reserved for lodge meetings, while the first floor was leased to a variety of retail businesses. That structure burned in 1950, and Ashley Lodge members met in the Grove Hill Lodge in Leonard until a new building was completed in 1952. #8836
115 N. Main, Bailey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08843
James Fowler Biggers. (January 21, 1829 - October 26, 1914) A native of South Carolina, James Fowler Biggers grew up in Mississippi. In 1869 he and other members of his family traveled to Texas by wagon train and settled in Fannin County. Biggers helped establish the White Rock Primitive Baptist Church and often serve the congregation as a lay preacher. He was also instrumental in organizing a school in the church building and in establishing the White Rock Community Cemetery. #8843
?, Bailey, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08875
First Baptist Church of Bailey. On May 23, 1888, a small group of neighbors met together at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Baywood Atkins to discuss forming a Baptist church. Assisted by the Rev. J. L. Mays and the Rev. R. L. Pearce, a congregation was begun with twelve charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Baywood Atkins, Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Gray, Dr. A. J. Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Elijah H. Smith, Mrs. Mary Branch Sisson, Mr. and Mrs. John Turner, Charles T. Turner, and George Turner. The group first met in the Portland schoolhouse, and the congregation was named Corinth Baptist Church. Services were held in the schoolhouse once a month until 1890, when the church relocated to its present site in Bailey. The name was changed to First Baptist Church of Bailey, and the congregation shared a building with the local Masonic lodge. In 1912 the church began construction of a new sanctuary, which was completed and dedicated in May 1913. It was used until 1940, when a larger brick building was erected. Over the years, the First Baptist Church of Bailey has actively served its community. A part of Fannin County history for over one hundred years, the church continues to be a vital part of the town of Bailey. #8875
309 W. Church, Bailey, TX, United States