Burke Methodist Church

Harvey Belote was born in Tennessee in 1852 and owned about 540 acres that appear to include most of what became Burke. His wife Nannie's Guinn family once owned 5,000 acres in Angelina County and also gave land at Ryan Chapel. Belote ran a drugstore across from the post office, still his in 1920, and a sawmill with a partner. A Methodist minister, David M. Stovall, lived in Burke from about 1886 to 1912 and may have been the church's first pastor. Belote died in Houston in 1938 and is buried at Ryan Chapel Cemetery.

What the plaque says

Burke Methodist Church Founded in 1889 by a small group of Methodists, this church has played an integral role in the history of the community. H. and Nannie Belote donated land to the congregation in 1894, and the first church building was completed in 1901. It was moved to another section of church property in 1920 and was remodeled in 1940 to serve the needs of the growing membership. A new brick sanctuary and educational building were completed in 1957. Burke Methodist Church has served the community with a variety of worship, educational, and outreach programs. (1991) SUPPLEMENTAL PLATE: Burke Community Church 2023

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Burke School — 0.3 mi
• Ryan Chapel — 1.5 mi
• Hoshall — 2.9 mi
• Diboll — 3.1 mi