Oakland Cumberland Presbyterian Church

After the Civil War (1861-65), during the turbulence of Reconstruction, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rising Star, Alabama, was burned. Members W. A. (Willis) (d. 1920) and Nannie Stewart sought a place where they could worship as they pleased. They came to Hopkins County in 1882 with their seven children and ex-slaves, Abraham and Chloe. Stewart bought 301 acres and built a two-room dogtrot house (3 mi. NW). The family continued their custom of evening singing, prayer, and Bible study. Soon neighbors joined the services. In 1883 a circuit rider, the Rev. Felice Johnson, baptized Mollie Bagget in the Stewart home. When nine more converts joined in 1884, Stewart received permission for services to be held in Oakland School. In 1896 Mrs. M. A. (Aunt Polly) Young gave this two-acre site for a church. Stewart and his Uncle Frank Herman drew the plans and with community help erected this meetinghouse. The congregation continued to grow and Stewart served as church elder until his death. During services in 1944 a fire started in the church loft and caused extensive damage. The fellowship repaired the structure and the Oakland Cumberland Presbyterian Church continues to serve the area.

Oakland Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a historical marker in Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County, dedicated in 1979. It is one of 34 historical markers documented in Hopkins County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 75 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.2121, -95.7673 near Sulphur Springs. The nearest cataloged historic site is Stewart Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Stewart, Ridgeway, and Emblem Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5223007321. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.