Thank you, D.A.! I now know which direction to go! I know for sure that Robert Stanfield had a church in Keller, Tx, in 1888, but I'm not sure whether later he had one in Rhome, Chico, or Bowie, Texas. I'm pretty sure it was one of those places, because his daughter, Ruby, (my grandmother (1888-1986) ) spoke of growing up and/or visiting those places when she was growing up. Also, I'm not entirely sure of the denomination, although I assume it was Presbyterian--Ann Laura McFarland nee Stanfield (1843-1881) was very active in the church. In a family history, it states; "Rev. W.J. Gregory was holding a revival meeting at Aurora and 20 girls between the ages of 12 and 20 were converted in one service, and all my sister's class (Ann Laura)." I don't suppose anything of that sort was documented? -Joanne DeShong ----- Original Message ----- From: <DASharpe@aol.com> To: <TXWISE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2004 8:42 AM Subject: Re: [TXWISE-L] First Presbyterian Church in Texas > I was interested, not only that my great, great grandfather, Felix Benedict > Dixon of San Augustine, Texas, was a Presbyterian, as am I, but that his > Bethel Old School Presbyterian Church was the very first mainline Presbyterian > Church established in Texas. That was June 2, 1838. In the book about the > history of that church, Felix is cited as being a church member who served as a > Captain in the Confederate Army. So, from what we know of his arrival in > Texas, he must have joined the church anywhere from 1840 up to 1862, the date > cited by the pastor writing that history. > > Citing the Bethel Church as the first mainline Presbyterian Church is a > qualifying statement. Actually, just a little earlier, at nearby Shilow, a > Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized, and over the years has finally > become a member of today's Presbyterian Church USA denomination. However, back in > its organizing days, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was an off shoot > from mainline Presbyterianism, splitting over the issue of whether the ordained > clergy should be required to have a seminary education. That was a real > issue in the early 1800's, as seminary education meant a trip back to Europe. > So, today there are two Presbyterian Churches that claim being the first Texas > Presbyterian Church. > > D. A. > > > D. A. > > Dwight Albert Sharpe > 805 Derting Road East > Aurora, TX 76078-3712 > > Home 817-638-5560 > Office 214-526-1766, ext. 1254 > FAX 214-559-5322 > Cell 214-418-6230 > > _www.dasharpe.com_ (http://www.dasharpe.com/) > > Dallas Genealogical Society (Life Member) > Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, > Texas Society #6,157, National Society #131,981 > University of Texas Ex-Students Association, Life Member #742 > Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas > Noxubee County (Mississippi) Historical Society > National Association of Church Administration > South Wise County Chamber of Commerce > Boggess Family Association > Wise County Republican Party > Chapman Families of America > Sharp Families (Palentines) of America > > > >

My grandmother (Zuma Melissa Stevens Durst) was the daughter of one of the traveling revival preachers.......her mother, Myrtle Ann Ledbetter Stevens. Grandma Zuma attended the Presbyterian Church out here in Laton, California. One might assume that her mother was of that faith? Wonder if she preached in Wise county, as that is where Zuma was born, as were other siblings. ear