El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Local tradition holds that the Rev. J.D. James arrived in this area circa 1840, bringing with him his family, household goods and about 300 slaves. The community that grew around his plantation became known as Jamestown. James led a local church where white residents worshiped in the morning and black slaves worshiped later in the day. Initially meeting under a brush arbor, the congregation became known as El Bethel, and from it several other area congregations formed, including two Missionary Baptist churches also called El Bethel. The first of these was formed following the Civil War. Members of El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church No. 1 built their first sanctuary at this site circa 1872. Although its first ministers were white, early African American pastors included the Revs. Jessie Rowe, Reuben Wright, Dr. S.S. Stephens, S.L. Thomas, A.H. Whitfield, T.W. Hickman and R.B. Brantley. The church continued to grow, building new facilities and adding new programs over the years. Auxiliary groups have included the Usher Board, Benevolent Fund, Junior and Senior Choirs, Ruth Circle and Branch Sunday at Douglas School. The Jamestown population began to decline in the 1870s when the I&GN Railroad went through nearby Overton. In the 1940s, during World War II, numerous area residents left to serve in wartime industries and the Armed Forces. Over the years, many dedicated deacons and other staff have strengthened the church, which has inspired many members to become ministers and continues to support area residents in worship and services. (2005)

El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is a historical marker in Overton, Smith County, dedicated in 2005. It is one of 90 historical markers documented in Smith County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 272 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.3412, -95.0058 near Overton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Henry Cemetery (cemetery), about 1.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Jimtown, Butler Cemetery #2, and Johnson Memorial.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5423013022. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.