Stanger Springs Church

Organized in July 3, 1875, and born of the Bacon Presbytery in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Stanger Springs Church began with 27 charter members under the leadership of the Rev. J. W. Vance. The church building, originally made of pine and sweetgum boxing planks, stood on land owned by Eliza and John Stanger. Also on the Stanger land, directly across from this site, stood the Stanger school, known as the Union Grove School, until 1929. The turn of the century brought many changes. In 1889, local Methodists began worshipping here. The two denominations shared their resources equally. Many families claimed both Presbyterian and Methodist members for over a century. "Ruf" Stanger deeded the Stanger land to the church and school in 1896. The Bacon Presbytery became part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. in 1900. In 1956, a new brick church was built. The 1950s also saw the origin of an annual homecoming on the second Sunday in September. An additional acre of land was deeded to the church by two former members in 1992. Non-denominational since June 1, 1995, the members of the renamed Stanger Springs Community Church continue such programs as a Christmas Mission Fund. (1997)

Stanger Springs Church is a historical marker in Ben Wheeler, Van Zandt County, dedicated in 1997. It is one of 84 historical markers documented in Van Zandt County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 169 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.4243, -95.6636 near Ben Wheeler. The nearest cataloged historic site is Flatwood Cemetery (cemetery), about 2.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Cane Syrup Production in Van Zandt County, Alamo Institute, and Morgan G. Sanders.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5467012268. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.