Cove Springs United Methodist Church

Begun in December 1856 as the Sand Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, South, this church has been in continuous operation for over 130 years. A parcel of land was purchased at Sand Hill by church trustees, and the congregation continued meeting at that location for several years. In 1879 the church moved to a ten-acre site known as "Camp Ground" about one mile south of this site. A frame sanctuary was soon erected, and a brush arbor was built for worship services during the hot summer months. The one-room church also served as a community school, where children in all grades received instruction from one teacher. In 1911 the church moved to this location. The land was purchased for $25, and another frame sanctuary was built, which served the flourishing congregation until 1955. Construction of a new brick building began in March 1955, with Mrs. John F. Rountree, a charter member of the "Camp Ground", participating in the groundbreaking ceremony. While many rural churches in Texas did not survive hard economic times over the years, this congregation has remained active and continues to be an integral part of the community.

Cove Springs United Methodist Church is a historical marker in Jacksonville, Cherokee County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 112 historical markers documented in Cherokee County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 245 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.0177, -95.3462 near Jacksonville. The nearest cataloged historic site is Lewis Family Cemetery (cemetery), about 1.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Neches Saline Road, Old, Smith Family (Reese), and Fry's Gap.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5073006635. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.