Oakland United Methodist Church - Canton, TX - Country Churches on Waymarking.com

This church lacks any significance Internet presence beyond directory listings, and while those listings give an address on Van Zandt County Rd 4418 (which could be a mailing address), the church faces FM 1255, just about at its intersection with VZ CR 1308. The grounds and the building are well-maintained. Oakland is a small, rural community of about 25 people, northeast of Canton, and according to a nearby Texas Historical Marker, this church was established in 1901. While the marker was created for the cemetery across the road, it provides some community details as well:

The oldest marked grave in Oakland Cemetery is that of Oscar Lee who was born and died on the same November day in 1882. The earliest recorded school building at Oakland was erected in 1885. It served as a non-denominational church on Sundays and was located just north of the cemetery. During a brush arbor revival, the preacher's infant child became ill and died. This is believed to be the first unmarked grave in Oakland Cemetery. In 1887, M.M. Burks deeded one acre for a cemetery; by 1896 the site held about forty graves among cedar trees.

Early settler Lizzie Currey McMahon deeded two acres of land for a Methodist church in 1894. The Methodist congregation was organized in 1901; a Baptist church organized in 1904. In the early 20th century the Oakland community included the cemetery, school and churches, and a cotton gin owned by Lizzie's father John T. Currey. A prominent citizen, Currey served in the Texas House of Representatives four times. The Oakland School District was established in 1905. By 1913 there were 42 students from the earliest level to the 7th grade. The school was consolidated with Grand Saline schools about 1938.

Other early settlers buried on this site include Joseph and Sabrina Reid and members of their family. Sabrina is believed to have been of American Indian descent. The Adkins, Boyer, Burks, Carpenter, Chambless, Downs, Fincher, Gillespie, Kennedy, King, Lee, McMahon, Stephens, Skinner and Wheeler families are represented, as well. Additional acreage was deeded to the cemetery in 1954 by the Metzger and Morgan families. The Oakland Cemetery continues to serve as a chronicle of the past.

Church Name: Oakland United Methodist Church Church In Use (even only just occassionally): yes Rate this church.: Date Church Built: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Photo required...prefer photo with church and sign showing church name...if both in one photo terrific.

Pictures required:
1. Church picture
2. Church sign (schedule sign with Church name on it &/or gate with Church name, etc).

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.