The 13 Concords of Texas |
The 13 Concords of Texas |
Just a day before I left for my trip, I was so pleased to find a facebook page and website for The Concord Baptist Church in Upshur County. Too many of these 13 towns had no internet presence, and I had what looked to be a vibrant community centered around their church; and then I clicked on the next link... www.easttexasmatters.com/news/local-news/gilmer-church-burns-down/63421924 On December 31, 2016 the 100 year old church was destroyed. There was a suspicion of arson, but I haven't heard the outcome. Despite the fire, the church was continuing in the same location, so this was the 11th of the 13 Concords I visited. The Handbook of Texas states that Concord, Texas (Upshur County) was probably established before 1900. By 1906 it had two schools with an enrollment of 89. In the 1930's, the community had a school, a church, a store and a sawmill. After WWII, many of its residents moved away, and the school was consolidated with nearby Gilmer. By the 1960's all that remained was a church, a cemetery and a scattering of houses. The demolition crew of the church had been efficient. All that remained was the old bell, an overturned pew, and a few flowers poking out where the front steps had once stood.
2 Comments
Bradley Ellison
3/23/2020 09:19:03 pm
I'd like to know more about your project, and how it began. I'm pleased to say the Concord Church in Upshur County, Texas, has been rebuilt and it magnificent. I'm on the cemetery board.
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Bradley Ellison
11/14/2020 10:06:19 am
I am on the cemetery board for Concord Cemetery in Upshur County. We have been approved by the Texas Historical Commission to have the cemetery designated a Historical Texas Cemetery. While you did not see a reason for optimism when you visited the church and cemetery, rest assured it is a beloved place that is treasured in the hearts and minds of the families who have long lived in and around the community, and who have an association with it. We have benches under the pavilion within the cemetery, and they are dedicated to several of the families. as are the stained glass windows that line the new church. You should visit the site again; you will find the new church facility to be quite remarkable. Also, one of the people buried in the cemetery was once a citizen of the Republic of Texas. The land on which the cemetery is located was originally in Nacogdoches County, then Harrison District, and now Upshur County. Email me if you want to dicsuss the cemetery, the church, and/or the community for your web pabe. Finally, please note that we are now seeking to obtain a Texas Historical Marker for the cemetery.
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