Antioch Church of Christ

Dr. William P. Defee was preaching in homes across Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby counties from 1833, the Handbook of Texas says in its Disciples of Christ entry. The same entry records that Antioch Church was organized in 1836 in Rhoddy Anthony's home, four miles from San Augustine, and calls it the oldest continuous congregation in the area. The Handbook's Church of Christ entry names Defee as the first Church of Christ minister to preach in Texas and credits him with establishing Antioch that year.

What the plaque says

Antioch Church of Christ William P. Defee, a medical doctor, arrived in Texas in 1833 and began preaching in homes. In 1836 he began this congregation. They met in a dirt-floored, log building on Rhoddy Anthony's property. The name "Antioch" was chosen because the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Anthony was selected elder and served for 50 years. About 1870 a new sanctuary was built on this land belonging to Stephen Passmore. The building served as a schoolhouse and community meeting place. This structure was completed in 1938. (1979)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• San Augustine City Cemetery — 3.7 mi
• An Early Presbyterian Church in Texas — 3.8 mi
• Site of the Battle of Fredonia — 3.8 mi
• Home of Col. Stephen William Blount — 3.8 mi