First Methodist Church

On paper, Crockett Methodism begins at the Mississippi Conference in Natchez on December 4, 1839, which divided the Republic of Texas into two districts. Crockett appears in the East Texas District under Littleton Fowler, with Henderson D. Palmer appointed, and Aldrich counts it one of fifteen Methodist charges in the Republic. The Handbook of Texas says Fowler organized congregations near Crockett and Nacogdoches. The pastor list that follows names Daniel C. Carl in 1840, Nathan Shook and James H. Collard in 1841, and John C. Woolam in 1847.

What the plaque says

First Methodist Church City's first congregation and one of the oldest in Texas. Formed 1839 with Henderson Palmer as pastor. Noted Minister Littleton Fowler was presiding elder at organization. Methodists shared a structure with Crockett's other denominations until erecting a frame building on this site in 1864. The church was host to East Texas Annual Conferences of 1862, 1871, 1877, 1888. Present sanctuary, built in 1901-1902 of brick fired at site, is oldest extant house of worship in city. First sessions of newly-merged Texas Annual Conference were held here, December 3-8, 1902. (1968)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Caddo Mounds State Historic Site — 26 mi
  Three earthen mounds of an ancestral Caddo village and ceremonial center on the old El Camino Real, settled about A.D. 800 and still sacred to Caddo people, with a grass house and visitor center.

More markers nearby

• Site of R. E. McConnell Property — steps away
• First Presbyterian Church of Crockett — steps away
• First National Bank of Crockett — steps away
• Crockett — steps away