The historical marker for Bethel Primitive
Baptist Church at McMahan, Caldwell County, Texas does not mention
Sacred Harp, but the church has long been associated with the book and music.
The Spring Session of the Southwest Texas Sacred Harp Convention has met here
annually since 1962, and randomly beginning as early as 1934 (most earlier
records are missing). The church and marker (Marker Number 9758) are located on
FM 813, about 1/2 mile west of the intersection of FM 813 and FM 86. The Jeffrey
Cemetery is adjacent to the church building. This marker was
apparently erected in 1986 during the Texas Sesquicentennial (150th
anniversary).
Marker Text:
Bethel
Primitive Baptist Church
This
congregation was organized June 19, 1852, in the home of John Fleming near this
site. Elders George Daniels and Reuben W. Ellis from the Plum Creek Primitive
Baptist Church were called to serve as pastors by the charter members: James
Jeffrey, Mary Ann Jeffrey, John M. Fleming, Abigail Fleming, Richard Cole,
Sarah Cole, John B. Jeffrey, Elinder Jeffrey, Robert McFeron, and Sarah
McFeron. A church building was erected at this site in 1901. Bethel Primitive
Baptist Church continues to minister to McMahan and the surrounding area as it
has since 1852.
Texas
Sesquicentennial 1836 – 1986
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