First Methodist Church of Palestine

Palestine's first church, Bascom Chapel, was named for Bishop Henry B. Bascom. Born in 1796 in Hancock, New York, Bascom rode Kentucky circuits, taught at Augusta College and from 1842 to 1849 was president of Transylvania University in Lexington. In 1850 the Methodist Episcopal Church, South elected him a bishop at St. Louis. He died in Louisville that September 8. The town of Bascom, Texas, also carries his name. Bascom Chapel, which a waymark dates to 1850, stood at what is now 812 North Mallard Street and was the town's only house of worship for years.

What the plaque says

First Methodist Church of Palestine This church began with Methodist classes organized by John Wilson in 1840 and held in this area at the home of John Box. Louisiana Catherine "Aunt Bee" Small helped formally organize a Methodist church in Palestine soon after its selection as Anderson County Seat in 1846. By 1848 the Palestine community was included in the circuit of the Rev. Henderson D. Palmer. Palestine's first church structure was built by area Methodists in 1850 at present day 812 N. Mallard Street. Named "Bascom Chapel" after Bishop Henry B. Bascom, it served numerous congregations in the community for many years as Palestine's sole house of worship. In 1884 Palestine's Methodists erected a new sanctuary at the corner of Avenue A and N. Mallard Street and named it "Centenary." About 1900 a split in the congregation resulted in the formation of the First Methodist Church. Led by Dr. James Kilgore, First Methodist built a sanctuary here in 1910. The structure was remodeled in 1952 and in 1986 the adjoining "Carroll Building" was erected. Women's local and foreign missionary efforts have been a part of church activities since at least 1910. The congregation continues to support numerous youth programs and activities. (1993)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Texas State Railroad Excursion Train — 3.9 mi
  A round trip of about 25 miles of track between the Palestine and Rusk depots through the Piney Woods, on a line built by prison labor and reopened as a tourist railroad in 1976.

More markers nearby

• Home of Congressman and Mrs. Alexander W. Gregg — steps away
• Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II — 0.2 mi
• Kolstad Jewelers — 0.3 mi
• Eilenberger's Bakery — 0.3 mi