Texas Historical Marker #03464
Mooreville Methodist Church. Methodists living in this area were gathering for worship services as early as 1866. The following year, the Rev. Howell L. Taylor assisted the group in formally establishing a Methodist church congregation. Named the Mooreville Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the congregation had eighteen charter members. Early worship services were held 2 miles southeast of this site on George W. Bowman's farm. By 1874 the congregation had completed its first church structure. Built on land donated by Edward G. Hanrick, it was located 2 miles north. Services were held there until 1882, when the congregation built its second sanctuary at this site upon land donated by Edward McCulloughh. In 1912, the congregation constructed its third and present worship building. The appearance of the wood frame structure is eclectic, as its architectural elements reflect a variety of styles. Prominent features include a Queen Anne style shingled bell tower, bungalow style skirtwall foundation and bracketing, and beaux arts style arched windows. The historic church congregation has played an important role in the community's religious history. #3464
?, Mooreville, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #03463
Mooreville Cemetery. Irishman Robert Moore was the first person to settle permanently in this area. Arriving in the 1850s, he opened a general store on top of a hill south of Cow Bayou. By 1859 several other families lived here and the community became known as Mooreville. Confederate veteran Edward McCullough (1834-1902) came to Morreville in 1865 and later purchased land that included this site. During his ownership this cemetery was established. The graveyard appears to have been used by the community at large from its beginning; the earliest marked graves, which date to 1866, bear surnames of Martin, Grayum, and Russell. The burial ground's existence was first recorded in deed records in 1876, when Edward McCollough deeded land for a burial ground. Since World War II, the historic burial ground has been maintained by the Mooreville Cemetery Association, which was formally established in 1973. The association counts among its members many descendants of Mooreville's original permanent settlers. The Mooreville Cemetery is an important cultural resource in this area. It remains a tangible reminder of this community's pioneer heritage. #3463
?, Mooreville, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01082
Cottonwood Baptist Church. This congregation was founded by a group of German-speaking families who had moved from the Washington County area to the rich farmlands of Falls County. The organizational meeting was held March 4, 1884, at the home of Anton Wittner. Fifteen charter members named their congregation the German Baptist Church of Cottonwood. For four years, worship services were held in the members' homes. In 1888, during the ministry of the Rev. F. J. Gleiss, the congregation's first full-time pastor, a church building was constructed. Additional, larger facilities were built over the years to accommodate the growing membership. During World War I, the German church was suspected of hiding arms in the sanctuary loft, despite the members' support of the war effort. In 1930 the congregation began a gradual transition from services conducted in German to those led in English. Renamed Cottonwood Baptist Church in 1945, the congregation has provided significant service and leadership to the residents of this area throughout its history. Descendants of some of the original German families continue to worship here. #1082
?, Mooreville, TX, United States