Stephen F. Austin State University

FUMC Crockett earns National recognition (November 2011)

FUMC Crockett earns National recognition
By Lynda Jones

The congregation of First Methodist Church in Crockett celebrated a proud moment Sunday, Oct. 23, as they dedicated the church's new National Register of Historic Places Marker.

Church members Dr. David Gallant and Dorian Sullivan (Sullivan also is a member of the Major Jarrell Beasley Chapter NSDAR.) were credited with helping the church to gain this recognition.

Dr. Keith A. Jenkins, pastor, said, "For a church to have a marker like this is a rare privilege. But a privilege like this doesn't come by itself. The tireless efforts of David Gallant and Dorian Sullivan made it possible. So we have also gathered to recall and celebrate their work. And to thank them."

Sullivan commented that an important part of the church's recognition is the neo-gothic architecture of the building.

During the dedication ceremony, Jenkins quoted an anonymous Houston County historian, "The churches of Crockett and Houston County have had such an important part in the development of the town and county, that a history of these churches is almost synonymous with a history of the county.

"The pioneer of these churches is the Crockett Methodist Episcopal Church. So far-reaching has been the influence of this church on the lives of the people and on the progress of our city and county that it constitutes an indispensable part of their history."

In a brief review of the church's history, Jenkins noted that on Dec. 4, 1839 the Republic of Texas was divided into two vast districts, San Augustine and Rutersville.

The division was made during the Mississippi Conference held at Natchez. Each of the two Texas districts included 15 circuits or charges, and one of these was Crockett.

"Now, almost 172 years later, we gather here to recall and celebrate that history by mounting and dedicating this plaque," Jenkins stated.

Jenkins also reminded the congregation that Sunday's ceremony was not just about focusing on the past.

"By placing this marker on our church, we are also pledging ourselves to do all in our power to ensure that the future ministry and mission of this congregation will be as 'far-reaching' as that of the past," Jenkins said in closing.

Another site in Crockett that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places is Mary Allen Seminary for Colored Girls, Administration Building, located at 803 North 4th St.

Dorian Sullivan, a member of FUMC Crockett and the Major Jarrell Beasley Chapter NSDAR, and Dr. David Gallant, a member of FUMC Crockett, pose by the church's National Register of Historic Places Marker at its dedication ceremony Sunday, Oct. 23.