Merriman Baptist Church
Historical marker location:Local Baptists met in private homes for many years between the nomination of Merriman as the county seat in 1874 and the organization of the Merriman Baptist Church in 1892. The charter members were Edmond Duncan, Fannie Duncan, Josie Duncan, Ozella Duncan, T. W. Duncan, Cles Hollaway, H. A. Inman, George Moss, C. J. Pugh, B. R. Williams, I. B. Williams, Virginia Williams and S. Williams. They called J. L Mays as their first pastor. The congregation erected a small church house in 1893 and a wood frame meeting house in 1903.
An oil boom hit the area in 1917. Trustees of the 29-member Merriman Baptist Church leased drilling rights on the property. When the derrick struck oil, the well began to earn $300 to $400 per day. The congregation kept a small amount for operating expenses and gave the rest to various Baptist organizations and charities. For some time, the church was able to give about $100,000 a year to domestic and foreign missions, the Buckner Orphans Home, Dallas and Houston sanitariums, Simmons College, Old Ministers Relief, Baptist Standard Publishing Company, Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary, Christian education and other causes.
The noise of oil drilling operations in the area became disruptive to church services in 1918. The congregation built a tabernacle in the area in which services were held until 1922 when they erected a new brick edifice.
The Merriman Baptist Church boasted two hundred and twenty-five members in 1999, seven of whom were descended from the 1918 membership, and continued to meet in the structure erected 75 years before. The church continues to serve the area. (1999)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
The county's official establishment came in 1858, when Texas Legislature recognized it as a separate entity. The county was named after William M. Eastland, who fought in the Texan Revolution and served as a Texas Ranger. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eastland County experienced significant growth and development thanks to the arrival of railroads, making it a crucial transportation hub for the surrounding regions.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century also brought prosperity to Eastland County. The oil boom led to a population increase, as well as the growth of industrial and commercial sectors. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s had a devastating impact on the county, leading to a decline in population and economic activity.
In recent decades, Eastland County has worked to revive its economy and preserve its rich heritage. Today, the county is known for its thriving agricultural sector, including cattle farming and crop cultivation. The county also attracts tourists with its natural beauty, offering outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. Eastland County continues to embrace its history while looking towards a promising future.
Eastland County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Eastland County, Texas.
- 1850 - Eastland County is established as a county in Texas.
- 1854 - The town of Palo Pinto is designated as the county seat.
- 1858 - Palo Pinto is abandoned, and the county seat is moved to Merriman.
- 1875 - Merriman loses the county seat status to Eastland.
- 1890 - The Texas Central Railroad arrives in Eastland, fueling growth and economic development.
- 1907 - The first oil well in Eastland County is drilled, leading to the rise of the oil industry in the area.
- 1920 - The Eastland City Dam is built, creating Lake Leon and providing a water source for the region.
- 1930 - The population of Eastland County reaches its peak, with over 30,000 residents.
- 1938 - Eastland County is severely affected by the devastating tornado outbreak known as the "Wichita Falls–East Texas Tornado Outbreak."
- 1950s - The decline of the oil industry and changes in agriculture lead to a population decrease in Eastland County.
- Today, Eastland County is a rural area with a diverse economy, including agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism.