First United Methodist Church of Bonham

Founded in 1844 in the Republic of Texas by a circuit rider, the Rev. James H. Graham (1815-1884), this church first met in a log cabin, which it shared with Baptist and Presbyterian congregations. Charter members included the families of Bailey English (1797-1867), founder of the town of bonham, and his brother-in-law, James P. Simpson. The log cabin was replaced in 1872 by a frame church, which the Methodists shared on alternate Sundays with Cumberland Presbyterians until 1881. A brick church building was erected in 1887 and rebuilt one year after it was destroyed by a fire in 1898. The Women's Missionary Society, organized in 1887, enabled Lelia Roberts (1861-1950), a lifelong members of this congregation, to begin a mission school in Mexico. Miss Roberts, along with her sister, Martha, operated the school for 44 years until it was taken over by the Mexican government in 1930. A memorial fund, established by the church in 1950, continues the missionary efforts begun by Miss Roberts. An education building was constructed in 1952-53 and the present sanctuary in 1960-61. With a current (1975) membership of 841, this is one of the largest congregations in Fannin County.

First United Methodist Church of Bonham is a historical marker in Bonham, Fannin County, dedicated in 1975. It is one of 109 historical markers documented in Fannin County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 262 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.5810, -96.1815 near Bonham. The nearest cataloged historic site is McClellan-Cunningham House (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Trinity Episcopal Church, Brownlee, W. W. (Old Home), and Clendenen-Carleton House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5147008884. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.