Historical Marker

Mount Zion Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
FM 1803S CR 3703, Athens, Texas
( 12 mi. of Athens E on FM 1803S; between Murchison and Leagueville on 1803 near CR 3703)
Marker installed: 2004
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Mount Zion Baptist Church organized in 1873 in the rural Black Jack community of Henderson County. Members met under a brush arbor until 1885, when they built their first sanctuary, a small frame structure. The congregation became a charter affiliate of the Henderson County Baptist Association in 1902. That same year, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Morton donated the sanctuary site to the church to secure its location. The Rev. Malachiah Reeves, a resident of Henderson County and veteran of the Civil War, served as the first pastor and as a trustee of Mount Zion. Since his tenure, many pastors have preached at the church while pursuing studies at Baylor University or Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Most of the church's early members were farmers, and the growth of the congregation was slow due to the sparse settlement of the agricultural community. By 1923, however, the congregation had outgrown its original sanctuary and built a new one. The present sanctuary was built in 1940, with later additions including a fellowship hall and Sunday School classrooms, as well as a baptistery. Until then, baptisms were held at many different locations, including small lakes and the First Baptist Church in Murchison.

Today, the Mount Zion congregation is active in mission work, and its buildings provide meeting space for community groups. Regular Sunday School classes, and important part of the church since its formation, provide religious education for members of all ages. Mount Zion Baptist Church continues to serve the Black Jack community as a focal point of activity for area residents. (2005)

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.

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Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Henderson County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.