McMahan's Chapel

Samuel Doak McMahan moved to Sabine County in 1831, according to Walter Vernon's article in the East Texas Historical Journal, and held his land title from October 11, 1835. Vernon says James Stevenson organized the society in 1833 after camp meetings in July and September. McMahan became class leader and in 1837 was licensed as a local preacher by Robert Alexander. The first meetinghouse was a log building about thirty by forty feet, and sources differ on whether it rose in 1836, 1838 or 1839. Vernon notes that a Presbyterian church in Clarksville might challenge the oldest-Protestant-church claim.

What the plaque says

McMahan's Chapel The oldest Methodist church having a continuous existence in Texas. Organized as a "religious society," 1833, at the home of Colonel Samuel McMahan by the Rev. James P. Stevenson (1808-1885). As a Methodist Church, July 1834, by the Rev. Henry Stephenson. First building was completed in 1839 by the Rev. Littleton Fowler and given the name of McMahan's Chapel. Displaced by a new building in 1872 and again in 1900. Erected by the State of Texas 1936

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Mial Scurlock — 1.4 mi
• Scurlock Cemetery — 1.4 mi
• El Lobanillo — 3.2 mi
• The Thompson Family — 3.9 mi