Details for Fields Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5001008747

Data

Marker Number 8747
Atlas Number 5001008747
Marker Title Fields Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery
Index Entry Fields Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery
Address
City Palestine
County Anderson
UTM Zone 15
UTM Easting 267892
UTM Northing 3516318
Subject Codes cemetery; churches; Methodist (Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist) denomination
Marker Year 1996
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location about 11 mi. east of Palestine on US 84
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Pioneer settlement began in this vicinity in the late 1830s and early 1940s. This area was the location of several camp revival meetings. The Rev. John W. Fields organized the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1852 and the church was named for him. Trustees elected were W. R. Anglin, J. J. O'Quinn, E. W. Hassell, Joseph Shaver, A. J. Killion, L. D. Fulton, and A. K. W. Jones. Adrian Anglin donated land to this congregation and property deeds were signed on June 23, 1853. The church members built a church that also served as a school. That structure was in use until the late 1940s, when a white brick sanctuary was erected. The cemetery may have been in use prior to the date of the church organization, as there is evidence of more than 100 unmarked graves identified only by iron ore rock, native to the area. The oldest marked grave dating to November 8, 1858, is that of Arminda Florence Langston, infant daughter of Willis B. and Amarillo Anglin Langston. The burials include many pioneer settlers and their descendants and veterans of the Civil War. The community has gathered for homecoming, a social event held annually on these grounds. The church and cemetery continue to serve this area of Anderson County. (1996)