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